The Greatest Show on Dirt

Gravity is Just a Suggestion

Welcome to Swing Arm City, a legendary off-road playground of steep shale ridges and grey dust. This is the ultimate "free-ride" zone where the hills look like frozen waves and the air is filled with the roar of engines.

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Swing Arm City
A motorized playground on another planet.

Swing Arm City

Located just east of Caineville, Swing Arm City is a world-famous OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) area managed by the BLM. The landscape is composed of Mancos Shale—a unique, grippy grey clay that has been eroded into razor-sharp ridges, vertical drops, and massive natural bowls. It is widely considered one of the premier locations in the world for freestyle motocross, hill climbing, and high-performance off-roading, attracting professional athletes and weekend warriors alike.

There are no designated trails or set paths here; the entire 2,600-acre area is an "open play" zone. The terrain allows riders to pick their own lines across the "spine" of the ridges or launch into the soft silt of the valley floor. Even if you aren't behind the handlebars, the area is a spectator’s paradise, offering a front-row seat to some of the most technical and daring desert riding captured on film.

Things to do
Curated Experiences

Ride the Ridge

Master the grey waves of the Caineville Badlands.
Explore All Attractions
Ridge RidingTest your balance on the "knife-edge" ridges, where the steep shale slopes drop away on both sides of your tires.
The Main BowlCarve through the massive natural amphitheaters of dirt, practicing high-speed turns in the soft, grippy Mancos Shale.
Hill Climb HeroChallenge the "impossible" vertical inclines that have made this area a staple in off-road films and competitions.
Skyline SpectatingPark on the flats and watch world-class riders perform gravity-defying stunts against the backdrop of Factory Butte.

About Swing Arm City

Swing Arm City is an unregulated, high-octane environment that requires skill, respect, and a heavy dose of common sense.

  • Open Play Zone: Unlike most desert areas, you are encouraged to leave the "trail" here. Use the vast space to practice technical maneuvers, but always stay within the designated BLM open area boundaries.

  • Photography & Film: Because of its stark, grey appearance and dramatic lighting, this is a top location for commercial shoots. Early morning and late evening offer the best shadows for highlighting the texture of the ridges.

  • Camping: Primitive camping is allowed within the area. It is a popular spot for large groups with toy haulers, but be prepared for wind and dust—it's part of the experience.

Logistics

Know Before
You Go

Swing Arm City is open 24/7, year-round. There are no facilities, water, or shade on-site. The nearest services are in Hanksville, about 12 miles to the east. While the area is open to all, it is most suited for dirt bikes, ATVs, and side-by-sides; standard SUVs should stick to the flatter areas near the entrance.
Fees There are no fees to access or ride in Swing Arm City.
Weather Never ride here during or after a rainstorm. The shale turns into a slick, heavy paste that is dangerous for riders and impossible for vehicles to navigate. Helmets and protective gear are highly recommended, as the shale is surprisingly abrasive and the drops are unforgiving.

Quick Reference Guide

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