Trail Overview
Marked by a brown Carsonite Forest Service post at its entrance, Forest Service Road 31214 offers a breathtaking but thrilling venture into the remote, rugged backcountry situated just west of the Bryce Canyon National Park boundary. This 1.98-mile route showcases beautiful, pristine high-country wilderness, but it is absolutely not recommended for drivers who are uncomfortable with steep drop-offs and heights. The adventure begins with an intense, tight shelf road that clings to the mountainside for approximately the first mile, offering dramatic exposure alongside the narrow track. After navigating this initial white-knuckle stretch, the route safely transitions into a remarkably scenic, reddish-dirt two-track winding beneath a dense canopy of towering evergreen pines. As you delve deeper into the forest, you will encounter numerous fantastic, flat clearings that provide exceptional dispersed camping options perfectly suited for a secluded overnight stay. Travelers will enjoy the immersive woodland environment characterized by rustic fallen timber and vibrant green undergrowth bordering the rocky trail.
Difficulty
FS 31214 earns an Easy Level 2 technical rating primarily for its consistently bumpy, rocky two-track surface. While the road is fundamentally devoid of severe rock-crawling ledges or deep mud bogs, the primary challenge lies in the terrain's extreme exposure. The first mile features a very tight, intimidating shelf road that demands absolute driver focus, steady nerves, and careful vehicle placement to avoid the severe drop-off. A high-clearance 2WD truck, standard AWD crossover, or stock SUV can physically manage the loose rocks and minor uneven ruts, but the mental toll of the narrow shelf road elevates the seriousness of this scenic drive.
