Off-Road Trails Near Salt Lake City

Surrounded by mountains and wide-open spaces, Salt Lake City is the perfect destination for people who enjoy the great outdoors. Exciting off-road trails near the city center are major draw cards for people who love getting their adrenalin pumping. So grab your ATV, UTV, or 4WD and discover our top rides just a stone's throw from Salt Lake City.

1. Jordan River Off-Highway Vehicle State Park, Salt Lake City

Jordan River Off-Highway Vehicle State Park lets residents and visitors experience the joys of off-roading without leaving the city. Nearly 5 miles of tracks for beginner, intermediate, and experienced riders ensures everyone can have fun without worrying about people of different skill levels. There's also a 50 track exclusively for pit and 50cc bikes. Jordan River Off-Highway Vehicle State Park opens on weekends from April to September.

2. Knolls Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area, Salt Lake City

The 36,000-acre Knolls Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area also has off-road trails in Salt Lake City, but its facilities are a little more basic. The off-roading comes first here, with sand dunes, rocky outcrops, and salt and mud flats to put you through your paces. Motorcyclists and four-wheelers of all skill levels use Knolls, so make sure you look out for your fellow users.

3. Old Ward Canyon Road, Bountiful

Around 20 minutes from Salt Lake City, Old Ward Canyon Road is the perfect choice for people wanting to scratch their off-roading itch without traveling too far. At 2.8 miles and with moderate difficulty, you can explore this gravelly trail in less than an hour. Keep your eyes peeled for the mule deer, Rocky Mountain elk, and moose that live around the trail. Or experience an added challenge and hit the trail by night. Looking down on the streetlights of Davis County once you scale the hilltop is really something.

4. Wasatch Skyline Trail, Near Farmington

If you're after Jeep trails, northern Utah offers plenty. Another option close to home, Wasatch Skyline Trail, is roughly 20 minutes north of Salt Lake City. This 21.5-mile trail is for driving only, so you don't have to worry about dodging hikers or horseback riders while you're exploring. It's a fairly easy trail, so it's ideal for novices just getting used to off-roading. However, the beautiful wildflowers and breathtaking views should keep more experienced drivers interested. Wasatch Skyline Trail is best used from May to October when good weather keeps the roads approaching the trail open.

7. American Fork Canyon, Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

Image via Flickr by Intermountain Region US Forest Service

If you're still in the mood for adventure, hit American Fork Canyon just a short drive away. Part of Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, its roads are only open seasonally. When the weather is clear and warm though, it provides some of the best Salt Lake City off-road trails around. Its 30 miles of trails suit riders with moderate to advanced skills. For the greatest challenge, hit the Mineral Basin. The lush forest setting makes American Fork Canyon a great place to beat the heat on steamy summer days.

6. Butterfield Canyon, Herriman

Butterfield Canyon is another ideal choice for novices keen to go off-road near Salt Lake City. Located roughly 35 minutes southwest of the Utah capital, Butterfield Canyon is a 9.4-mile trail. Since it's such a simple straight-through path, most people can tackle it in around half an hour. As it's only open five months of the year, the track can get busy with other trail users when it's accessible. Take time at the top to marvel at the stunning view of Salt Lake, Tooele Valley, and Kennecott Copper Mine, the largest open-pit copper mine on the planet.

7. Fivemile Pass Recreation Area, Near Eagle Mountain

Fivemile Pass Recreation Area delivers off-roading fun year-round. Around an hour north of Salt Lake City, this trail network has sections for ATVs, motorcycles, mountain bikes, and a range of other off-highway vehicles. There are more than 10 miles of trails to explore with a variety of different rocky and sandy surfaces to suit different skill levels. The Rattlesnake and the Constrictor provide a moderate challenge, while the Sidewinder amps up the intensity. If you're enjoying your visit, take advantage of fee-free camping anywhere outside the main two parking lots.

8. Strawberry Off-Highway Vehicle Trail System, Near Heber City

For a true off-roading getaway for newbies and intermediate riders, hit up the Strawberry Off-Highway Vehicle Trail System. Located near Heber City, roughly 45 minutes from the state's capital, this fruity site has more than 75 miles of single-track trails, so why not take your time getting acquainted? Strawberry Bay Campground is near the motorcycle trails, while Currant Creek Campground is close to beginner's ATV trails. Check the signs if you have a four-wheeler, as ATVs and UTVs aren't allowed in all areas.

9. Little Sahara Sand Dunes, Near Nephi

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mypubliclands/27448204314/sizes/m/

Image via Flickr by mypubliclands

Few things are more fun for ATV riders than cutting loose on sand dunes. The 220 miles of open area at Little Sahara Sand Dunes, roughly an hour south of Salt Lake City, make it worth the drive. If you're just getting used to your ATV, this is the perfect site to test out its capabilities. If you're more seasoned, use the dunes to hone your tricks and develop some new moves.

10. Little Moab, Utah County

The acclaimed Moab trails are more than three hours from Salt Lake City, but thankfully there's a more suitable substitute closer to Utah's capital. Known as Little Moab, sections of this 5.3-mile loop feature similar smooth rock formations that are every bit as challenging for experienced off-roaders. Crawl along these technical sessions or open up your off-roader on fast dirt tracks, which suit all skill levels. You'll reach Little Moab in less than a third of the time it'd take to drive out to Moab. Look for the dirt road near mile marker 7, near the turnoff from Highway 68.

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