Great Western Trail - Pine Lake to Torrey, Utah
Total Miles
78.0
Elevation
3,445.24 ft
Duration
5 Hours
Technical Rating
Best Time
Spring, Summer, Fall
Trail Overview
Great Western Trail-Pine Lake to Torrey, Utah is a 77-mile point-to-point trail rated 4 of 10 located in South Central, Utah. The Great Western Trail is a continuous trail system spanning about 4,455 miles that extends from Mexico to Canada and crosses through Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. About 1,600 miles of this trail is located in Utah. The trail is marked by the Great Western Trail symbol and has sections open to hikers, bikers, horsemen, and Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs). Not all of the areas on the Great Western Trail approve motorized vehicles, however, this section through the Dixie National Forest is approved for all types of vehicles including snowmobiles in the winter months. Note- There are 2 Great Western Trails that traverse the Escalante Ranger District. This one allows motorized use and the other one does not. Please make sure you follow use restrictions for the two different trails. Access to the trail can be found by trailheads just northeast of Bryce Canyon City or by trailheads near Torrey off Highway 24. This section of the GWT crosses through dense pine and birch forests, and vast alpine meadows and includes winding switchbacks ascents, and descents along the trail. The GWT crosses Blueberry Knoll the highest point of the GWT in Utah at 11,250 feet. The GWT provides opportunities for dispersed camping, hiking, and fishing in the many high-altitude lakes. The majority of this section of the GWT stays above 9000' and snow can be found at times throughout the summer. Once departed from either end of the trail there is no cell or general services of any kind.
Photos of Great Western Trail - Pine Lake to Torrey, Utah
Difficulty
The trail consists of loose rocks, dirt, and sand with some slickrock surfaces, mud holes possible, and no steps higher than 12". 4WD may be required, aggressive tires are a plus.