Tagged | access: 4x4

Access Notes

Understanding road ratings for trailhead access

Access roads are tagged as either paved, 2wd, high clearance, or 4x4. Below are the definitions for each:
Paved

Trailhead access is via paved road. These may be seasonally closed, but should be accessible to all vehicles when open.

2WD

The trailhead is accessed via some dirt road, but the road should be accessible by most vehicles.

NOTE: 2wd access may include miles and miles of dirt road, and endless bone-shaking washboard sections. 2wd does NOT mean you would want to take your fathers Oldsmobile on the trip, but does mean if you are comfortable driving on dirt road and don't mind some dust and bumps, you SHOULD be able to make it to the trailhead in most vehicles if carefully driven.
High Clearance

These access roads are rougher, with ruts, bushes, bumps, etc. that require a bit of clearance. Examples of vehicles that, carefully driven, should be able to reach these trailheads include: Subaru Outbacks, Toyota Rav4s, 2wd trucks, SUV's, etc.

For reference, if I call it high clearance, I did (or would) take a RAV4 or Subaru Forester to the trailhead. Storms, mud, or lack of maintenance can turn high clearance roads into 4x4 roads. Bringing a shovel "just in case" is recommended.

4x4

The real deal. Big rocks, ruts, washes, and other terrain that require a vehicle rated for difficult terrain. Driver skill also matters on these roads. I would recommend these for 4x4 pickups, Jeeps, and other true 4x4 off road vehicles. Size also matters, with a smaller 4x4 often better suited for navigating around obstacles than a larger one.

Note: The line between high clearance and 4x4 roads is quite blurred. With a lot of skill, a shovel, the ability to stack some rocks, and patience, a 4x4 road is often accessible to high clearance vehicles. On many occasions, a little road work allowed me to get down true 4x4 roads in a RAV4 without too much hassle.
Capitol Reef Cedar Mesa Escalante & Bryce Moab North Wash Northern Utah Odds and Ends Robbers Roost San Rafael Swell Southern Nevada Wasatch Front West Desert Zion & SW Utah

Capitol Reef

Capitol Reef is a diverse destination. Many short park trails and scenic drives make for great family fun, while some technical canyoneering adventures keep the more adventurous entertained.

Cedar Mesa

This are is renowned for its Indian ruins and rock art, Cedar Mesa / Bears Ears National Monument takes up the southeast corner of Utah.

Escalante & Bryce

Escalante area is likely best known for its stunning backpacking opportunities. There are also plenty of hiking and canyoneering adventures. This makes a great spring and fall destination and would take a lifetime to fully explore.

Moab

Moab, the civilized desert. This is THE place to go for easy access canyoneering, hiking, roadside attractions, and then end the day with fine dining and a 4-star hotel.

North Wash

Canyoneering is king in North Wash, and likely the reason most visit. North Wash canyons tend to be short, narrow, and physical. This is the place to bring long sleeves and long pants. With easy access, next to the highway, this makes a good choice for groups.

Northern Utah

Northern Utah is the most populated area in Utah, though once you venture an hour or so away from the Wasatch Front, solitude can be found.

Odds and Ends

Odds and ends... You know, things that don't fit anywhere else yet! Fun stuff, none-the-less.

Robbers Roost

The Roost is a very remote area of south eastern Utah. Canyoneering adventures in Robbers Roost tend to be fairly dry, and have long exits. The area was used in the late 1800's and early 1900's by outlaws, hence the name.

San Rafael Swell

My favorite area in Utah, the San Rafael Swell offers excellent camping, hiking, canyoneering, and rock climbing. For solitude and amazing views, this is the place to go.

Southern Nevada

Nevada is a bit of a paradox. Home of the infamous Las Vegas, most of the states population resides in the Las Vegas or Reno areas. The rest of the state is very wild and rural. In fact, 67% of the land in the state is managed by the BLM.

Wasatch Front

The Wasatch Front offers excellent hiking, climbing, mountain biking, and skiing all within a short drive of Utah's major population centers. There are many peaks to hike, climbs to climb, and routes to ski.

West Desert

Utah's West Desert is a barren place, far more populated by wild horses and coyotes than people. Hiking and exploring the west desert is a solitary activity, but there is a stark beauty in the area, and many interesting things to see and do.

Zion & SW Utah

Quite possibly the canyoneering capital in the US, Zion offers canyoneering, climbing, and hiking among towering sandstone walls. The park itself is a destination, but within a short distance of the park are many additional wonders to be visited.