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. This open desert route travels across rolling terrain with a mix of sandy two-track, dirt sections, and scattered slickrock slabs that add variety to the drive. The trail winds through low brush and wide open country, offering long sightlines of surrounding mesas, ridgelines, and colorful rock formations in the distance. Several sections cross broad rock slabs and shallow erosion areas that may require slower speeds and basic tire placement, but the route remains enjoyable and approachable overall. Gentle climbs and gradual descents keep the drive interesting without becoming overly technical. The combination of sandy stretches, exposed stone surfaces, and expansive desert views gives this trail a classic backcountry feel. It is a great option for those looking to explore remote scenery while enjoying a less challenging 4WD route.
Difficulty
Mostly sandy two-track, dirt, and broad rock slab sections with minor erosion and uneven terrain. No major obstacles, but slower speeds and occasional tire placement may be needed.
History
This region is closely tied to the uranium and vanadium mining booms that shaped eastern Utah in the mid-1900s. During the Cold War, demand for uranium surged, bringing roads, claims, camps, and small industrial sites into the desert. Evidence of that era still remains today in the form of old structures, fenced or barricaded mine openings, tailings areas, and abandoned access roads. These remnants are part of the area’s story: look, photograph, and respect them without disturbing anything.
