Offroad Range & Utah

[B984rnr]

I'm, slowly, planning a trip to Utah this fall. I'm hoping to do as much remote travel as possible. There are towns located somewhat conveniently, but sometimes it messes up the "flow" or progress of the trip to have to head into town for gas.

Has anybody truly tested the offroad range of the 5th gen? What distances have you traveled and what kind of roads (hard trails, rough dirt road, well maintained dirt, paved, etc.)?

Also, since you're here, any great locations in Utah to visit? I'm not looking for national parks, white rim, or other common well known locations. Share some "secret" spots if you have them.

 

[3wbdriver]

I can't help much on off road range, but during a trip last year it was recommended I take a look at the San Rafael Swell. It starts near Castledale over east-southeast of SLC. I was on well maintained trail for over 30 miles before I got to I-70, and the Swell extends further south from there if you want to go. Here are the directions I was given during my trip. Enjoy your trip. I know I did.

So you're coming from the north and exiting - where? Assuming you're headed to Moab, take the exit for US6 at Spanish Fork instead of following I15 all the way down to I70. If you have time to burn a couple hours, head south at Price on Hwy 10 and go into the San Rafael Swell at Castledale. I don't have my maps on me at work tonight, but take the Green River Cutoff Rd east just before Castledale, hit the Wedge Overlook, then you can come back up and take the Buckhorn Draw road down over the bridge across the San Rafael River and see some beautiful country before you fetch I70. Look for the Buckhorn Wash pictograph panel and a killer sinkhole on the side of road as you go. If you've got a day or more to kill, go through Price and then head north at Wellington to tour Nine Mile Canyon, called the densest gallery of rock art in North America. Then when you're coming towards Moab, shoot past the Hwy 191 exit a little and look for Sego Canyon at the (almost) ghost town of Thompson. There's a road heading north into the canyon, a huge rock art site at the mouth, and then up near the top are the ruins of the ghost town of Sego, an old coal town. All three side trips are slightly off the beaten path and well worth your time.

San Rafael Swell Guide
Nine Mile Canyon - Know Before You Go
Sego Canyon

If you're headed south from Moab, I can recommend some more stuff. If you're exiting east, I'll hand you off to the Grand Junction guys, I don't know much about that area.

 

[FordyceCreek]

Great locations in Utah? Given 10 continuous years of exploration you could get a feel for it. White Rim is a good starter. 9 Mile is fun, Golden Spike/ Poison always pleasing, Metal Masher very scenic, Gemini Bridges if you want to mourn the loss of a great trail, Kane Springs Canyon is interesting, Lockhart Basin for some remoteness, Lavendar Canyon could be added a as "secret place", Arch Canyon will blow your mind, Hole-N-The-Rock is the best trail in Utah, best ruins are in ruin park.........Hard to know were to begin. Take extra fuel, its big country!

 

[Jeremy556]

Where in Utah? It's a fairly large state.

 

[B984rnr]

Where in Utah? It's a fairly large state.

Valid. In my head people are always near Moab / Canyonlands. I suppose that's not really accurate.

I'll be around Moab down to Blanding, and over toward Valley of the Gods. Then up the West side of Canyonlands. If I can work in Alstrom point I'd love to, but that's unlikely this round.

 

[mcarey86]

Need to bookmark this thread.