Region

The Book Cliffs

Utah

Offroad Trails in The Book Cliffs

A Region within Utah

4/5 (37)

Eastern Utah is home to many diverse regions, from high-elevation alpine mountains to the red rock desert of Moab. Between these vastly different landscapes lie the Book Cliffs, a unique combination of flora and fauna, conveniently located off of I-70 between Green River, Utah, and Grand Junction, Colorado. Although they are often overlooked for more popular destinations, consider exploring what this special region has to offer.

The Book Cliffs combines a multitude of unique features into a vast and usually neglected area. At the base of the Book Cliffs, one can expect central Utah desert-type terrain, with jagged rocks and junipers dotting the landscape. As the trails wind up the numerous canyons, the scenery quickly changes to a moderately thick forest lined with towering pines, firs, and shrubs.

The trails within the network consist of bumpy packed dirt and the occasional rocky patch that will slow most users down. Rock crawling is not the popular feature here; however, overlanders will enjoy the mild challenges as they explore the miles of trails webbing their way around the mountains. Sight-seers will also be fond of the many historic artifacts that this region boasts, from petroglyphs to old buildings and mining machinery.

Rather than driving by this unique region, consider planning a weekend trip to explore the seemingly endless interconnected routes. Whether you are looking for easy single-day trails to historic sites or moderate trails to guide you on an adventure-packed overlanding excursion, there is something here for everyone. Often times, the less explored locations are holding hidden treasures that will surely surprise you!

Top Reasons to Explore Here

Beginner

Camping

Desert

Forest

Ghost Town

Iconic

Overland

Rock

Sand

Scenic

Wash

The Book Cliffs includes trail difficulties ranging from:

EASY

Most Popular Trail Guides

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4.2/5 (4 reviews)

Updated: 01/24/2024

Sego Canyon

Whether passing through on I-70 or exploring the Book Cliff trails, this historic and immersive drive through Sego Canyon will elevate your opinion of this desolate landscape. Starting at 5,500' and ending at 8,500', this easy trail packs a bunch of history and scenery in just over 10 miles. The trail slowly begins to leave the rugged flat desert after a short stop at the Sego Cemetery, where some of the town's residents were laid to rest. Continuing up into the cliffs, you will see signs of an abandoned railroad spur built in 1914 to retrieve coal from the town of Sego. An impressive 13 bridges had to be constructed to crisscross the creek. As you approach the ghost town, you will see the small stone buildings being overtaken by nature, but one structure still stands tall. The American Fuel Company Store was built in 1911 and still has all four walls standing today. The now crumbling town reached its peak in the 1930s when the mine employed 125 miners, and the town had approximately 500 residents. Continuing through a seemingly hypnotizing canyon, you'll have more opportunities to see how the early settlers lived when you stop at the stone and log cabins. The now vertical cliffs become much tighter while precariously balanced rock spires threaten to tumble down at any moment. The vegetation changes dramatically as you switch back to the top, where you enter a dense pine and aspen forest, ripe with memorable camping on the rim.

5/5 (3 reviews)

Updated: 06/08/2024

Thompson Overlook

Take this short but memorable trail to one of the best overlook campsites along the Book Cliffs. Thompson Overlook is accessible by following the scenic Sagers Bench to Waypoint 09 and then driving out to the cliffs. The trail winds its way through the tight brush before emerging right along the cliff's edge. The views are 400+ feet above I-70 and the small community of Thompson Springs. There are numerous small campsites pockmarked along the ridge, each with its own vertigo-inducing views and spectacular sunrises.

5/5 (2 reviews)

Updated: 06/05/2022

Coal Canyon Road

Disappear into the Book Cliffs with this gateway into Utah's most isolated protected wilderness. The Book Cliffs are the longest continuous cliffs on the continent. They loom just out of reach along the highways from Price, Utah, east to Grand Junction, CO. This region has been protected from development for decades and lays claim to being one of the least explored regions in the United States. There are still undocumented cliff dwellings and petroglyphs being found to this day in the Desolation Canyon Wilderness Study Area. The cliff system is comprised of multiple tiers, each acting as a natural barrier to reaching the uninhabited interior. Coal Canyon Road is one of the few roads that quickly transports you to the first tier of these towering cliffs. The trail travels through an ever tighter canyon before rapidly climbing up a narrow ledge to the wilderness area above. Be sure to stop at the petroglyphs to try to interpret what they may mean.

4.5/5 (2 reviews)

Updated: 04/29/2024

Crescent Canyon

Nestled in the foothills of the Book Cliffs is the little-known Crescent Canyon, which travels through and above a very colorful desert landscape. At the base of the ledge road, a towering spire marks the entrance to a region rarely visited by tourists. As you wind your way through the picturesque canyon, you'll be driven to stop along the trail's edge and get out of the vehicle to enjoy the pristine wilderness. The trail climbs up to the first tier of the ominous and expansive Book Cliffs within the Floy Canyon Wilderness Study Area. There are very few visitors or signs of civilization within this seemingly undisturbed part of Utah. Connect this trail with many others that traverse across the cliffs to the east toward Colorado.

4.5/5 (2 reviews)

Updated: 02/17/2024

Horse Canyon Road

Isolation, desolation, and solitude can all describe the Book Cliffs region in eastern Utah. The 230-mile-long Book Cliffs run along the Highways from Price, UT to Grand Junction, CO, calling out to the adventurous traveler. Horse Canyon Road will deliver you to the doorstep of an area very few have ventured. It winds through a scenic canyon before climbing to the first tier along these towering cliffs. Once you're up on top, you'll zigzag along the edge of the Floy Canyon Wilderness Study Area, all while soaking in how pristine the terrain is, seemingly undisturbed by modern man. While linking this trail with others in the area, you will experience addictive isolation.

Recently Added Scout Routes

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4/5 (1 reviews)

Sulphur Road

Utah

Sulphur Road is designated as a "B" road by the Bureau of Land Management and will receive maintenance from time to time. It is a diverse road from its start to its finish, with its southern end being just off I-70 and its northern end reaching the first bench of the Book Cliffs. On the north end it follows a wash and would quickly become impassable when wet. While there are plenty of places to set up camp, nothing is pre-disturbed. It is suitable for any high-clearance vehicle in dry conditions.

4/5 (1 reviews)

BLM 186

Utah

BLM 186 has no official name. The Bureau of Land Management designates it a "B" road, which receives maintenance from time to time. It is suitable for any high-clearance vehicle in dry conditions. It follows along the top contour of the first bench that starts to form the famed Book Cliffs. On the north side of the road are towering cliffs, and on the south side, erosion canyons give a short and quick glimpse of the lowlands and provide a unique experience and contrast compared to the roads that access them. At each end of the road is private ranch land, and while there are several areas to pull over and camp, nothing is pre-disturbed.

3/5 (1 reviews)

Cottonwood Road

Utah

Cottonwood Road lies between the Book Cliffs and I-70. The Bureau of Land Management classifies it as a B road, and it will receive maintenance from time to time, making it suitable for any vehicle during dry conditions. You can drive it in any direction, depending on your chosen routes. Traveling from the south to the north, you will have incredible views of the beginning of the Book Cliffs and cross an area called "The Grassies," which is aptly named with most of the vegetation being high desert grasses and brush. Towards the northern end, Cottonwood trees will come into view, and eventually, the road will intersect at a sheep ranch, which is on private land. While plenty of spots exist to pull over and camp, nothing is pre-disturbed.

3/5 (2 reviews)

Upper Tusher Canyon

Utah

Upper Tusher Canyon is an entirely different experience than rugged lower Tusher Canyon. Your adventure begins in the sandy wash below the towering Book Cliffs, the longest continuous cliffs on the continent. The trail winds through a dense desert vegetation landscape with unique rock formations poking out of the trees. You will climb to over 7500 feet and the border of the Uintah/Ouray Indian Reservation, where a natural spring has created a shady oasis to set up camp. The trail ends at an old drill platform that makes a wonderful group campsite. Individual campsites are under the trees in the tall grass. The trail is well-maintained but can change after a rainstorm. In dry conditions, the trail can be completed in 2WD. The trail follows a canyon. Do not drive the trail in rainy conditions.

4/5 (1 reviews)

Book Cliff Ridge Road

Utah

The Book Cliffs in Central Eastern Utah is a treasure trove of winding dirt roads providing explorers with nearly endless directions to travel. Book Cliff Ridge Road is a 67-mile-long gateway to the southern end of the Book Cliffs, climbing quickly from the valley below to the top ridgeline. Since this trail serves plenty of drilling and oil sites, it is well-maintained and suitable for just about any vehicle in optimal conditions. There are a few great camping opportunities at the top of the eastern climb, with designated sites tucked away in the trees providing plenty of room for 8-plus vehicles and all the passengers you can carry.