Morrison Knudsen Tunnels Overlook

Trail Overview

Non-Resident OHV permits apply to ATVs, UTVs, and dirt bikes. Plated street-legal vehicles typically do not need one on legal motorized routes. This route offers a laid-back scenic drive across the open high desert terrain of the San Rafael Swell, making it a great option for those looking to explore without committing to anything technical. The trail is primarily a dirt and gravel two-track with no major obstacles, allowing for a smooth and easy-going experience for most high clearance vehicles. As you travel along the gently rolling landscape, you'll be surrounded by scattered juniper trees, wide open skies, and distant views of the surrounding formations that define this region. The trail eventually leads to a roundabout-style turnaround, which serves as the highlight of the route. From this vantage point, you'll get a unique overlook of the Morrison Knudsen tunnel area along with expansive views stretching out toward Buckhorn Wash in the distance. While this isn't a high-adrenaline route, it delivers in quiet scenery, easy access, and a rewarding viewpoint that ties together both history and landscape in one short, accessible drive.

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Difficulty

This route is best classified as easy, with a smooth dirt and gravel surface and no significant obstacles along the way. The terrain is mostly flat to gently rolling, making it accessible for stock high clearance 4x4 vehicles and even some AWD vehicles in dry conditions. The only considerations are typical for desert travel, loose gravel, minor ruts, and staying aware of weather conditions that could impact traction. Be aware of encroaching juniper trees and other desert brush that could cause some pinstriping. Overall, this is a relaxed and beginner-friendly trail focused more on scenery than challenge.

History

The San Rafael Swell is a massive geologic uplift, shaped over time by erosion into a rugged landscape of canyons, mesas, domes, and reef-like formations. Many of the roads that wind through the region today were originally established for ranching, mining, and energy exploration, and now serve as access routes for modern-day travelers seeking out its remote beauty and history. One of the more intriguing historical features in the area is the Morrison-Knudsen Tunnels, constructed between 1948 and 1952 under a Department of Defense contract. Built by the Morrison Knudsen Company, the project involved drilling and blasting a series of horizontal tunnels into the soft Navajo sandstone. The site was considered for use as a remote support facility for government operations and was even evaluated as a potential location connected to early NORAD infrastructure due to its concealed and isolated setting. Testing conducted here focused on controlled explosive charges, including TNT, to study how shockwaves impacted underground structures. The goal was to better understand blast effects and establish design criteria for hardened facilities. Evidence of these experiments is still visible today, with surface craters and partially collapsed tunnel sections scattered throughout the area. For years, the true purpose of the tunnels remained classified, and even after declassification, only limited information was released, fueling ongoing speculation. Today, the Morrison Knudsen Tunnels remain a rare and mysterious Cold War-era relic hidden within the Swell.

Technical Rating

Morrison Knudsen Tunnels Overlook can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV
• SxS (60")
• ATV (50")
• Dirt Bike