Paiute ATV Trail

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.