Olsen - Clear Creek Trail

The Olsen - Clear Creek Trail is a short but scenic 1.2-mile dirt connector route in the Manti-La Sal National Forest that offers offroaders an unmaintained, rugged passage between Olsen Canyon and Clear Creek. Rising to a maximum elevation of 8,634 feet, this trail is ideal for drivers seeking a quick backcountry link with moderate challenges, including rutted sections and off-camber terrain. High-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles, SxSs, and dirt bikes will easily navigate the loose rocks and minor obstacles, though the dirt surface can become extremely slick and muddy during wet weather or after a storm. Along the way, travelers are treated to dense stands of mixed pine and aspen, interspersed with open grassy meadows that provide excellent opportunities to spot local wildlife such as elk, mule deer, and black bears. Starting at its eastern junction near Forest Road 50159, the route descends approximately 411 feet down to its western terminus at Clear Creek, making for a steady and engaging downhill run. The trail's average gradient of nearly five degrees ensures a fun, rolling descent, with maximum pitches reaching up to eleven degrees on some of the looser slopes. Because the trail is unmaintained, seasonal washouts and fallen timber are common, requiring drivers to remain alert and prepared for minor trail clearing. Visitors should plan their trip between late spring and autumn to avoid snow closures at these higher elevations, and check local forest service updates for current road conditions before heading out.