The Best Places in Utah To Go Off-Roading This Winter
Home to five national parks, over 2,000 lakes, and endless trails, dunes, and rivers, Utah is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Although the Beehive State is fun to explore throughout the year, winter is an especially great time to take advantage of everything Utah has to offer. From northern mountain towns such as Heber Valley to more laidback, warmer spots such as Cedar City in the south, there are a number of options to embark on your next off-roading adventure.
Where you choose to bring your UTV, ATV, dirt bike, or other powersports vehicle is going to depend on the type of off-roading experience you’re interested in. Some spots are better suited toward certain types of sports. Here’s what to consider before planning your next trip to this jewel of the American West.
Northern Utah: For the Adventurous Souls
If you choose to fly into Salt Lake City, you can expect to see some snow-capped terrain during wintertime in this central region of the state. But, a quick trip to Northern Utah unlocks a whole different landscape.
Little Sahara Recreation Area is a favorite spot for ATV sand rides. Located less than two hours north of the Great Salt Lake, riders can enjoy powering up and around various sand dunes and bowls in moderate temperatures, even in winter. RV sites and campgrounds are also located nearby if you’re planning an overnight stay.
This part of Utah is also home to multiple national forests. Both the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest and Ashley National Forest offer year-round ATV trails. Riders can not only experience the thrill of a ride through the wilderness but also enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding red rock cliffs, green pines, and aspen trees that dot the landscape.
Southern Utah: For the Warmer Explorers
Known for its year-round warm weather, Southern Utah offers a number of 4×4 roads and trails that make it an off-road paradise no matter the season. You’ll want to set up base in St. George, a mid-size city in the southwestern corner of the state. Although Zion and Grand Canyon National Parks are easily accessible from here, they unfortunately do not permit ATVs.
Instead, make your way to the popular Sand Hollow State Park or Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. Both parks offer dedicated ATV and dirt bike routes amidst the picturesque dunes and scenery in this part of the Southwestern US. Expert riders can experience the thrill of scaling rugged terrain. For beginners, easy trail options are plentiful to help you hone your off-roading skills.
For an extended adventure, make your way across the Arizona border (just a few miles from St. George) for even more winter-friendly off-roading trails.
Where to Find the Best Recreational Vehicles in Utah
Powersports rental outlets are available throughout the state of Utah, including in the areas near these popular off-roading hotspots. Pricing will often vary depending on the location and season. Just plan to research and make reservations ahead of time (if possible) to be sure your favorite vehicle is available. If you bring an ATV into the state, permits are not necessary if your home state has a reciprocity agreement in place with Utah.
If you have a certain recreational vehicle in mind, one popular option with many winter riders is peer-to-peer rental marketplaces, such as DayTrail. These sites allow visitors to view vehicle options and confirm a reservation from fellow off-roading enthusiasts local to Utah. That’ll save you the hassle of searching for rental outlets or hauling your own vehicle into the state.
No matter which rental option you choose or where you pick to ride, Utah offers a number of options for your next off-road excursion in the great American outdoors.
