Trail Overview
This route enters Dinosaur National Monument for several miles, and the monument is closed to all ATV/UTV/unregistered dirtbike traffic. Even street-legal ATVs and side-by-side UTVs are getting stopped by law enforcement if they attempt this route. AWD/4WD street legal cars and trucks, like Jeeps or Tacomas, are allowed to complete this route as it is presented here in OnX. —Please do not enter Dinosaur National Monument with UTVs, non-street legal dirt bikes, or ATVs. 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.
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.
