Trail Overview
Nasty Flat Road offers offroaders an easy but incredibly scenic 9-mile journey along the western flanks of Utah's remote Henry Mountains, making it an excellent choice for stock four-wheel-drive vehicles, SUVs, and SxSs. Starting near the McMillan Springs Campground, this dirt route winds south around Durfey Butte, climbing from an elevation of 8,400 feet up to nearly 9,600 feet. Along the way, drivers are treated to sweeping, high-altitude vistas overlooking the dramatic cliffs of Capitol Reef National Park and the expansive Escalante Plateau to the west. The terrain is characterized by sparse stands of pine and quaking aspen, which provide a beautiful backdrop particularly during the autumn color changes.
Boasting a technical rating of 2, the trail is generally straightforward, though it features several steep mountainside shelf cuts and narrow sections where passing other vehicles requires caution. While the primary dirt surface is manageable in dry conditions, inclement weather can quickly turn the road slick and muddy, and heavy snow drifts often block the path late into the spring or early winter. This remote corridor is famous for its wildlife, offering visitors the unique chance to spot Utah's free-roaming bison herd and trophy mule deer. Offroaders should plan ahead for self-sufficiency, as services are non-existent in this rugged section of the Henry Mountains.
Access Description
The northern terminus of Nasty Flat Road is accessed near the McMillan Springs Campground in the Henry Mountains. There are no fees or permits required to drive this route, but high-elevation snow drifts and muddy conditions can make the road impassable during late fall, winter, and spring.
