Best UTV Trails in Southern Utah (Complete Regional List)

1. Sand Mountain OHV Area

Location/city/area: Hurricane / Sand Hollow State Park
Paved/dirt: Sand dunes, slickrock
Difficulty rating: Easy to Expert
Description:
One of the largest and most popular OHV areas in Utah, offering open riding, massive dunes, and technical rock crawling. Ideal for all skill levels with unlimited route options.

2. Warner Valley OHV Area

Location/city/area: South of Hurricane, UT
Paved/dirt: Dirt, sand, desert terrain
Difficulty rating: Easy to Moderate
Description:
A wide-open desert riding area with scenic ridgelines and connecting trails. Great for beginners and intermediate riders looking for space to explore.

3. Smithsonian Butte Backcountry Road

Location/city/area: Rockville / Zion area
Paved/dirt: Dirt
Difficulty rating: Moderate
Description:
A scenic backcountry road just outside Zion National Park offering elevated views of Zion’s cliffs. A favorite for sightseeing and photography.

4. Hurricane Cliffs Trail System

Location/city/area: Hurricane, UT
Paved/dirt: Dirt, rocky terrain
Difficulty rating: Moderate
Description:
A network of trails along the Hurricane Cliffs featuring sweeping views, desert riding, and access to multiple OHV routes.

5. Red Canyon / Peek-a-Boo Canyon Route

Location/city/area: Near Kanab, UT
Paved/dirt: Sand, dirt
Difficulty rating: Easy to Moderate
Description:
A scenic desert trail leading to slot canyons and red rock formations. Known for its accessibility and stunning landscape near Zion and Kanab.

6. Coral Pink Sand Dunes OHV Area

Location/city/area: Kanab, UT
Paved/dirt: Sand dunes
Difficulty rating: Easy to Advanced
Description:
A unique riding area with soft red sand dunes. Smaller than Sand Hollow but excellent for dune riding and family-friendly adventures.

7. Paunsaugunt ATV Trail System

Location/city/area: Bryce Canyon / Dixie National Forest
Paved/dirt: Dirt, forest trails
Difficulty rating: Easy to Moderate
Description:
A vast trail system running through forested terrain with incredible views of Bryce Canyon Country. Offers long-distance riding and scenic overlooks.

8. Casto Canyon OHV Trail

Location/city/area: Near Panguitch / Bryce Canyon
Paved/dirt: Dirt, canyon terrain
Difficulty rating: Moderate
Description:
A unique trail that winds through a red rock canyon similar to Bryce Canyon formations. One of the most scenic ATV routes in Southern Utah.

9. Yankee Meadows Trail

Location/city/area: Dixie National Forest / Panguitch Lake
Paved/dirt: Dirt, forest
Difficulty rating: Easy to Moderate
Description:
A high-elevation trail offering a completely different environment with pine forests, lakes, and cooler temperatures — ideal for summer riding.

10. Elkheart Cliffs Overlook Route

Location/city/area: Orderville / Zion region
Paved/dirt: Dirt
Difficulty rating: Moderate
Description:
A scenic route leading to dramatic overlooks of the Zion region and surrounding cliffs. Features a mix of easy driving and mild sand sections.

11. Black Mesa / Red Knoll Loop

Location/city/area: Orderville / Kanab area
Paved/dirt: Dirt, sand
Difficulty rating: Moderate
Description:
A longer loop ride with panoramic views, open terrain, and connections to multiple trail systems near Zion and Bryce.

12. Kane Creek / Virgin Area Backroads

Location/city/area: Virgin, UT
Paved/dirt: Dirt, gravel
Difficulty rating: Moderate
Description:
Backcountry riding routes with less traffic and scenic desert terrain. Ideal for riders wanting a quieter experience near Zion.

13. North Creek OHV Area

Location/city/area: Leeds / St. George
Paved/dirt: Dirt, rocky terrain
Difficulty rating: Moderate
Description:
A popular OHV riding zone with desert terrain and trail networks suitable for side-by-sides and ATVs.

14. Pine Valley Mountain Roads

Location/city/area: Pine Valley / St. George area
Paved/dirt: Dirt, forest roads
Difficulty rating: Easy to Moderate
Description:
A cooler, forested riding area offering gravel roads and scenic mountain views — a great contrast to desert riding.

15. Grand Staircase-Escalante Backroads

Location/city/area: Escalante / Southern Utah
Paved/dirt: Dirt, rugged terrain
Difficulty rating: Moderate to Advanced
Description:
A massive network of remote backcountry roads offering rugged exploration and some of the most untouched landscapes in Utah.

Important Riding Notes (Southern Utah)

• UTVs are not allowed inside national parks, including Zion — only outside boundaries on approved routes
• Most trails are on BLM or Forest Service land
• Stay on designated routes where required
• Carry water and supplies — desert conditions are extreme