Off-roading in Utah
Utah is a premier destination for off-road enthusiasts, offering an incredible 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.
Best off-roading areas in Utah
Here are some of the best places to go off-roading in Utah, complete 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, Poison Spider Mesa
- Terrain: Slickrock, desert landscapes, steep climbs, and technical obstacles
- Map & Guide: Moab Trails 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 both experienced off-roaders and those looking for scenic drives.
- Famous Trails: Devil’s Racetrack, Eagle Canyon, Black Dragon Wash
- Terrain: Desert washes, steep hills, slot canyons, and towering rock formations
- Map & Guide: 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: Sand Mountain, White Sand Dunes
- Terrain: Sand dunes, desert scrubland, hills
- Map & Guide: Little Sahara Recreation Map
Paiute ATV Trail
This 2,000-mile trail system winds through the beautiful Fishlake National Forest and is one of the largest in the country. It offers something for all skill levels and connects with several towns, making it convenient for refueling and lodging.
- Famous Trails: Circleville Loop, Marysvale Loop
- Terrain: Mountain passes, forested trails, rocky sections
- Map & Guide: Paiute ATV Trail 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 terrain for off-roading.
- Famous Areas: Bonneville Salt Flats, Knolls Recreation Area
- Terrain: Salt flats, desert, dunes
- Map & Guide: Bonneville Salt Flats 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 easy forest roads to more challenging routes.
- Famous Trails: Casto Canyon Trail, Hell’s Backbone Road
- Terrain: Red rock canyons, forests, high mountain passes
- Map & Guide: Dixie National Forest Off-Road Map
Hole-in-the-Rock Trail
One of the most historically significant and challenging trails in Utah, 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
- Map & Guide: Hole-in-the-Rock Trail Map
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, Forest Lake Trail
- Terrain: Alpine forests, rocky climbs, mountain views
- Map & Guide: American Fork Canyon Off-Road Map
Goblin Valley State Park
Goblin Valley is not only a place for fascinating rock formations but also 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
- Map & Guide: Goblin Valley Off-Road Map
Fishlake National Forest
Fishlake offers vast open spaces and a network of trails perfect for ATVs and 4x4s. The off-roading here provides a mix of wooded areas, lakes, and expansive views.
- Famous Trails: Monroe Mountain, Fish Lake Loop
- Terrain: Forested areas, mountain trails, lake views
- Map & Guide: Fishlake Off-Road Map
Best off-roading guiding services in Utah
With these guiding services, you’ll experience the best off-roading Utah has to offer, whether you’re navigating challenging rock formations or cruising through vast sand dunes. Prepare for an adrenaline-pumping adventure through Utah’s diverse and beautiful landscapes!
Moab Adventure Center
Moab is a mecca 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 both adrenaline and incredible views of Moab’s red rock landscapes.
- Popular Tours:
- Hell’s Revenge 4×4 Off-Roading: A heart-pounding ride through steep sandstone terrain, ideal for thrill-seekers.
- Moab Combo: Arches National Park & Off-Roading: A mix of off-roading and sightseeing in one of Utah’s most scenic national parks.
- Link: Moab Adventure Center Off-Roading Tours
Adrenaline Expeditions
Adrenaline Expeditions offers custom-tailored off-roading experiences across Southern Utah. 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.
- Popular Tours:
- Zion Backcountry Off-Road Adventure: Explore the less-crowded areas of Zion National Park with an experienced guide.
- Bryce Canyon Off-Road Experience: Ride through hoodoos, arches, and the iconic Bryce Canyon landscape.
- Link: Adrenaline Expeditions Off-Road Tours
Epic 4×4 Adventures (Hurricane, UT)
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.
- Popular Tours:
- Sand Hollow Rock Crawling Tour: Navigate technical rock trails with the guidance of expert off-roaders.
- Southern Utah Off-Road Adventure: A comprehensive tour through the varied terrains of Southern Utah, including sand dunes, mountains, and canyons.
- Link: Epic 4×4 Adventures
Uinta Recreation (Heber City, UT)
Uinta Recreation offers off-roading tours in the scenic Uinta Mountains and Wasatch Back. Whether you prefer a leisurely ride through forested trails or an adrenaline-filled adventure through rugged mountain terrain, they offer a wide range of ATV, UTV, and Jeep tours to match your style.
- Popular Tours:
- Wasatch Mountain Adventure: An off-road journey through alpine terrain with breathtaking views.
- High Uintas Expedition: A rugged off-road tour through the wilderness of the Uinta Mountains.
- Link: Uinta Recreation Off-Roading
ATV & Jeep Adventure Tours (St. George, UT)
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.
- Popular Tours:
- Sand Mountain Dunes Tour: Explore the beautiful Sand Mountain dunes near Sand Hollow Reservoir.
- Petrified Dunes & Slot Canyon Tour: Ride through the surreal landscape of petrified dunes and narrow slot canyons.
- Link: ATV & Jeep Adventure Tours
Red Rock 4×4 Tours (Moab, UT)
Red Rock 4×4 Tours offers some of the most exclusive off-road experiences in Moab. With access to private trails and in-depth knowledge of the area’s terrain, their guided Jeep tours will take you on an unforgettable adventure through Moab’s iconic off-road spots.
- Popular Tours:
- Sunset Hummer Safari: Watch the sun set over the red rocks as you traverse Hell’s Revenge in a custom-built Hummer.
- Hidden Canyon Jeep Tour: Discover lesser-known canyons and trails only accessible via off-road vehicles.
- Link: Red Rock 4×4 Tours
Western Spirit Cycling (Southern Utah)
While known primarily for mountain biking, Western Spirit offers multi-day off-road expeditions that combine biking and Jeep support. Their guided tours through Utah’s most remote landscapes are designed for those who want to immerse themselves in Utah’s wild beauty.
- Popular Tours:
- White Rim Trail Jeep & Bike Tour: A multi-day off-road adventure through Canyonlands National Park.
- San Rafael Swell Expedition: Explore the rugged backcountry of the San Rafael Swell on a Jeep-supported ride.
- Link: Western Spirit Cycling Off-Road Tours
Off-Road Jeep Adventures (Park City, UT)
If you’re near Park City and want to explore the Wasatch Mountains in a Jeep, Off-Road Jeep Adventures offers scenic guided tours. Their guides will take you through mountain passes, dense forests, and open meadows with stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
- Popular Tours:
- Wasatch Mountain Jeep Tour: Explore the rugged backcountry of the Wasatch Mountains with sweeping views of Park City.
- Park City Wildlife Tour: A more relaxed off-road ride through areas known for wildlife sightings.
- Link: Off-Road Jeep Adventures
Mad Moose Rentals (Various Locations)
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.
- Popular Tours:
- Moab UTV Tours: Explore iconic locations like Hell’s Revenge, Fins & Things, and more.
- Sand Hollow ATV Adventure: Navigate the sandy dunes and trails of Sand Hollow State Park with an experienced guide.
- Link: Mad Moose Rentals
Zion Country Off-Road Tours (Springdale, UT)
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.
- Popular Tours:
- Zion Backcountry ATV Tour: Explore the hidden gems of Zion’s backcountry, far from the crowded hiking trails.
- Gooseberry Mesa Jeep Tour: Take on the rugged terrain of Gooseberry Mesa with panoramic views of Zion National Park.
- Link: Zion Country Off-Road Tours
Additional resources for off-roading in Utah
- Utah Off-Roading Laws and Permits: Be sure to check for legal requirements, such as permits and vehicle regulations.
- Utah Off-Roading Maps & Trails: A comprehensive guide to off-roading destinations across Utah.
- BLM Off-Roading Guide: Bureau of Land Management’s resources for off-roading on public lands in Utah.
Stay Safe on the Trails
Always remember to pack essential gear, including a spare tire, water, a first-aid kit, and a reliable GPS or map. Make sure to follow trail etiquette, stay on designated routes, and leave no trace to help preserve Utah’s beautiful landscapes.
Ready to hit the trail? Utah’s off-road adventures await you!