Lower Sand Cove Dam

Lower Sand Cove Dam is a scenic, beginner-friendly 2.5-mile route ideal for families and casual offroaders looking for an easy drive with rewarding water recreation. Starting just outside of Gunlock, Utah, the trail begins near the Santa Clara River before climbing a series of gentle switchbacks that rise over 500 feet onto a high plateau. As the gravel two-track levels out, drivers are treated to sweeping, 360-degree views of the rugged Southern Utah landscape, punctuated by striking red rock formations and volcanic basalt flows. This section is highly accessible and well-graded, making it a great introductory trail for high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles, SUVs, and SxSs looking to escape the busier recreation areas nearby. The trail continues northwest across the plateau, presenting only minor rough patches and no major technical obstacles before descending slightly to its terminus at the Lower Sand Cove Reservoir. Reaching a maximum elevation of 4,145 feet, this route is best enjoyed from spring through fall when the reservoir's waters provide a refreshing retreat for swimming, paddleboarding, or casting a line for local fish. Visitors should be mindful of changing weather conditions, as heavy rains can occasionally make the dirt and gravel segments slick, though the path remains highly manageable under standard dry conditions. There are no fees or permits required to access this Bureau of Land Management area, but travelers should practice Leave No Trace principles to keep this scenic reservoir pristine.