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Utah is a goldmine of outdoor recreation. And while skiing the state's famous powder or hiking its towering peaks get their fair share of attention, off-roading is an outdoor pastime that's growing each year — and Utah is one of the best places to do it!
According to Global Market Insights, the U.S. market for off road vehicles was 12.1 billion in 2024 and is expected to double in size to reach 24.8 billion by 2034. Utahns live in the perfect place to try out this growing activity, with some of the best trails in the country. Central Utah offers a wealth of diverse trails, from rugged mountain trails to sandy high desert landscapes.
Whether you're a seasoned rider seeking a challenge or a beginner looking for a scenic ride, Utah has side-by-side trails for everyone.
Here's a look at some of the best trails this region has to offer. Grab your helmet, buckle up, and get ready to discover a wildly fun side of Utah!
Paiute ATV Trail
South-Central Utah's 275-mile Paiute Trail is the big, bucket list trail you can't miss. The trail is a large loop that passes through multiple small towns including Marysvale, Richfield, Beaver, Fillmore, and Salina. Utah.com says that this trail is a big undertaking, with thousands of miles of side trails to explore.
Plan for about 25 hours to ride the main loop, spread over three to four days of camping, relaxing, and exploring. The Paiute trail is consistently ranked as one of the best ATV/UTV trail systems in the entire country!
Little Sahara Recreation Area
Little Sahara Recreation Area is dune riding at its finest. Located about 30 miles west of Nephi, this massive sand dune playground spans 60,000 acres and provides some of the best dune riding in the West. Visit Utah says that the White Sands dunes in the northern portion of the park are doable for riders of all skill levels.
The famous 700-foot-tall Sand Mountain offers a thrilling and challenging hill-climbing experience. You'll also find well-maintained camping facilities and year-round accessibility, making Little Sahara a prime spot any time of the year.
The Cricket Mountains
For a remote off-road adventure through high desert and some rocky terrain, check out the Cricket Mountains. Located southwest of Delta, this trail system features 129 miles of trails through wide-open spaces and scenic ridgelines. The trails are great for beginners as well as featuring some technical sections for thrill-seekers. You'll get a dose of solitude and a true backcountry off-roading experience.
Arapeen OHV Trail
Discover some of the more rugged and remote treasures of Central Utah's Wasatch Plateau on the Arapeen OHV Trail. Located in the Manti La-Sal National Forest, the system features more than 600 miles of well-maintained OHV trails.
You'll steer up mountaintops to reach spectacular high vistas, many above 10,000 feet. The result? Panoramic views, and a breath of fresh air during sweltering summer heat. You might even encounter gorgeous fields of wildflowers or curious wildlife along the way. The Arapeen system has well-marked routes, making navigation easy for those unfamiliar with the region.
San Rafael Swell OHV Trails
If you want to get off the beaten path and ride some tricky trails, check out San Rafael Swell OHV trails. Located about 2.5 to 3.5 hours east of Fillmore, depending on the trail you choose, the San Rafael Swell is a one-of-a-kind setting for adventurous side-by-side and ATV riding.
The area has trails rated from easy to difficult, but beware of expert trails like Behind the Reef where you're edging alongside 200-foot cliff drops! All fear of heights aside, there are trails for everyone, from beginners to experts. The best part is you're taking in unique scenery only accessible by four-wheel drive.
Gooseberry ATV Trail
For a quieter, less crowded experience, the Gooseberry ATV Trail near Salina offers a fantastic ride through stunning backcountry. This scenic trail winds through juniper forests and red rock formations with views of the Sevier Valley.
The Gooseberry Trail connects to the larger Paiute system, so you have the option to extend your adventure. The varied terrain and light traffic make it a great choice for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful ride.
Safety tips to remember
Before hitting the trails, every rider should keep a few things in mind. First, always check trail conditions and dress appropriately for the weather. Respect trail etiquette and stay on designated trails to keep the areas pristine.
Some recreation areas may require permits and fees. Finally, be prepared! Always carry water, a map or GPS, and basic repair tools in case of emergency.
Prime Honda has Utah's power sports experts
With the right off-road vehicle, you can take in much of Utah's scenery not accessible to cars and RVs. There are thousands of miles of trails open to off-highway vehicles like side-by-sides. Prime Honda can help you get out there and explore it all!
With years of experience, Prime Honda offers the latest in parts and products at the very best prices. The experts at Prime Honda are powersports enthusiasts who are excited to help you experience all that a quality Honda can do.
Whether you want a machine for recreation and adventure or for farm and ranch work, Prime Honda has what you need. Serving Juab County, Utah County, and the surrounding area, you'll find the best in new and pre-owned ATVs, motorcycles, UTVs, lawnmowers, snow blowers, water pumps, and generators.
From assisting you in making your first purchase to ongoing maintenance, repairs, and customization, they value creating a long-term relationship that exceeds your expectations.
Make sure to stop by the existing Prime Honda showroom at 563 Main Street in Nephi or the new location in Cedar City. The Prime Honda team is currently building a new facility in Nephi where they will be able to provide expanded excellent service to the local powersports community!
