Off-roading in Utah

Utah is a premier destination for off-road enthusiasts, offering a wide variety of trails, from challenging rock crawling routes to scenic backcountry roads. Whether you’re an ATV rider, a UTV driver, or prefer full-sized 4×4 vehicles, Utah’s diverse terrain has something for everyone. Here are some of the best places to go off-roading in Utah, with links to maps and guides to help you plan your adventure.

Moab

Moab is world-renowned for its off-roading opportunities, particularly for Jeep and 4×4 enthusiasts. Trails range from beginner-friendly to extreme rock-crawling adventures.

• Famous Trails: Hell’s Revenge, Fins & Things, Golden Spike
• Terrain: Slickrock, desert landscapes, steep climbs, and technical obstacles
• More Information: Moab Off-Road Guide

San Rafael Swell

Located in Central Utah, the San Rafael Swell offers a mix of rugged desert terrain, canyons, and expansive vistas. It’s a fantastic place for experienced off-roaders and those looking for scenic drives.

• Famous Trails: Devil’s Racetrack, Black Dragon Wash, Wedge Overlook
• Terrain: Desert washes, steep hills, slot canyons, and towering rock formations
• More Information: San Rafael Swell Off-Road Map

Little Sahara Recreation Area

Little Sahara is the ultimate sand dune playground for off-road enthusiasts. With 60,000 acres of dunes, it’s perfect for ATVs, UTVs, and dirt bikes.

• Famous Dunes: Little Sahara, Lovers Point
• Terrain: Dunes, desert scrubland, hills
• More Information: Little Sahara Off-Road Map

Great Salt Lake Desert

The vast expanses of the Great Salt Lake Desert offer an otherworldly experience for off-roaders. This area includes the Bonneville Salt Flats, famous for land speed records, and offers excellent off-road terrain.

• Famous Areas: Basin Twister, Sidewinder, Black Mountain
• Terrain: Salt flats, desert, dunes
• More Information: Great Salt Lake Desert Off-Road Map

Dixie National Forest

Dixie National Forest is a hidden gem for off-roaders seeking a mix of red rock scenery and forested mountain trails. The trails range from accessible forest roads to more challenging routes.

• Famous Trails: Casto Canyon, Hell’s Backbone, Pine Mountain Loop, Diamond Valley 
• Terrain: Red rock canyons, forests, high mountain passes
• More Information: Dixie National Forest Off-Road Map

Glen Canyon Area

One of Utah’s most historically significant and challenging trails, Hole-in-the-Rock, follows the route of Mormon pioneers. The trail offers a remote and rugged experience for serious off-roaders.

• Famous Trails: Hole-in-the-Rock Road, Cottonwood Canyon Road
• Terrain: Rocky ledges, deep canyons, desert wilderness
• More Information: Glen Canyon Off-Road Map, Glen Canyon Vehicles

American Fork Canyon

Located in the Wasatch Mountains, this area provides off-roading trails with breathtaking alpine scenery. It’s popular among ATVs, dirt bikes, and Jeeps, with varying difficulty levels.

• Famous Trails: Mineral Basin, Mary Ellen Gulch, Tyngs Grave Miller Hill
• Terrain: Alpine forests, rocky climbs, mountain views
• More Information: American Fork Canyon Off-Road Map

Goblin Valley State Park

Goblin Valley is a place for fascinating rock formations and offers off-road access through nearby trails in the San Rafael Swell.

• Famous Trails: Temple Mountain Trail, Wild Horse Road
• Terrain: Desert, rock formations, sand, slickrock
• More Information: Goblin Valley Off-Road Map

Fishlake National Forest

Fishlake offers vast open spaces and trails perfect for ATVs and 4x4s. The off-roading here includes wooded areas, lakes, and expansive views.

• Famous Trails: Pleasant Creek, Bullion Canyon, Paiute trail
• Terrain: Forested areas, mountain trails, lake views
• More Information: Fishlake Off-Road Map

Moab Adventure Center

Moab is ideal for off-road enthusiasts, and the Moab Adventure Center provides some of the best-guided off-road tours in the region. Their expert guides will take you on a thrilling ride through iconic spots like Hell’s Revenge, offering adrenaline and incredible views of Moab’s red rock landscapes.

• Link: Moab Adventure Center Off-Roading Tours

Adrenaline Expeditions

Adrenaline Expeditions offers custom-tailored off-roading experiences in Moab, St. George, and Salt Lake. Their guided tours include trips through slot canyons, sand dunes, and desert backcountry, giving you access to places only off-road vehicles can reach. They specialize in high-energy adventures in stunning locations like Zion and Bryce Canyon.

• Link: Adrenaline Expeditions Off-Road Tours

Epic 4×4 Adventures

Located near Sand Hollow State Park, Epic 4×4 Adventures offers guided Jeep tours through some of Utah’s most famous off-roading terrain. Sand Hollow is known for its red sand dunes and challenging rock crawling spots, making it an off-roading paradise. Their fleet of custom Jeeps and experienced guides ensure a thrilling and safe experience.

• Link: Epic 4×4 Adventures

ATV & Jeep Adventure Tours

For those looking to explore the stunning red rock deserts near St. George, ATV & Jeep Adventure Tours provides excellent guided services. Their knowledgeable guides will take you through the dunes, canyons, and mesas surrounding the area, offering unforgettable views and exciting off-road action.

• Link: ATV & Jeep Adventure Tours

Mad Moose Rentals

With multiple locations across Utah, including Moab, St. George, and Bear Lake, Mad Moose Rentals offers a variety of off-roading experiences. Whether you want to rent an ATV or join a guided UTV tour, Mad Moose provides top-of-the-line vehicles and knowledgeable guides to ensure a memorable adventure.

• Link: Mad Moose Rentals

Zion Country Off-Road Tours

If you want to explore the backcountry of Zion National Park and the surrounding areas, Zion Country Off-Road Tours offers thrilling guided ATV and Jeep adventures. They’ll take you to remote locations with stunning views of Zion’s famous cliffs and canyons.

• Link: Zion Country Off-Road Tours