Region

The Uinta Mountains

Utah

Offroad Trails in The Uinta Mountains

A Region within Utah

3.7/5 (98)

Tucked up in the Northeast corner of Utah is a mountain range that reaches breathtaking heights. The Uinta Mountains aren’t just a picturesque snow-covered range that can be viewed from afar. This mountain range is scattered with offroad trails, making it accessible to all.

The region is home to peaks ranging from 11,000 feet all the way up to 13,500 feet above sea level, making it the highest mountain range in all of Utah. The Uinta Mountains are lush with alpine forests including pine, spruce, cottonwood and maple trees. The forests are contrasted by beautiful fields of mountain flowers such as lupine, poppy and primrose. Feeding all the plant life are boundless lakes and streams waiting to be fished or kayaked.

Nature this pristine sounds too good to be true. But with a vast offroad trail system consisting of easy to moderate trails, the Uinta Mountains are accessible to almost any high-clearance 4wd vehicle. The trail system can make for a great weekend getaway or can be strung together to create a full week of adventure and exploration.

The Uinta Mountains are known for their incredible dispersed camping options. Find your own epic campsite in the middle of a dense pine forest, next to a flowing creek, or overlooking a serene alpine lake. For those who prefer a few amenities to make their off-the-grid weekend more comfortable, there are also improved campgrounds. These typically have room for trailers and include potable water, fire rings, picnic tables, and bathrooms.

Top Reasons to Explore Here

Altitude

Beginner

Camping

Forest

Scenic

Water

The Uinta Mountains includes trail difficulties ranging from:

EASY

MODERATE

Most Popular Trail Guides

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4.3/5 (15 reviews)

Updated: 07/04/2024

Norway Flat

A gem of the beehive state, the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest is home to thousands of miles of forest roads and endless camping, fishing, and many other recreational activities. The Norway Flats area, just 10 miles from town, is an excellent intro to the vast wilderness of these mountains. Norway Flat is an easy trail leading you to numerous great camping spots and small lakes where you could take the kayak out and enjoy the peace and quiet. Because there are no developed campsites along this trail directly, and the small size of the lakes, this trail doesn't see as much action as others in the area, making it a great trail to escape the crowds and enjoy the cool mountain air.

3.6/5 (13 reviews)

Updated: 07/13/2024

Murdock Basin Road

The Uinta Mountains in northeastern Utah are home to over one thousand lakes, hundreds of miles of streams, and endless camping opportunities. This gem of an area lies just over an hour from Salt Lake and has services nearby to supply your adventure whether it is just a day or extended out for a week. While only accessible for a few months out of the year, there is more than enough land for everyone to spread out and enjoy. Even on the busy weekends, you can find yourself some peace and quiet. If you have never visited the Uinta Mountains, be sure to add it to your bucket list and get out on one of the hundreds of forest roads webbing throughout the land.

4.3/5 (10 reviews)

Updated: 07/13/2024

Alexander 5

The Uinta mountain range is home to loads of activities for just about any level of adventurer. Whether you are up for land activities such as hiking, rock climbing, or off-roading, or you would rather dip your feet in the water, fish, or paddleboard, you can find it just over an hour away from Salt Lake City. The Alexander Lake area of the Uinta's gives you access to all of that. Alexander 5 is one of those trails giving you direct access to Alexander Lake. There is plenty of parking at the end, making it perfect for towing down the kayaks and staying a while! There is also some decent camping near the end, but will likely be busy with other lake traffic. Alexander 6 makes for a perfect trail if you are up for exploring the lake and wanting to get a little more gravel under your tires.

4.2/5 (10 reviews)

Updated: 06/22/2024

Iron Mine Lake

Just over an hour away from Salt Lake City lies a playground. This playground offers over 2.1 million acres with any outdoor sporting activity you can imagine. The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest is quite the wonderland. This particular region lies just outside of Kamas, Utah, and is open to all kinds of recreation from backpacking to fishing, to just about anything with a motor. Not far from the mouth of the canyon is the Soapstone Basin. This region runs right along the Lower Provo River and provides access to many streams, lakes, trails, and camping opportunities. Iron Mine Lake trail is one that provides it all. Be sure to bring a fishing pole if you plan on stopping at the lake, and your hiking boots if you enjoy a nice walk. Iron Mine Mountain is the second highest peak in this region of the Uintas!

4.5/5 (9 reviews)

Updated: 06/15/2024

Alexander 1

Along the popular Mirror Lake Highway in the Uinta Mountains, you will find endless opportunities for weekend recreation. Alexander Lake is among those popular areas providing all kinds of fun for the family. The area south of the lake has numerous routes to take. Alexander 1 is a fun little trail, leading you near the lake, and also providing some great camping opportunities at the end. You will likely hear the life around the lake, as it is popular for camping, but the sites are quite nice for small to medium-sized groups, with a short walk to the lake.

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3/5 (7 reviews)

Iron Mine Dispersed

Utah

Iron Mine Dispersed Camping #1 is a dedicated camp spur off of its big brother Iron Mine Lake trail. This trail is well-maintained and very popular with all users in the summer months. Any high clearance vehicle can travel this short spur. The camping offered at the end of the trail has no amenities, but it is a great setting among the trees. You will need to pack your gear a short distance from the end of the trail to your campsite.

3.2/5 (9 reviews)

Norway S13

Utah

Norway S13 is a great little spur off of Norway Flat. It resides within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest which is home to thousands of miles of forest roads, along with endless camping, fishing, and many other recreational activities. S13 takes you to a great campsite on a small lake that would be a fantastic spot to kayak or paddleboard. The trail is not challenging and is suitable for any high clearance vehicle. Be sure to check this one out if you are in the area!

3/5 (2 reviews)

Iron Mine Camp Spur

Utah

Iron Mine Camp Spur gives you a great place to base camp while also providing a small pond to toss in the line and relax. This trail is not technical at all, but ruts are beginning to develop, causing a bumpy ride. You will likely have a little seclusion compared to other trails nearby as well. Dispersed camping is available at the end of the trail. There is not much level ground, but it would be good for vehicles with rooftop tents. 3-4 vehicles would fit comfortably.

5/5 (2 reviews)

Mill City Road

Utah

This point-to-point route starts at the intersection with Whitney Road and dead ends about a half mile past the intersection with Gold Hill Pass Road. It is a relatively flat and easy drive that has numerous camping options, including some areas for large groups and RVs. If you plan on parking and using any recreation facility, don't forget that day-use permits are required and available at any of the many self-service permit areas along the Mirror Lake Highway.

5/5 (2 reviews)

Gold Hill Pass

Utah

A beautiful forest road that goes up and over Gold Hill and drops back down to Whitney Reservoir. It has deeply rutted and steep climbs, semi-shelf sections, rocky areas, and narrow areas with fallen trees. It is slow going, but the views over the pass are amazing and worth it. There aren't any camping areas directly on this route until you reach the bottom by Whitney Reservoir, but side roads offer options before the reservoir.