Trail Overview
Meadow Gulch Trail is an ideal destination for offroaders seeking a scenic, relatively easy dirt route through the high-elevation forests and rolling meadows of Utah's Fishlake National Forest. This 1.8-mile motorized trail is rated a 3 out of 10, making it highly accessible for standard four-wheel-drive vehicles, high-clearance SUVs, and SxSs looking for a mellow mountain drive. Starting at an elevation of approximately 8,308 feet and descending to 7,808 feet, the route guides travelers through dense groves of pine and aspen trees before opening up into wide, sagebrush-covered flats. The trail features a gentle downhill slope overall, with a modest elevation gain of about 200 feet and a cumulative loss of 672 feet, offering a relaxed pace with stunning scenic views of the surrounding wilderness.
While the trail is generally straightforward, the dirt surface can become highly slippery and heavily rutted during wet weather, requiring extra caution and capable tires. Motorized access can be initiated from either Meadow Gulch Road or the Little Creek Trail, and it eventually terminates where the path closes to motor vehicles, though hikers and equestrian users can continue further along the full 2.7-mile corridor. Scattered throughout the green meadows are several prime spots for dispersed tent camping, making it an excellent overnight option for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. Wildlife is abundant in this secluded area, and visitors often spot deer, elk, and various bird species among the trees and grassy flats during the peak summer and early autumn seasons.
