Toll Road to Steve's Pass

Toll Road to Steve's Pass is a scenic, 6.3-mile offroad route near Salina, Utah, ideal for beginner to intermediate drivers seeking diverse terrain and excellent wildlife viewing. Climbing from an elevation of 5,643 feet to 7,073 feet, this trail features a cumulative elevation gain of 1,755 feet as it winds through cedar trees, thick pine groves, and open grassy and sagebrush-covered flats. The southern trailhead is easily accessed off the Interstate 70 frontage road, approximately five miles east of Salina, by driving through small tunnels under the freeway. The trail surface consists primarily of red and white clay layered with shale, which can become extremely slick and challenging during inclement weather. Standard four-wheel-drive vehicles and SxSs can navigate the main path with ease, though drivers should remain alert for steep inclines of loose shale and clay. As the trail ascends into the higher pine groves, travelers frequently spot local wildlife such as mule deer, elk, coyotes, and rabbits. The route terminates at the north end at Willow Creek Road, roughly 13 miles east of Salina, which provides a convenient exit route or connection to further trail networks. Several offshoot trails branch off along the way, leading to Cedar Mountain or connecting with the Post Road, offering slightly more technical challenges for those looking to explore further. High-clearance vehicles are recommended to handle the occasional steep gradient, which reaches up to 20 degrees on certain sections, though the main track maintains a relatively easy technical rating of 3.