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My friends are always asking me for advice on all-terrain vehicle (ATV) trails in Utah since I'm the Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Program Manager for the Division of Parks and Recreation. One question that I hear over and over again is, "Of all the trails in Utah, which is the best?" This question is actually really difficult for me to answer.
First, what you consider to be a "good," trail depends on what you're looking for (ride difficulty, scenery, terrain, etc.). Second, Utah is full of absolutely incredible OHV trails, so it's tough to choose a favorite. With all of this in mind, I've come up with a list of 5 awesome OHV trails and systems that keep calling me back.
Before I begin, I have to mention one important thing about riding --safety. I know you've heard it before, but I could tell you about how incredible a trail is all day and it won't do you any good if you have been hospitalized from an ATV accident.
Whenever you start up an ATV, you should always remember that it's your ride and your responsibility. It is important to make sure you, your kids and your friends are all safe. Wear a helmet, be prepared for every ride and be aware of what you're getting yourself into. If it's a tough trail, make sure all the riders in your group can handle it. Better yet, get ATV certified at SafeTrailsSeriousFun.com. While every rider should be certified, for those under the age of 16 or without a driver license, it's the law.
Now for my list…
Top 5 ATV Trails
1. Moab's Poison Spider
Moab is one of the most well known areas in Utah for riding ATVs. I could write this list just about Moab and all the great trails to be found there, but my very favorite is the Poison Spider Mesa Trail. For the most part, the trail is an advanced slick rock path, though there are some sand trails along the way as well. It isn't the most difficult trail around, but it can give newer riders a serious challenge. Not to mention, there are some more difficult alternate routes spread throughout the trail, for those so inclined. Keep in mind—I've seen more than a few people crash on this trail. Wearing protective gear from head to toe that can take the brunt of any tumble is a very good idea.
2. Paiute ATV Trail System
The Paiute ATV trail system is one of the largest systems of interweaving trails in the nation. With over 900 miles and no beginning or end to the madness, Paiute is fun for the whole family. The trails cover a lot of beautiful and lush scenery and offer more of a relaxing, family-friendly ride. That being said, if you do plan on bringing your kids, make sure you get them ATV rider certified before you start riding. Safety first, after all.
3. Knolls OHV Area
Knolls is a fantastic play area for ATVs located just 80 miles west of Salt Lake City. With more than 30,000 acres of different trails, mud flats, hills and white sand dunes, you can find a good mix of everything at Knolls. Another benefit to Knolls is that it's open year-round. While this makes for some truly classic winter fun, it's also something significant you need to consider before hitting the trails. Recognizing the differences and difficulties presented by riding in snow versus mud, for example, is very important. You, and those you're riding with, should always be familiar with the terrain.
4. Arapeen OHV Trail System
The Arapeen OHV Trail System is another large grouping of OHV trails, similar to the Paiute Trail System (though not as big). The trails present some moderately difficult rides that can be great fun for family and friends, but still present a challenge for more veteran riders. Over 350 miles of trails offer multiple different staging opportunities and the forested scenery is a major bonus. Just make sure that you follow the basic rules of ATV safety on the trails, like sticking to the right number of riders per ATV. More ATV safety guidelines can be found here.
5. Mill Canyon Trails
With 75 miles of scenic and exciting trails, the Mill Canyon OHV Trails are definitely on my list of favorites. Wildlife along the trails consists of everything from deer and coyotes to eagles and bears! Even without the wildlife, the Mill Canyon Trails provide some very green and beautiful views.
There you have it: five high quality and family friendly OHV trails in Utah. These five trails are just a small sample of the 80,000 miles of beautiful trails found throughout Utah. I wrote this article hoping to answer the question, "Which is the best OHV trail to ride in Utah?" But I'm not sure that any of the trails I've listed can really claim that title.
In fact, as I always tell my friends, the "best" trail is always the safest trail. I want to see you out on the trails, and not in the news headlines. Regardless of what trail you ride, make sure you gear up, stay safe and of course, have some serious fun!
