Off-Roading Vernal
Off-Road Adventures: OHV Trails in Dinoland
Experience the rugged beauty of Dinosaurland from behind the wheel or handlebars of an off-road vehicle—the OHV, ATV, four-wheeler, or dirtbike of your choice! With a vast network of scenic trails, Vernal, Utah, is the perfect destination for your next off-roading adventure. From easy, family-friendly rides to challenging backcountry loops, there's a trail for every skill level.
As you explore these trails, you'll be riding through the same landscapes where dinosaurs once roamed. The region is rich with prehistoric history, and you'll find plenty of opportunities to see dinosaur-related sites.
Vernal is one of Utah’s most OHV-friendly communities. In many areas, you can ride your street-legal machine directly from your hotel or campsite to the trailhead, making the Uinta Basin a seamless playground for off-road enthusiasts
Accessible Trails for Every Rider
You don't need to be an expert to explore the amazing landscapes around Vernal. Many trails offer accessible, non-technical routes with stunning scenery, and you can even ride to locations with prehistoric significance.
East McKee Trail: This 2.33-mile route is an easy ride, perfect for a gentle journey through the landscape.
Fantasy Canyon: Known for its otherworldly geological formations, this area offers an easy, 60-mile loop that is perfect for a scenic day trip. The unique rock formations were once part of a prehistoric lakebed.
Note: Fantasy Canyon itself is a fragile walking area. Please park at the trailhead and explore the "stone laboratory" on foot to protect the delicate formations
John Jarvie OHV Trail: This easy ride is part of the Outlaw Trail System and combines gentle terrain with a historic journey to the John Jarvie Historic Ranch, a popular stop for pioneers and outlaws alike.zA
Ride to Paradise: A great, easy option for those looking for a shorter trip or a ride with less technical challenges.
Scenic Loops & Backcountry Treks
For those seeking a full-day adventure, several trails offer breathtaking scenic loops through diverse terrain.
Outlaw Range Ride Loop: This easy-to-moderate 26-mile loop takes you through the picturesque Uinta Mountains. Along the way, you can spot wildlife, explore the historic Stringham cabin, and experience the region's natural beauty.
Red Cloud Loop Scenic Backway: At nearly 48 miles, this route offers a longer ride with plenty of scenic overlooks.
Moonshine Arch Trail: An intermediate 9.22-mile trail leading to a beautiful natural arch. The final stretch is a great spot to park and take a short hike under the arch.
Rector-Dragon Loop: This intermediate, 22.51-mile loop offers a fantastic day of riding.
Extreme Challenges
For the most experienced riders looking for a thrilling challenge, the area offers several difficult and extreme trails.
Butch Cassidy Loop:Â (Asphalt Ridge): A difficult 24-mile loop for experienced riders.
Red Mountain Loop: This trail is rated as an extreme challenge, spanning 16.99 miles
Buckskin Hills Recreation Complex: Located just north of Vernal, this complex features a dedicated motocross track and technical trails designed for riders looking to push their skills in a controlled environment.
Find Your Next Off-road Dinoland Trail
Find tracks for every kind of wheeler—from technical red rock crawls and deep desert washes to historic mining roads and prehistoric fossil beds.
Gear Up & Stay Safe
Permit and Education Requirements: All off-road vehicles operating on public land in Utah must be registered. Additionally, as of January 1, 2023, all OHV operators in Utah must complete a free, one-time online education course. This is required for both youth and adult operators to ensure everyone on the trail is familiar with safe riding practices and local regulations. You can find more information and take the course at the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation's OHV Education website.
Gear Up for Safety: A properly fitted helmet is the most important piece of safety gear. While helmets are mandatory for OHV operators and passengers under 18, they are strongly encouraged for everyone. It is also recommended that riders wear other protective gear, including goggles, gloves, long pants, and over-the-ankle boots to protect against debris and unexpected impacts. Always check your vehicle to ensure it is in good working order before you ride.
Ride Responsibly: Off-roading is an inherently dangerous activity. The trail descriptions and difficulty ratings provided here are for informational purposes only. Riders assume all risk and are responsible for knowing Utah's OHV laws, carrying proper safety gear, and staying on designated trails. Tread Lightly to protect our prehistoric landscapes!
Don't Have Your Own? Rent an OHV!
If you don't own an OHV or prefer to rent one for your trip, several local businesses offer a variety of vehicles for rent. Companies like Red Fleet Boat & ATV Rentals and Adventure Tours Vernal provide everything from ATVs to side-by-sides, as well as safety gear and trail recommendations. They can help you get equipped for a memorable off-road adventure in Dinosaurland.
Explore the Dinosaurs
While you're in the area, be sure to visit the locations that give Dinosaurland its name.
Dinosaur National Monument: A can't-miss destination, this site is home to the world-famous Quarry Exhibit Hall. Here, you can see over 1,500 dinosaur bones still embedded in a cliff face, including the remains of an Allosaurus, Apatosaurus, and Stegosaurus. You can even touch some of the 150-million-year-old fossils.
Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum: Located in Vernal, this museum features a 90-foot-long Diplodocus skeleton and a Dinosaur Garden with life-sized dinosaur models, including a Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops. You can also visit the museum's Fossil Lab to see paleontologists at work.
Downtown Dinosaurs: Take a stroll through downtown Vernal to discover numerous dinosaur statues and sculptures, including Dinah, the 40-foot-tall pink dinosaur who welcomes visitors to the city.