Salt Lake City ATV Trail Adventures (Summer 2026)
If you’re planning an off‑road adventure this summer, the Salt Lake City ATV trail network offers some of the most diverse terrain in Utah. From desert flats to alpine climbs, riders will find plenty of options to test their machines and enjoy breathtaking scenery.
Top Salt Lake City ATV Trail Destinations
- Antelope Island Salt Lake City ATV trail Wildlife encounters with bison and panoramic views of the Great Salt Lake.
- Bonneville Salt Flats Salt Lake City ATV trail Endless white plains perfect for speed runs and photography.
- Wasatch Canyon Salt Lake City ATV trail Steep climbs, forest tracks, and cool mountain air.
- Tooele Wild Horse Salt Lake City ATV trail Desert riding with the chance to spot wild horse herds.
| Salt Lake City ATV Trail | Terrain | Best For | Summer 2026 Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antelope Island | Hills + salt flats | Wildlife + scenic views | $140–$145/adult |
| Bonneville Salt Flats | Flat plains | Speed + photography | $113–$149/adult |
| Wasatch Canyon | Forest + alpine | Scenic canyon rides | $345/adult |
| Tooele Wild Horse Range | Desert plains | Wildlife photography | $575/group |
Tips for Riding Salt Lake City ATV Trails
- Permits & Maps: Always check Utah OHV maps before hitting a Salt Lake City ATV trail.
- Summer Prep: Expect hot desert days and cooler mountain nights — pack water, sunscreen, and layers.
- Vehicle Setup: Many riders use dual battery isolator kits to power winches, lights, and fridges on extended Salt Lake City ATV trail rides.
- Safety First: Helmets, signage compliance, and staying on designated routes are essential.
Best UTV and ATV Trails in Utah State
Utah offers a plethora of stunning UTV (Utility Terrain Vehicle) trails that showcase its diverse landscapes.
Some of the best ATV & UTV trails in Utah include:
- Moab: Moab is a renowned off-road destination with numerous UTV trails. The “Hell’s Revenge” trail is famous for its slickrock challenges and breathtaking views. “Fins and Things” is another popular side by side trails in Utah that offers a mix of slickrock and sand.
- Sand Hollow State Park: This park is a UTV enthusiast’s paradise, featuring red rock formations and sand dunes. The “Sand Mountain” trail is a favorite among visitors, and the “West Rim” trail provides scenic vistas. This is one of the best UTV & ATV trails near salt lake city utah.
- Arapeen OHV Trail System: Located in the Manti-La Sal National Forest, this trail system offers a variety of difficulty levels. The “Ephraim Canyon” trail provides a mix of mountain and forest terrain.
- Piute ATV Trail: This extensive trail system covers diverse landscapes, including forests, meadows, and high mountain passes. The trail offers stunning views of the Tushar Mountains.
- Mill Canyon ATV Trail offers a mix of off-road experiences, including scenic views, slickrock challenges, and diverse terrain. The trail is known for its red rock formations and panoramic vistas, providing an authentic Moab off-road experience. Moab is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, and Mill Canyon is no exception. The trail is likely to offer stunning vistas of the surrounding red rock canyons, which is a characteristic feature of the area.
- Marysvale Area Trails: The Paiute ATV Trail system in the Marysvale area is one of the most extensive in the state. It offers a wide range of trails, from easy to challenging, passing through forests, canyons, and mountains. One of the best UTV & atv trails near salt lake city utah for mountain trekking.
- Uinta National Forest: This forest offers various UTV trails with beautiful alpine scenery. The “Mirror Lake Highway” trail is a popular choice, taking you through lush forests and past pristine lakes.
- Gooseberry Reservoir Trail: This trail offers a mix of forested areas and open meadows. It’s known for its stunning wildflower displays in the summer.
Gooseberry Reservoir Trail
- Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park: This unique park features massive sand dunes and offers a different UTV experience. The sand dunes provide opportunities for dune riding and exploration.
- American Fork Canyon: The “Tibble Fork” trail in American Fork Canyon is a popular choice for UTV riders. This utv & atv trails near salt lake city utah offers a combination of forested paths and scenic viewpoints.
RZR Photo - Five Mile Pass Recreation Area: This area is close to the Salt Lake City area and offers a range of trails suitable for different skill levels. It’s a convenient option for those looking for a day of UTV adventure.
Using dual batteries in a UTV (Utility Terrain Vehicle) when tackling trails in Utah or any off-road environment can offer several advantages. Off-road enthusiasts often opt for dual battery setups for the following reasons:
- Backup Power: If one battery fails due to any reason, you have a backup battery to rely on. This is especially important when you’re far from civilization or in remote areas where getting assistance might be difficult.
- Reduced Strain on a Single Battery: Using a single battery to power all your accessories and the vehicle’s electrical demands can put significant strain on it. Dual batteries with isolators distribute the load, potentially prolonging the lifespan of both batteries.
- 100% Optimized Charging: With a dual battery setup, you can employ a UTV dual battery isolator or battery management system that ensures one battery is primarily used for starting the vehicle while the other powers accessories. This prevents accessory usage from draining the starting battery and ensures you always have enough power to start the vehicle.
It’s important to note that installing a dual battery setup requires proper wiring, battery management or dual battery isolator system, and potentially some modifications to the vehicle’s electrical system. If you’re considering adding dual batteries to your UTV, it’s recommended to consult with TrueAm staff. Our experts have long experience with such installations to ensure safety and optimal performance.
Honda pioneer 1000 dual battery kit- install video
Alternative Destination for Salt Lake City ATV trails
If you’re looking to explore beyond the usual Salt Lake City ATV trails, there are several outstanding alternative destinations nearby that offer just as much excitement, scenery, and off-road variety—often with fewer crowds. These spots are ideal for riders who want a fresh experience while staying within a reasonable drive of the city.
American Fork Canyon
One excellent option is American Fork Canyon, located south of Salt Lake City. This area features rugged mountain terrain, forested trails, and scenic overlooks. The mix of rocky paths and smoother forest roads makes it suitable for both beginner and experienced ATV riders. Many riders who have already explored popular Salt Lake City ATV trails enjoy American Fork Canyon for its cooler temperatures and stunning alpine views during summer.
Five Mile Pass,
Another great alternative is Five Mile Pass, situated west of Lehi. Known for its wide-open desert landscape, this riding area offers miles of interconnected trails, hill climbs, and play areas. It’s especially popular in spring and fall when conditions are ideal. For riders seeking something different from wooded Salt Lake City ATV trails, Five Mile Pass delivers a more open, high-adrenaline desert riding experience.
Ephraim Canyon
For those willing to travel a bit farther, Ephraim Canyon and the surrounding Sanpete County trails are worth considering. These trails wind through mountain valleys, aspen groves, and high-elevation meadows, offering a quieter and more scenic ride. It’s a great destination for full-day trips or weekend adventures.
Whether you’re avoiding crowds or simply craving new terrain, these alternatives provide exciting options beyond the well-known Salt Lake City ATV trails, ensuring every ride feels like a new adventure.
Ultimate Guide to ATV Riding Near Salt Lake City, Utah
If you’re looking for an exciting way to explore Utah’s desert landscapes, mountain terrain, and backcountry roads, ATV riding near Salt Lake City offers plenty of opportunities for both beginners and experienced off-road enthusiasts. From rocky trails and open desert terrain to scenic mountain routes, the region provides access to a variety of riding areas within driving distance of the city.
Whether you’re searching for Salt Lake City ATV trails, OHV parks, UTV trails, or places to ride an ATV near Salt Lake City, this guide will help you understand where to go, what to expect, and how to prepare for your next off-road adventure.
Why Ride ATVs Near Salt Lake City?
Salt Lake City is surrounded by diverse terrain that makes Utah an excellent destination for ATV and UTV recreation. Riders can find desert trails west of the city, mountainous terrain in nearby areas, and larger OHV destinations farther away.
Some popular riding destinations include:
- Fivemile Pass Recreation Area
- Jordan River OHV State Recreation Area
- Knolls Recreation Area
- Little Sahara Recreation Area
- Paiute ATV Trail
- Little Moab
- Other BLM-managed OHV areas throughout Utah
The accessibility of these locations makes Salt Lake City ATV trails a popular choice for weekend adventures, day trips, and longer off-road excursions.
What Should You Bring ATV Riding?
Proper preparation is important when exploring Salt Lake City ATV trails. Utah’s terrain can be remote, and weather conditions can change quickly.
Consider bringing:
- Helmet and appropriate protective gear
- Plenty of drinking water
- First-aid supplies
- GPS or navigation equipment
- Cell phone and emergency communication device
- Recovery equipment
- Basic tools and spare parts
- Extra fuel when appropriate
- Food and snacks
- Portable power equipment
- Sunglasses and protective clothing
A GPS system is particularly useful when exploring unfamiliar OHV trail systems because some riding areas have numerous intersections and remote routes.
Consider Your ATV’s Electrical System
Modern ATVs and UTVs often carry considerably more electrical equipment than older machines. Riders may install LED light bars, auxiliary lighting, radios, GPS units, speakers, winches, cameras, USB chargers, heated equipment, and other accessories.
These accessories can increase the electrical demand placed on the vehicle’s starting battery.
For riders who regularly use their UTV or ATV for extended trips, an ATV or UTV dual battery system can provide a dedicated source of auxiliary power while helping preserve starting power. A dual battery isolator can separate the starting battery from the auxiliary battery so accessories can operate without unnecessarily draining the primary battery.
This can be particularly useful during overnight camping, remote trail riding, recovery operations, or extended off-road trips where getting stranded with a dead starting battery can become a serious problem.
ATV vs. UTV Riding Near Salt Lake City
Both ATVs and UTVs can be used for Utah off-road adventures, but they provide different experiences.
ATVs are smaller, lighter, and generally more maneuverable on narrow trails. They are ideal for riders who enjoy a more direct and active riding experience.
UTVs, on the other hand, provide additional seating, cargo capacity, storage, and protection. They are especially practical for families, groups, camping trips, and riders carrying recovery equipment or additional gear.
This is why searches such as Salt Lake City ATV trails, Salt Lake City UTV trails, OHV trails near Salt Lake City, and ATV trails near Salt Lake City Utah can lead to different types of riding opportunities.
Best Time to Ride
The best time to explore ATV trails around Salt Lake City depends on elevation, weather, and trail conditions.
Spring and fall can provide comfortable temperatures for desert riding, while summer can be hot in lower-elevation areas. Mountain trails may offer cooler conditions during the summer but can become inaccessible because of snow or wet conditions at other times of the year.
Always check current trail conditions and local land-management requirements before heading out.
Ride Responsibly
Responsible riding helps preserve Utah’s OHV areas for future generations. Stay on designated routes, respect closures, avoid damaging vegetation, properly dispose of trash, and follow posted regulations.
Before visiting any Salt Lake City ATV trail, check the current rules, permits, seasonal closures, fire restrictions, and vehicle requirements for the specific riding area.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning a quick weekend ride or a multi-day Utah adventure, Salt Lake City ATV trails provide access to an impressive variety of off-road terrain. From nearby desert riding areas such as Fivemile Pass to larger destinations such as Little Sahara and the Paiute ATV Trail, riders can choose routes that match their experience level, vehicle, and adventure goals.
With the right safety equipment, navigation tools, recovery gear, and electrical setup, your ATV or UTV can be prepared for everything from a short trail ride to a remote backcountry expedition.