Off Road Trails Near Zion National Park

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ATV, 4WD, OHV Trails
Bring your ATV's, four-wheelers, dirt bikes and other all-terrain vehicles to play in the sandy hills east of Zion National Park. You will find trails in Dixie National Forest's Red Canyon. This is an ATV lovers paradise. Between Mt. Carmel Junction and Kanab is Hog Canyon and the Coral Pink Sand Dunes. Adjacent to the dunes are even more OHV trails. Many of the trails in the area require a four-wheel-drive to get to them including Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon, Diana's Throne, Zion Narrows, Orderville Canyon, South Coyote Buttes and White Pocket. Some roads in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument are open for ATV use.
Please respect the area and only drive on designated paths! Contact the nearest BLM visitor center for current roads open to ATV use.
Phone: 1.435.644.4680
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Plan your trip with our "Canyon Country"
Vacation Itinerary
The popular recreation area on the east side of Zion National Park has it all. The Elephant Butte Trail is a favorite of off-road enthusiasts visiting the area. Begin the trail 4 miles south of the Coral Pink Sand Dunes entrance. Continue on the path for 8 miles where it will turn-off towards the Barracks. Follow the Barracks Trail for 5.2 miles. The Barracks Trail is located about one quarter-mile south of the junction of highways 9 & 89 at Mt. Carmel Junction.
Never go into the river or go past where motorized travel is allowed! There are service stations, motels, restaurants and convenience stores located at Mt. Carmel Junction and the nearby communities. ATV riders boast about the Barracks Trail and the view of Zion National Park seen from the route. These paths lead to remote areas so be sure that your off terrain vehicle can safely make the trip. There are numerous miles of trails at the Coral Pink Sand Dunes that are perfect for OHV users. Bring your trailers, motor-homes, campers, mountain bikes, cameras and other toys and spend the night in the spacious Coral Pink Sand Dunes Campground or other East Zion Campgrounds.
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Red Canyon
Located 47 miles from the junctions of Scenic Byways 9 & 89 is Red Canyon. The Casto Canyon Trail at Red Canyon is open to off-road vehicles. To find the trailhead, drive toward Red Canyon and turn east on Forest Service road 118. Go about 4-miles to where the trail begins. About 4 miles into the trail there is a junction where you can choose to take the south path to Losee Canyon which will complete the trail with a loop. Overnight stays are allowed along this forest service route. Staying in Losee Canyon is ideal. The red rocks and forested lands of Casto and Losee Canyon add scenic beauty to the trail.
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Zion National Park Vacation: Canyon Country
Private vehicles can travel SR-9, from Zion's south entrance, out the east entrance (or visa versa) to the junction of SR-9 & US-89 year-round, 24 hours a day. See tunnel restrictions for Oversized Vehicles.
Summer access to the Scenic Zion Canyon Drive is via Zion's shuttle, but during the winter private vehicles can travel in the canyon. Exact dates the shuttle runs may vary.
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Nature Notes
The desert looks like it is hard to destroy, but in fact, it is a fragile environment. When thinking desert, such things as cactus, scorpions, and rattlesnakes come to mind, but consider how difficult it is to survive in such a harsh environment. In fact, deserts are one of the most fragile of all the earth's environments. Mountain bikes, all-terrain vehicles and even footprints can alter the fragile desert ecosystem. To help, stay on trails and only camp in designated areas. Remember the desert is home to many plants and animals.
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