Box Car Loop

Total Miles 17.7
Technical Rating
5 Moderate
Best Time Spring, Summer, Fall
Trail Type Full-Width Road
Accessible By
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Trail Overview

This less-traveled trail winds along the west side of Hatch Wash. The area is wide open at first, but then the trail takes a steep turn down to beautiful, rolling canyon floors and washes. San Juan Public Entry and Access Rights (SPEAR) mark the trails and help protect OHV rights. Please stay within the marked route.

Photos of Box Car Loop

Difficulty

Most of the route is easy to moderate; however, there are two steep climbs that are marginally difficult. Both involve small ledges and loose rock. Trail is suitable for many stock, 4x4, high-clearance SUVs; however, we do recommend a rear locker and off-highway driving experience.

Technical Rating

5

Status Reports

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Jason Sellers
Nov 11, 2025
Open
Someone really needs to update the trail rating. Not even close to an 8. I was very disappointed as I was wanting a challenging technical trail. Most of this loop is a two with a few climbs that might bump it up to a 3 or 4. If you go expecting a low moderate trail you should like it. It’s a good length with lots of terrain variety and good views. The Kamikaze portion ends at a very nice overlook into Canyonlands. The soil was damp but not mud so there was zero dust.
Howie Feltersnatch
Jul 16, 2025
Open
Rated an 8 but it is a 4 at best. Went there expecting a technical trail but not even close. There is a nice overlook at the end.
Justin Dobbins
Apr 22, 2024
Open
Very scenic and worth the trip from Moab. Loose sand with small ledges. No lockers needed in our 2018 Powerwagon with 37s.
Travis Hoops
Apr 13, 2024
Open
Two dogs ran out of the cave house in Eight Mile Rock (about 1.3 miles from the trailhead) - one running right in front of our lead vehicle. The rest of the first several miles are without significance. The middle section of the trail provides some moderate climbs and crawls up and down small ledges. Watch for grazing cattle.
Michael Schumaker
Jun 26, 2023
Open

Box Car Loop Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • Single Track
  • 50 Inch
  • 60 Inch
  • High Clearance
  • Full Width

Box Car Loop Map

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