Trail Overview
Orange Trail Shelf Road is a short but memorable spur that adds exposure and driver focus to the larger Orange Trail system. At first glance, the trailhead can look like a simple cattle track crossing open prairie, but that easy impression disappears quickly. The route soon drops into a narrow shelf road carved along the hillside, opening broad valley views to the south while demanding much more attention from the driver. For most of the trail, you are traveling on the shelf section, while both ends are wider, bumpier, and more washed out. The most notable obstacle is a tight squeeze beside a large fallen boulder that slid down from above and now crowds the trail edge. Washouts along the shelf road further increase the challenge, making careful tire placement essential and a spotter very helpful. This route links travel between Salt Wash North and the Crystal Geyser Jeep Trail area, offering an exciting alternative access line for high-clearance vehicles.
Difficulty
The main challenge on this trail is not large obstacles; it is the narrow shelf road, exposure, tight squeeze past the fallen boulder, and washouts that demand precise tire placement. Drivers comfortable with heights and narrow trails will find it manageable, while wider vehicles may find it stressful or unsuitable.
History
The Orange Trail is part of the legacy of William Louis “Bill” Thompson, a longtime public servant and trail builder honored at the trailhead memorial. Bill helped establish and improve multiple trail systems throughout Utah and worked as an OHV coordinator and trails specialist after retiring from the U.S. Forest Service. This trail was a 15-year project for him and stands as a tribute to his commitment, perseverance, and love of outdoor recreation.
