Boulder Swale ATV Trail-NFS34022

Total Miles
4.7

Elevation

3,203.00 ft

Duration

0.75 Hours

Technical Rating

4

Moderate

Best Time

Summer, Fall, Spring

Trail Overview

Boulder Swale ATV Trail-NFS34022 is a 4.7-mile point-to-point trail rated 4 of 10 located in Garfield County, Utah, and within the Dixie National Forest Escalante Ranger District. This trail is restricted to vehicles 50 inches or less. It is a steep and rocky trail that was once used by pioneers to transport cheese to the marketplace in Richfield. This is a high-altitude trail running between 9,600 and 10,000 feet. You will pass by Dry Lake and Black Lake and intersect the Great Western Trail running from Arizona to Idaho. Be prepared for cool to cold weather year-round. The trail crosses through dense forest with rocky trails and open alpine meadows. Take your time on this trail; corners come up fast and unexpectedly in some areas. This trail will typically not open for use until late spring or early summer and will close after the first significant snowfall. There is no cell phone service in this area. The nearest services are in Boulder.

Photos of Boulder Swale ATV Trail-NFS34022

Boulder Swale ATV Trail-NFS34022
Boulder Swale ATV Trail-NFS34022

Difficulty

The trail consists of loose rock, dirt, and sand with some slick rock surfaces. There's some erosion; expect washes, gulches, and rock steps no higher than 18 inches. 4WD is required. Good driving skills are a plus.

Technical Rating

4

Access Description

From Escalante, turn north on the Hells Backbone Road. At 0.7 miles the road will fork. Stay right. After 3.5 miles, the road will turn to dirt and is now called Forest Road 153 (FR 30153). At 13.6 miles, the road will fork again. Turn right following the sign to "Hells Backbone Bridge" (FR 30153). After crossing the bridge, travel eastward for 2.7 miles to Sand Creek. 4.4 miles beyond Sand Creek, turn left (north) on FR 30566 and follow signs to the Boulder Swale ATV Trailhead.

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