Offroad Camping UT/NM

[trek931]

Hi all,
I'm planning a trip for July and am gathering as much info as possible. I know a lot of you offroad camp so thought I'd ask:

"What are some good trails/routes through Utah and New Mexico for offroad camping?"

I'll have a dog, so that limits some of the National Parks in UT, so hoping you guys have some ideas.

Thanks!

 

[Mt Olympus]

I camp with my dog a lot. I just upgraded from a Rav4 to a 4Runner so I haven't done a ton of off roading yet, but my favorite place in UT is Moab. There are plenty of trails and camping areas not in the NPs - check out the Gemini Bridges trail, it has offshoots to more hardcore trails like Metal Masher, if you are so inclined. Here is a link to some of the off road routes around Moab: Motorized Routes.

Moab will be super hot in July though, so if you want a cooler spot I would recommend the Uinta Mountains East of SLC, especially the Mirror Lake Hwy. There are trails and camping all along the highway.

 

[trek931]

[MENTION=117730]Mt Olympus[/MENTION], thanks for the info. Any insight into the Paiute Trail? Looks mostly ATV, but some sections 4x4 friendly.

Thanks again and congrats on the new 4RNR!

 

[Mt Olympus]

Thanks, I don't know what took me so long to get one!

Sorry, I don't have any experience with the Paiute Trail, but another that would be worth checking out is Skyline Drive: Skyline Drive, Central Eastern Utah | Expedition Utah.

 

[KidVermicious]

Hi all,
I'm planning a trip for July and am gathering as much info as possible. I know a lot of you offroad camp so thought I'd ask:

"What are some good trails/routes through Utah and New Mexico for offroad camping?"

I'll have a dog, so that limits some of the National Parks in UT, so hoping you guys have some ideas.

Thanks!

Almost all BLM land and most Forest Service land is open for primitive camping, and there are roads everywhere. Utah and New Mexico are big states, did you have a particular route in mind?

 

[CSix]

You can camp along the river in Moab, on 128. Lots of places in the willows... Or, i kinda like the Portal Campground because they are on the edge of town on 191, and have hot showers.

 

[Pauly Walnuts]

Thanks, I don't know what took me so long to get one!

Sorry, I don't have any experience with the Paiute Trail, but another that would be worth checking out is Skyline Drive: Skyline Drive, Central Eastern Utah | Expedition Utah.

Skyline Drive isn't bad once you get past the big weather balls at the peak. Before then, have fun being stuck behind a family in a Honda Pilot for several miles of switchbacks.

Past that, the trail is much more "aggressive" with some great scenery and a few small lakes and a few nice camping spots. I kept mine in 2WD with a 3in lift on Duratracs, so a somewhat stock 4Runner should be ok, just chose the right path.

 

[OffRoadGuy]

"Valley of the Gods" A place you'll never forget if you visit. Escalante Grand Staircase near Boulder off hwy 12

 

[thardy]

Let us know what dates you're coming through. We have a group of guys here in Utah that like to get out. We could meet up with you somewhere and share a campfire!! Like KidV said 2 big states, if you have more of a route plan we could help you find some camping trails a little easier.

 

[oljedi11950]

Zion's pretty cool that time of yr & the back way up to Navajo Lake & Duck Cr. lil nicer temp to ! If you're not used our DRY heat it can kick your ass ? I keep a sun shower for after day hikes to hose off .

 

[trek931]

Thanks everyone!

I used to live in south central CO (mean streets), but haven't spent much time in UT except Moab for MTB; whole state looks like a playground.
[MENTION=62048]thardy[/MENTION] - will update the thread once my dates are in stone, would love a good campfire hang

Thanks again everyone!