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. Tucked away in a lesser-used section of Dome Plateau, Richardson Overlook is a short out-and-back spur that delivers a rewarding destination with impressive views and far fewer crowds than many nearby routes. The trail leads to a scenic overlook featuring the Colorado River below, Onion Point, and the dramatic walls of the Richardson Amphitheater. While the route is considered moderate, the obstacles are minor and make for a fun challenge that beginners and stock high clearance vehicles can enjoy. The biggest factor on this trail is its narrow width. The route remains one vehicle wide the entire way and is very tight between trees, brush, and other vegetation, making pinstriping likely for wider vehicles. The combination of scenery, solitude, and light obstacles makes this a worthwhile side trip.
Difficulty
This short spur has only minor obstacles and is suitable for beginners and most stock high-clearance 4WD vehicles. The main challenge is not technical terrain, but the narrow one-vehicle-wide track with tight trees and brush that can cause pinstriping and require careful navigation. Drivers should expect light obstacles, limited passing room, and a moderate level of attention throughout the route.
History
Dome Plateau sits within a region shaped by erosion, mining history, and early backcountry travel routes outside Moab. Today, the trail system is popular with off-road travelers looking to experience classic red rock scenery beyond the busier in-town trails.
