Adventure
Capitol Reef
ATV Trails & Tours
Ride from red rock reefs to high alpine forests on Utah's most diverse trails.
Overview
The rugged expanses surrounding Capitol Reef National Park offer some of the most diverse off-road terrain in the American West. While off-road travel is prohibited within the National Park boundaries, the adjacent public lands are a playground for OHV enthusiasts. From the high-alpine trails of Thousand Lake Mountain and Boulder Mountain to the lunar-like landscapes of the Henry Mountains and Hanksville, riders can experience everything from cool pine forests to red rock deserts in a single trip. Most trails are accessible from late spring through autumn, offering panoramic views of the Waterpocket Fold that you can’t see from the highway.
Skill Level
Beginner to Expert
Best Season
Spring & Fall
Duration
Half to multi-day
ATV Rentals, Tours, & Trip Planning
Gear up for high-octane exploration. This region is the ultimate basecamp for riders seeking solitude and adrenaline. whether you are looking for technical rock crawling, open desert speed, or scenic mountain loops, Capitol Reef Country puts you in the driver's seat of an unforgettable adventure.
Crowd Favorite Rides
Gotta catch em' all!Adrenaline / Freeride
Swing Arm City (Factory Butte)
- Best For: Adrenaline junkies, dirt bikes, and sport UTVs
- Terrain: Grey bentonite clay, natural jumps, and open moonscapes
Known as "The Moon," this open ride area near Hanksville features grey bentonite clay hills, massive natural jumps, and razor-back ridges. It is a world-class playground for dirt bikes and UTVs looking for technical thrills.
Scenic / Moderate
Velvet Ridge
Best For: UTVs and confident ATV riders
- Terrain: Red rock ledges, sandy washes.
A spectacular trail near Torrey offering the best of both worlds. You’ll navigate red rock ledges and sandy washes before climbing high for commanding views of Capitol Reef and the lush Fremont River valley below.
Alpine / Forest
Great Western Trail (Thousand Lake Mtn)
- Best For: Summer riding to escape the heat and wildlife viewing
- Terrain: High-alpine aspen forests, rocky double-track, and meadows
Escape the desert heat on this high-elevation trail. Rising over 10,000 feet, this route winds through aspen and pine forests, offering cool temperatures and incredible overlooks of the red rock desert floor far below.
Why ATV in Capitol Reef Country?
Discover a rugged playground where geological diversity meets off-road freedom.Unmatched Geological Diversity
Where else can you ride through red sandstone dunes, grey "moon" clay, and lush alpine forests in the same day? The unique geology of Wayne and Garfield counties creates a density of terrain types found nowhere else on earth.Access to Hidden Vistas
The public lands bordering the park offer the most aggressive and spectacular viewpoints of the Waterpocket Fold. These trails take you to the edge of cliffs and canyons that are inaccessible to regular vehicles, giving you a front-row seat to the region's majesty without the crowds.Safety & Regulations
Stay on the Trails
The desert soil is fragile (cryptobiotic crust). Always ride on designated routes to protect the ecosystem and ensure future access.
Know the Boundaries
Off-road travel is strictly forbidden inside Capitol Reef National Park. If your route crosses park lands (like Cathedral Valley), your vehicle must be street-legal.
Gear Up
Helmets are mandatory for riders under 18 and strongly recommended for everyone.
Whip Flags
If riding in sand dune areas or Swing Arm City, a red or orange whip flag attached to your vehicle is required for visibility.