Smoky Mountain Road

Have you ever wondered how a trail gets its name? Well, there is no mystery behind the naming of this trail. Smoky Mountain is aptly named due to the incredible active coal seam vents at the top of the trail, which have been burning for at least the last hundred thousand years or more! This trail is situated in the Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument just north of Lake Powell. While not the most challenging trail in the area, this trail will take you on an epic, remote adventure through some of the most beautiful parts of Southern Utah. Once your tires hit the dirt, you will quickly start gaining elevation up to the top of Smoky Mountain. Turn after turn, majestic views of the surrounding desert plateaus will begin to appear. Take in the views, and take your time, as the shelf roads and steep walls may incite anxiety. At the top of the plateau on the short Coal Fires Road are the famous coal seam vents, which are not to be missed. A truly epic and unique experience, you can drive to these geological features. The smell of the burning coal and the glowing of the amber and mustard yellow residue along the walls of the coal seams provide an experience in itself. Overlanders can find ample camping along the way to soak in this amazing landscape and create memories that can be shared for years to come.