Paiute ATV Trail
275 miles of mountain ridges and forest roads.
At 11,200 feet, the Paiute ATV Trail runs the spine of Utah’s Fishlake National Forest like a dirt highway through the clouds. This 275-mile loop connects nine mountain towns across high ridgelines where aspen groves stretch to the horizon and cell towers become a distant memory. What started as a mining and logging route in the early 1900s is now the longest marked ATV trail system in the United States, threading through country that most Utahns have never seen.
The trail demands nothing more than a stock high-clearance vehicle and a sense of direction, making it accessible to anyone with decent ground clearance and the patience for 3-5 days of steady dirt road cruising. You’ll climb 6,200 feet of total elevation gain through ponderosa pine, aspen, and high-elevation spruce forests, crossing multiple mountain passes and skirting the edges of wilderness areas where the Forest Service has kept the dozers at bay. The route stays on established forest roads and ATV trails—no rock crawling, no technical obstacles, just mile after mile of well-maintained dirt that can handle everything from a Subaru Outback to a full-size pickup. Dispersed camping is allowed throughout the forest, and you’ll find established sites every few miles along the ridgelines.
June through September offers the only reliable access, as snow blocks the high passes well into late spring and returns early in the fall. A permit is required from the Fishlake National Forest, and fuel stops are critical—plan your resupply carefully in the mountain towns along the route, as some stretches run 60-plus miles between services. Cell service disappears for long stretches, making this one of the few places in Utah where you can still get properly lost. The trail passes through Richfield, Beaver, and several smaller communities, each offering a chance to resupply and hear local stories about the old mining camps scattered throughout these mountains.
This isn’t a trail for adrenaline junkies or rock crawlers—it’s for drivers who want to cover serious ground through some of Utah’s most overlooked high country. You’ll spend days threading through forests that feel more like Colorado than the desert Utah most people know, camping on ridgelines with views that stretch across three states. It’s a trail that rewards steady progress over technical skill, offering the rare chance to cross an entire mountain range on dirt roads without ever dropping below the treeline.
Q: What type of vehicle do I need for the Paiute ATV Trail?
A: Any stock vehicle with high ground clearance can complete the Paiute ATV Trail, including Subaru Outbacks, pickup trucks, and SUVs.
Q: How long does it take to complete the full 275-mile loop?
A: Most drivers complete the Paiute ATV Trail in 3-5 days, depending on how much time they spend exploring side trails and camping.
Q: When is the best time to drive the Paiute ATV Trail?
A: The trail is accessible from June through September, as snow blocks the high mountain passes outside this window.
Q: Do I need a permit for the Paiute ATV Trail?
A: Yes, a permit is required from the Fishlake National Forest before accessing the trail system.
Q: Where can I camp along the Paiute ATV Trail?
A: Dispersed camping is allowed throughout the Fishlake National Forest, with established sites available every few miles along the ridgelines.
Q: How reliable is cell phone service on the trail?
A: Cell service is spotty throughout most of the trail, with long stretches offering no connectivity at all.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 275 mi / 443 km |
| Duration | 3-5 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 11200 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Richfield, UT |
| Land manager | Fishlake National Forest |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner run the full Paiute ATV Trail without modifications?
Yes. The trail is rated easy and designed for stock high-clearance vehicles. A bone-stock Tacoma, 4Runner, or similar rig handles it fine — just watch for occasional rocky two-track sections near ridgelines.
When does the trail actually open each year, and can you run it in late May?
The trail is typically accessible June through September. Snow lingers on the higher ridge sections past 10,000 feet well into late May — hitting it early risks impassable drifts and muddy forest roads that'll chew up soft ground.
Do you need a permit to drive the Paiute ATV Trail, and is there a fee?
A permit is required. You can grab the Paiute ATV Trail permit through the managing towns and vendors along the route — it's a low-cost trail pass that helps fund maintenance. Check the official Fishlake National Forest site for current pricing and purchase points before you leave.
What's the hardest section of the trail and what should I actually expect there?
The most demanding stretches are the exposed ridgeline runs above 11,000 feet — not technical, but the thin air, narrow two-track, and sudden afternoon thunderstorms are the real challenge. Get those sections done in the morning before storms roll in around midday.
How do you handle fuel over 275 miles — are there gas stops along the route?
The trail connects nine small Utah towns (including Richfield, Marysvale, and Beaver), so fuel is available if you plan your stops. That said, don't count on every town having a station — top off whenever you can and carry a spare jerry can if your rig has a small tank.
Trail track
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