Tag: Off Roading

Outlaw ATV Trail, Ashley National Forest, Utah

On our recent campout in Ashley National Forest we brought our Polaris RZR to explore the surrounding area. When we started out on our weekend getaway we weren’t sure where we were going to camp, what trails were nearby or what exactly we were going to do all day. We just knew we were headed to the Vernal, Utah area and that there’s a lot of off roading nearby.
We lucked out with our choice of camping in Ashley National Forest. Not only were there many off road trails, the area was secluded and beautiful. The most well known off-road trail is the 38 mile Outlaw ATV trail which traverses through forest, past lakes and over streams.
Unfortunately, because of the spontaneity of the trip, we did not have an accurate map of the off road trails in the area (Click here for a map of the Outlaw Trail). Instead we attempted to explore off road trails using signs and an outdated Utah map we found under the seat of our truck. Now, I know. A little planning could’ve prevented a lot of hassle.

The Outlaw ATV Trail is known as a difficult ride through tree fall, over rocks and bumps. The trail is meant for vehicles 50 inches wide or less, not for wider off road options like our Polaris RZR. We made it through several mud puddles, around boulders and tree stumps and along the dirt trail until we reached this pinch point. At a previous dead fall area we were able to clear a tree trunk from the path, but here the thirty foot long trunk wouldn’t budge.

Since Mountain Dad and I had already endured complaints from kids, mud splatters, bumpy trails and slow going, we called it a good attempt and turned back. Luckily we were able to do a fun ride near Dyers park just down the road from our East Park Campground later.

So if you’re planning an off road trip to the Flaming Gorge/Vernal Utah area may I suggest one important tip: Have a map.

 

Uranium Arch, Sevenmile Rim 4×4 trail, Moab, Utah

Sandstone arches are not that rare of a sight in Moab, Utah with Arches National Park just up the road, but I still feel like I’ve found some great outdoor secret when I get to explore one. On this trail to Uranium Arch, located outside Arches National Park, we combined off road adventure with a little sightseeing with great results.

My heart was pounding on some of the steep and rocky sections of 7-mile Rim trail (that’s a cliff behind us after all), but thanks to Mountain Dad’s ability to exude an aura of expertise, I felt completely safe. Maybe because I see him researching trails, tips and UTV guides for hours at home, I trust that he knows what he’s doing. If I didn’t, I would’ve been stranded on the trail, because parts of this trail are gnarly.

Seven mile Rim is a specific trail maintained by the Bureau of Land Management. However several 4×4 trails intersect around here and as much as I appreciated Charles A. Wells’ book Guide to Moab, UT Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails I think the map on the BLM website was essential to finding this arch.

The kids loved exploring and climbing under the rock, as well as having a sandy picnic at its base. I loved being away from the rocky ledge it took to get there. 

Uranium Arch, Seven Mile Rim Trail Info:
Getting there: Head north from Moab on Highway 191 for 12 miles. Soon after Highway 313, park in a wide gravel area on the left. Head north on Cotter Mine Road for about a mile then follow the road left and climb a steep hill. Watch for a heavy metal sign for 7-Mile Rim.

Difficulty: Difficult, especially the rocky sections and those near the ledges.

Time: Variable but plan at least three hours.

Tips: Print out the BLM map of this area before you go. Many trails cross over each other and they get confusing. Also, you can combine this trip with one to Tusher Tunnel for a full day adventure.

Tusher Tunnel 4×4 trail, Moab, Utah

One of the trails we explored in our Polaris RZR on our recent Moab trip was Tusher Tunnel, a jaw-droppingly cool cave through 100 feet of sandstone. The sandy 4×4 trail to get there takes only an hour or so, but the destination was amazing.

Tusher Tunnel reminded me of Lava Tubes in Hawaii – dark, cavernous tunnels through rock tall enough to walk through. The difference here was that the other side of this tunnel opened up to a beautiful desert vista with striated sandstone and juniper trees decorating the landscape.
Charles A. Wells’ book Guide to Moab, UT Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails gave detailed trail information, and I highly suggest anyone off-roading in the area pick up a copy. The five minute hike from the parking area to the tunnel was a little bit of a scramble, but the tunnel itself is flat and sandy. And dark and cool – and I’m not just talking about the temperature.
Tusher Tunnel Info:
Getting there: Take Highway 191 North from Moab about 14 miles. Turn left on Mill Canyon Road just after mile marker 141.
Difficulty: Easy, but sandy. The dirt bikes that came with us had some trouble on the sandy terrain.
Time: 1.5 hours
Tips: I wish I had brought a flashlight for better Tusher Tunnel exploration.

Fins ‘N Things Off Road Trail, Moab, Utah

Thanks to Mountain Dad’s Christmas gift of a Polaris RZR, our Mountain family is now an off road family. On our recent trip to Moab, Utah we got to explore the great outdoors in a faster, cooler way than ever before.
Our first trail was Fins ‘N Things, a sandstone trail with some tough steeps sections and fun sandy ones too. The trail is well marked with white dashes and tire tracks, and although some places can get tricky, overall it was a great time had by all.
Detailed descriptions of this trail and many others in the area can be found in the book Guide to Moab, UT Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails by Charles A Wells. It’s a must have for off roading here, with detailed maps, color photos and trail descriptions.
On this adventure Mountain Dad was driving, and my brother-in-law Jonathan, AKA off-roading expert, was leading the way in his own UTV. The tots were buckled and helmeted in back, and I was gripping my “oh no!”  handle most of the time.

One benefit of off roading is access to remote areas. There’s no way my tots could hike or bike into this wilderness area, and the views were breathtaking. Although next time I may suggest Big E NOT slide down the hill since his pants and underwear came back with half dollar sized holes in them.

Fins ‘N Things was a great trail and well worth seeing.

Trail Info:
Level: Difficult
Distance: 9.4 miles, 2-3 hours in a UTV, longer in a jeep or other 4-Wheel Drive vehicle
Tips: Always go UTVing with others. Remote locations can make for dangerous situations.