Trail Information
Like you, we love riding. However, we often find it difficult to find trails to ride in various areas and states. This section contains trails that we have personally enjoyed, along with trails that other riders have enjoyed. We would like to include information for all 50 states. If everyone submits information on their favorite trails (along with directions on how to get there and places to camp), this website will be a valuable source of information. Additionally, it will be helpful if you provide information on the difficulty of the trail and any trail restrictions (such as 50”). As we travel and ride the trails, we’d love to have you be our trail guide(s) and come along as we video the trail for YouTube. If you’d like to share your trails with others, email us at OurSxSAdventures@gmail.com. Include as much information as you can and let us know whether or not you would like to have your name posted as the contributor.
Special Note: The trail information provided on this website is for information purposes only. We (or anyone submitting trail information to this site) do not assume any liability for decisions made as a result of this information. Riders are totally responsible for their own safety via their decisions and actions.
Arizona
Parker/Lake Havasu, Arizona - Back Road to Nellie E. Salon and Desert Bar (Click on Title to View Video)
This is a fun trail to a “must see” location. It can be reached by truck/car via one route or offroad vehicle via the other. Both take off from Hwy 95. For the off-road vehicle trail, go to Hwy 95 (between Parker and Lake Havasu, between mile markers 155 and 156). Go to the parking lot across from the Castle Rock Shores RV Park and beside the Gas Market (River Island Market and Service Station - the one with the chicken on the roof). Turn into the driveway of the RV and Boat Storage area. There is a large dirt parking lot to the right where you may unload. You will see a kiosk at the left side of the parking lot. The trail takes off from the left of this kiosk – River Island Trailhead. Go to the left at the trail split and around the rocks and climb up the hill. At the trail information sign, turn right. Stay left at the next split in the trail. Go down the steep hill and follow the trail. At the following fork, turn right. Turn left right before the next kiosk. Go down the wash and then back up the opposite side of the wash. This portion of the trail has some bad washed-out areas with tipping hazards for narrower machines, so be careful. Go left at the next split. Soon you will see Desert Bar in front of you. Go down the steep hill. It takes approximately 1 hour for the trip in and another hour back out from Nellie E. Saloon – Desert Bar, if you return the same way. However, there are numerous trails for you to explore with obstacles to climb. It is an approximate 6 mile ride each way to the bar.
If you want to go to the bar by truck/car, use the Cienega Springs Road just West of mile marker 149.
The trail is rated as moderate with some tippy spots. There are some optional areas to climb.
Contributor: Curt Burgess/Sharlene Williams, Our SxS Adventures
Yuma, Arizona – Fortuna Mine and USA/Mexico Border Wall (Click Title to View Video)
Before you go, you will need to obtain a Barry M. Goldwater Range West permit. That can be done online by going to https://luke.isportsman.net. You will need to create an account and then view the video. Take the quiz at the end, read the questions and select the agree button. Next view and checkout. Print the permit to take with you, or make sure you have a copy of the permit on your phone to show border patrol, if asked. You may also print a copy of the area map from this website.
To begin your journey, take off from Foothills Blvd to A. Watch for the A1 marker and turn left to the B3 Junction. At the B3 marker, head South. At the fork in the road, head straight. Go past the B5 and B6 markers going South. At the B7 marker, turn left at the split towards the Fortuna Mine. Turn left at the “Point of Interest” sign and go up the hill. There will be a water tank on the right. It’s a stone structure about halfway up the hill. Head back down the hill and go straight towards the kiosk. You will find a large mine shaft, along with some information about the mine. Next, head back to the “Point of Interest” sign – B7. Turn left. When you reach the main road, turn left. Keep straight at the next intersection. Proceed Southwest past the B8 and B9 markers to the A7 main road. Go straight at the A12 marker to 14A, 14B, and 14C markers to the border fence.
This is considered an easy trail. Make sure to take plenty of water.
Contributor: Von Edwards
Tucson, AZ – Chiva Falls (Click Title to View Video)
From I-10 take Exit 256. Turn East on Grant Road. Go approximately 13 miles to Tanque Verde Road and turn left (East) onto the road. This road will turn into Redington Road at the far edge of town. Head up the mountain to mile marker 7. Go past this marker ½ mile to the staging area located on the right-hand side of the road. This is called the “Three Feathers” staging area. There will be a kiosk with a map in this area. Unload and head East by going over the cattle guard. This is the trail (Trail 4417) that should be taken to the falls. There are some challenging sections, but most have a way around them that is less challenging. Turn right at trail 4426 towards the falls – this area is called “Three Points”. Take this main route straight ahead. Turn left at 4405A to Chiva Falls. This is a challenging trail. At end of the trail, you will need to walk a small distance to Chiva Falls.
This is considered a moderate to difficult trail.
Contributor: Curt Burgess/Sharlene Williams, Our SxS Adventures
Idaho
Howe, Idaho – North Creek Trail (Click Title to View Video)
Start in Idaho Falls and travel North on Interstate I-15 to Sage Junction (approximately 25 miles). Exit and travel West on Highway 33 to the Howe townsite (approximately 40 miles). Turn North on Little Lost River Road and travel approximately 13 miles (sign on right-hand side says North Creek). Turn West and travel approximately 6 miles, on a good gravel road, to the hay farm and house on the left. There are good areas to park and unload outside the hay field. Ride West to the creek and canyon just below the house. Follow the trail past mine ruins and up the canyon approximately 6 miles. The trail will switch back up and out of the canyon to the top. There are numerous short side trails. The view on the top is spectacular. Over the top, start downhill to the bottom in Birch Creek Valley. Turn East and start up Eight Mile Canyon and travel approximately 5 miles to the top. From the top travel East down Uncle Ike Canyon to the valley floor (approximately 8 miles). When you reach the bottom, you can see the hay field and house to the South. Pick the road across the desert flat to the hay field (approximately 8 miles). There is a road round the hay field to the parking area. The ride offers beautiful views of sheer cliffs and peaks, and old mining sites and cabins. Deer, elk, antelope, goats, and big horn sheep have been seen. The majority of the trails are moderate with some steep difficult portions to keep it exciting. The total round trip will take approximately 4-6 hours.
Contributors: Fred and Joanne Judd
Mackay, Idaho – Mackay Mine Hill and Mackay to Copper Basin Trail (Click Title to View Video of Mackay to Copper Basin Trail)
Mackay lets users ride UTVs on city streets and alleys. You may start your ride from anywhere in Mackay. If you’d like a map of the trails available, you may obtain one from City Hall. Here’s information on a couple of our favorite trails. (1) Mackay Mine Hill is an easy trail that will take several hours to complete if you stop and look/explore all the mining areas. Note that some of this ride may be off limits now as mining operations have started again. Access the Mine Hill trails is via Smelter Avenue. (2) The Mackey to Copper Basin trail is also a favorite. It is a moderate trail and can only be accessed during the summer months as you go over the top of the mountain, and the trail is snow filled until at least July. To reach the trail, head towards Mackay Mine Hill (Smelter Avenue). Instead of keeping on the main road to Mine Hill, turn left at trail Number 070, Corral-Stewart Trail. Keep on this trail until you reach Trail 142, Burma Road, where you will turn left. Stay on this trail until you reach Copper Basin Road and then turn right. This will take you into Copper Basin, which is a long ride. It will be an all-day ride over and back. Again, maps are available from City Hall. They are open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., and again on Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. They are located at 203 South Main Street. You might also check with the gas stations as they often have maps available.
Contributor: Sharlene Williams - Our SxS Adventures
Spencer, Idaho - Rattlesnake Canyon/Three Mile Canyon
Take Exit 180 at Spencer, Idaho. From the off ramp turn East on Opal Way for approximately 2 blocks to Opal Avenue (old Hwy 91). Turn right (South) and travel approximately 2 blocks. Turn left (East) on the Spencer/Kilgore Road/Idmon Road. This takes you across the railroad tracks and Beaver Creek. Travel approximately 5 miles. Watch for the loading corral and parking area on the left. A Forrest Service sign should be visible marking the intersection. There are several trails that can be taken from this point. Our favorite is the Three Mile Trail to Lone Pine Pass. This area has a lot of side roads and can be a little confusing without a GPS. From the parking areas, head North on Three Mile Creek Road to middle Three Mile Creek (3rd left). It is a 50" trail taking off to the left (approximately 3 miles from the parking spot). Follow this approximately 5 miles. You will intersect with Middle 3 Mile Road. Cross it onto the trail continuing North. This takes you to Lone Pine Pass. Head East on the main ridge. GPS labels this Alex Draw to McGary Canyon. Follow this for approximately 10 miles. Watch for Corral Creek on your right. Any of these roads (trails) will take you to either 3 Mile Canyon or the Spencer Kilgore Road. If you come out on the Kilgore/Spencer Road, turn right (West). This will take you back to the parking area. This is being written from onX Off Road, so I will update with trail numbers and more accurate mileage as soon as we ride it again. This is a 50" trail that is very scenic. It's considered an easy trail.
Contributor: Curt Burgess - Our SxS Adventures
Nevada
Logandale, NV – Logandale Trails
From I-15 North take Exit 93 to access Nevada State Highway 169. Take Highway 169 toward Logandale/Overton. At Moapa Valley Blvd 3000/Highway 169, turn right onto Liston Ave. Next turn right on Mills and follow the sign to the second railroad crossing on the left. After crossing the railroad tracks, turn right and follow the signage on the road to the trails. You will go around a corner and several curves. The first camping area will be on the left-hand side of the road. Large vehicles may camp here. Note that all camping is primitive. Smaller vehicles may go further up the road. There will be another camping spot on the right-hand side of the road. If you continue further on this road, you will come to an area with a restroom. It is also on the right-hand side of the road. A few vehicles may camp here. If you are adventurous, continue down the hill as there are beautiful camping spots among the red rocks. However, the asphalt road going down the hill is quite pitted. Additionally, you will need to go through a sandy area at the bottom of the hill before you reach the camping areas. If you make it through these two obstacles the views are great! This area is truly beautiful with numerous trails to ride. There are over 200 miles of trails with a variety of things to see, including petroglyphs.
This area has a variety of trails for all types of riders and skill levels. Most of the trails are considered moderate. However, there are some areas that are more challenging. Note that you cannot ride your UTV on Nevada roads, only on designated trails.
Contributors: Curt Burgess/Sharlene Williams, Our SxS Adventures
Mesquite, Nevada - Whitney Pockets
This area contains Joshua Tree covered rugged peaks with areas of white, red, and orange sandstone. There are a few good primitive camping spots as numerous trails take off from here. Note that there is no water or services available for 25 miles. To get to Whitney Pockets, take I-15 to Exit 112. From Exit 112, head South for 3.1 miles on NV-170/Riverside Road. Just after the road crosses the Virgin River, turn right onto Gold Butte Road. Travel for approximately 21 miles on a bumpy mix of old pavement and gravel road to Whitney Pockets. You will then find a couple of large parking areas on the right side. After Whitney Pockets, the roads are comprised of rough and rocky dirt. You may find petroglyph panels around the base of Whitney Pockets. Other trails taking off from this area lead you to a cistern, old mines, a ghost town (Gold Butte), the eroded formations of Little Finland, the Devil's Nostril (sinkhole) and trails leading to the eastern shoreline of Lake Mead. The trails are considered easy.
Contributor: Information taken from various websites.
Utah
Moab, Utah - Top of the World
This is an out-and-back trail near Moab, Utah. It is 9.5 miles each way if starting from UT-128 E. and is considered a challenging trail. It takes an average of 9 hours to complete. Top of the World is a viewpoint on Waring Mesa that has a spectacular view of Fisher Valley, Onion Creek, and the La Sal Mountains. Waring Mesa is Northeast of Moab and South of the old Dewey suspension bridge (now burned down) crossing of the Colorado River. Start by driving North on US 191 from downtown Moab until you reach the Colorado River Bridge. Turn right onto UT 128 and drive approximately 30 miles. The trail turns off Utah 128 immediately before to the Dewey Bridge (turn right if coming from Moab), which is where your ride begins. There is parking and a bathroom at the start of the trail, and there is more parking as you move up the gravel road (which is the Entrada Bluffs trailhead). This is a two-way trail, so you may encounter riders either ascending or descending the trail. The gravel road continues for the first five miles of the trail, which is shared with the Kokopelli Trail, and then "Top of the World" branches right at the signed junction. From this point the trail gets far more technical and is pretty rough for 4 miles to the overlook. This section features many sections of loose rock interspersed with several shelf-type climbs. The downhill ride is similar in technicality with lots of steep, slickrock ledges.
Contributor: Information from various websites.
Moab, Utah - Onion Creek
This is one of Sharlene's favorite trails. It's an extremely easy trail and the scenery is absolutely beautiful. You will cross the small creek approximately 27 times. Start by driving North on US 191 from downtown Moab until you reach the Colorado River Bridge. Turn right onto UT 128 and drive 20 miles. Turn right on the well-marked Onion Creek Road soon after mile marker 20. You will find parking at the trail head. Unload and being your journey. After riding 10 miles and the road begins to flatten out, turn around and ride back down.
Contributor: Information from various websites.
Moab, Utah - All Trails
We have found that one of the best sources of information on Moab trails is the book "Moab, UT Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails." This book lists the trails by both difficulty and area, along with an overview of the trails, it's difficulty rating, trail stats, and directions on how to get there. It also provides a mileage log with detailed descriptions of things you will see along the way. We could provide you information on how to get to the various Moab trails, but this book is a far better resource. You should be able to find this book on funtreks.com.
Kanab, Utah - Hog Canyon (Click on Title to View Video)
To the Western trailhead: From the Kanab visitor Center (BLM) in Kanab, UT, turn right onto Highway 89. Take Highway 89 through Kanab and continue as it heads North. After 3.8 miles, turn right onto BLMHC1. Continue straight through the private land and up the hill to the Hog Canyon OHV Trail System Western kiosk and staging area.
To the Eastern kiosk: From the Kanab visitor Center (BLM) in Kanab, UT, travel East on Highway 89 for 8.6 miles. Turn left onto Johnson Canyon Road. Follow Johnson Canyon Road for 7.8 miles before reaching the Crocodile Staging Areas on the left-hand side of the road. To reach the kiosk, continue West from the staging area on BLM100 for roughly 3.9 miles. Turn left onto BLM104 and travel South for approximately 4 miles. Turn right onto BLMHC1. The kiosk is immediately after the intersection.
The Hog Canyon OHV Trail System offers roughly 30 miles of trails through spectacular terrain ranging from easy sand to extreme rock crawling. OHV trails navigate steep inclines, rocky surfaces, narrow passages, and deep sand.
Trail 1 - Easy on lower half, then turns into moderate on the upper half. Trails 2 and 3 - Easy. Trail 4 - Moderate to difficult. Trails 5 and 6 - Difficult. Trail 7 - Extreme.
Contributor: Information Taken from BLM Website
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park Close to Kanab, Utah - Sandsquatch
The park is located approximately 22 miles West of Kanab on the Sand Dunes Road, which takes off from Hwy 89. After entering the park, turn right towards the observation deck. There is a parking lot with bathrooms close to this location. Park in the day use parking lot and enter the dunes from the OHV dune access. Head straight towards a group of 2 large pine trees (straight out from the observation deck). The sandsquatch is chained between the two large trees. All riding is on sand and it takes approximately 10 minutes to ride to the sandsquatch.
Contributor: Sharlene Williams, Our SxS Adventures
Hurricane, Utah - Sand Mountain OHV Area
From I-15 traveling South, take Exit 2 to Hwy 7 going East, then take Exit 15 – Long Valley. Turn North (right) at the stop sign. Travel on a gravel/broken concrete road. You will go under power lines and over a cattle guard. Turn right on Warner Draw Road. You will see the Sand Mountain OHV area in front of you. This is a free, dry camping area with no hookups of any kind.
Note: We always stay the first night at the Desert Canyons RV Park just off Hwy 7. We can empty black/gray water tanks and fill up with fresh water before heading to Sand Mountain. The people that run the park are awesome, and the park is very clean with large pull-through spaces. They do not have a curfew as to when you must arrive, and no gates that close for the evening.
Once you enter the Sand Mountain OHV area and get your camp site set up, go to the kiosk and look at the map and determine the trails that you would like to ride. There are all levels of riding trails from easy to extremely difficult. The map will give you a general idea of where the trails are located, but there are so many different trails intersecting and leading to the different areas, exact directions are difficult to provide. An example of difficulty is Broken Chain that is rated a 12 (Expert Only! Damage Extremely Likely) and East Rim that is rated a 3 (Easiest/Easier).
Contributor: Sharlene Williams, Our SxS Adventures