Utah, simply put, is easily one of the most naturally gorgeous places in the whole of the United States. Home to numerous state and national parks, Utah is one of the most popular places among tourists for camping, hiking and any other variety of outdoor activities. From Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks to Bear Lake and Deer Creek State Parks, there is something to suit everybody’s needs. There is almost every type of geography to be found as well, like deserts and forests, which makes Utah an outstanding place for the off-road enthusiast. There are a seemingly endless number of possible trails one can take, so the average person might feel kind of overwhelmed at the prospect of picking any. If you're struggling to pick an off-road trail, take a look at this list.
Poison Spider Mesa Trail
Let’s start off with one of the most challenging trails that there is in Utah: The Poison Spider Mesa is a really hard trail and is not for the beginner off-roader. So beware and know your skill level! The trail is almost 14 miles long and is one of the most popular ones out there, and this makes it very heavily trafficked, adding to the difficulty as you must maneuver safely amongst other vehicles. The terrain is very rocky with large ledges, but you will be rewarded with beautiful scenery. There is plenty to see along the ride, like a river, a small arch, and a beautiful view of the Moab. It is a great year-round trail, but spring and fall tend to be the best times to visit.
The Maze Trail
The Maze OHV Trail is located near Sand Hollow State Park and is a pretty technical/tricky trail. The trail is around 11.5 miles and will put your off-roading skills to the test. It is not particularly trafficked, so it can be a good place if you are trying to push yourself a little bit. There are some pretty steep cliffs and many ascents and descents. There is a beautiful lake which enhances the view of the vast desert.
Chicken Corners Trail
The Chicken Corners Trail is a heavily trafficked trail just outside of the Moab. The trail itself is rather extensive, coming in at just shy of 42 miles! It is a moderately difficult trail, which makes it a great place for the average off-roader. The scenery is incredible, as you get to see so much on the long drive through the Hurrah Pass. There are tons of wildflowers and a creek inside Kane Canyon. It is pretty popular with other off-road vehicles, like ATVs and dirt bikes, if that is a concern to you. It also happens to have a view of where they filmed “Thelma and Louise.”
Milt’s Mile Trail
Milt’s Mile was created by a local 4x4 shop owner, so it is a pretty unique trail as it was handcrafted with every detail in mind. The creator and various others also help to maintain the trail, updating it every so often to make it even more attractive. The trail is about 6.5 miles of slick rock and sandy canyon bottoms. It is very close to Zion National Park, which you can see in the background, and this gives the trail a very distinctive atmosphere. It is mostly downhill and is a moderate level of difficulty.Fins & Things Trail
The Fins & Things Trail is located right by Moab. It has a moderate level of difficulty and is a closed-loop trail. It is not too heavily trafficked and runs about 10 miles, start to finish. It is accessible year-round and is used almost exclusively for off-roading. This all makes it an excellent trail for those medium-skilled drivers. There are some pretty steep climbs, which is what the trail is best known for. Just be aware that there is a small fee to enter.Long Canyon Road Trail
Long Canyon road Trail is 15 miles of an easy-going gravel path, so this is a great trail for all levels of off-roaders, especially beginners. It is considered a shortcut by locals, as it eases the drive back from some famous parks in the area. The scenery is some of the best you can get. You drive right through a canyon and a gorgeous river. The trail is open all year and is heavily trafficked. Something to keep in mind is that when it rains heavily, the trail becomes pretty difficult to navigate.Delicate Arch Viewpoint Trail
The Delicate Arch Viewpoint Trail is an absolute must on your off-roading trip in Utah. It is one of the most popular trails for off-roading in all of Utah, and for good reason. This does mean that the trail is very heavily trafficked, but don’t let this deter you from going. It is one of the shortest trails in the state, coming in at just 0.7 miles, so it only takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete. The scenery, though, makes it worth the trip. You get to see exactly what you picture when you think of Utah. The Delicate Arch and many red rocks and canyons are right in your view, truly breathtaking! The trail is rated as very easy, so anyone can take it on.Utah is a state for people who love the outdoors. It is an off-roader's paradise, with so many different terrains for every kind of skill level. The many parks make it a great destination. If you haven’t been off-roading in Utah, what are you waiting for?