Josie Morris Loop

Total Miles
30.3

Elevation

2,508.58 ft

Duration

3 Hours

Technical Rating

4

Moderate

Best Time

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Trail Overview

The Josie Morris Loop is one of several trails within the Outlaw Trail System in and around Vernal, Utah. This 30-mile loop trail is used both during the Vernal Rock Rally and the Outlaw ATV Jamboree. The Rock Rally is focused on full-size 4x4 vehicles and rates the trail a 4 of 10, while the Outlaw ATV Jamboree focuses on ATV/UTVs and rates the trail a 6 of 10. The trail starts just outside of Jensen, southeast of Vernal, and can be run in either direction. The trail offers views of Split Mountain and traverses through juniper canyons. The trail climbs in elevation to the top of Blue Mountain, about 2,500 feet above the valley floor. This moderate ride consists mostly of sandy terrain, a bit of slick rock, and one or two boggy spots, depending on the season. The first major obstacle on this trail is known as Butt Picker Hill, a steep sandy hill descent straight to the edge of a 50-foot cliff. Following along a red rock sandstone cliff ledge will bring you to the ET Rock (40deg23'53.47"N, 109deg14'23.37"W) which not only looks like the alien, ET, but is also probably the last place cell phone service is available along the trail. Other points of interest include petroglyphs (40deg24'28.82"N, 109deg13'34.89"W), and the Pines Viewpoint (40deg21'11.71"N, 109deg 9'6.00"W). Trailer parking is available at the trailhead. The nearest services of all types are located in Vernal.

Photos of Josie Morris Loop

Josie Morris Loop
Josie Morris Loop

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. Tall tires (33-inch plus) and limited slip are a plus. 4WD is required. Enhanced suspension travel and good ground clearance are helpful. Good driving skills are a plus.

History

Who was Josie Bassett Morris? Josie Bassett Morris built a homestead in 1913 in Cub Creek where she lived on the homestead for over 50 years mostly by herself until the ripe age of 90. She grew up in Brown Park where Josie and her family became friends with many outlaws including Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Those friendships continued into adulthood. During the prohibition, Josie brewed apricot brandy and chokecherry wine. She was tried and acquitted twice for cattle rustling and murder but was never convicted. Josie was married five times and she divorced four husbands in a time when divorce was almost unheard of. Her strong will, charm, and independence, garnered rumors about her throughout most of her life. However, Josie was universally admired for living such a remote and rugged lifestyle. Josie died from complications of a broken hip in May 1964.

Technical Rating

4

Status Reports

Brandon Keck
Jul 31, 2024
4x4
Open
Dusty
Rough/Deteriorated
Depending on what way you take up to cliff ridge it can be somewhat challenging. There’s a spot barely wide enough for my jeep and lots of pin striping because of the trees/brush. Going up the south side trail to cliff ridge there are a lot of loose rocks, some are the size of basketballs but oddly shaped. You will want to air down for the whole trip though it makes for a smoother ride.
Mandy Oliver
Jul 08, 2024
4x4
Open
Dusty

Access Description

The trailhead is located at 40deg23'5.27"N, 109deg18'41.70"W, along the Green River in Jensen, Utah. Follow Highway 40 to the bridge and begin your ride on South Escalante Ranch Road on the bridge's eastern side.

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