House Range Road
High desert crossing through fossil country
The House Range Road cuts across some of Utah’s most desolate and fascinating high desert, connecting the Confusion Range to the Drum Mountains through country that sees maybe a dozen vehicles per week. This BLM route passes through trilobite fossil beds near Antelope Springs, skirts the abandoned mining camp of Swasey, and offers views of Notch Peak’s limestone cliffs—some of the most dramatic vertical relief in the state. The road itself is mostly graded dirt, but washouts and cattle guards keep things interesting, especially where it drops into Tule Valley.
Any decent high-clearance vehicle can handle this route, though 4WD helps in wet weather when the desert clay turns to axle-deep gumbo. Spring brings wildflowers and bearable temps, while summer heat can be brutal with no shade for 50+ miles. Fall offers the best conditions but hunting season means sharing camp with rifle hunters. No permits needed, but bring everything—fuel, water, food, and repair supplies. What you get is genuine Utah backcountry where cell service is a myth and the night sky still looks like it did to the pioneers.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 65 mi / 104.6 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 7800 ft |
| Best season | April-June, September-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD, 4WD preferred |
| Nearest town | Delta, Utah |
| Land manager | Bureau of Land Management |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma handle House Range Road or do I need a lift?
Stock high-clearance 2WD can make it through, but 4WD is preferred for the rougher sections and washouts. Decent ground clearance is more important than a lift kit.
Is House Range Road passable in winter?
No, the road is typically snowed in from November through March at higher elevations. Best access is April-June and September-October when weather is stable.
Do I need any permits to drive House Range Road?
No permits required for driving or dispersed camping on BLM land. Just follow Leave No Trace principles and camp 200 feet from water sources.
What's the gnarliest part of the 65-mile route?
The steepest climbs and rockiest sections are on the western approach up into the range. Expect loose rock, washouts, and some narrow shelf road sections.
How much fuel range do I need for House Range Road?
Pack at least 150-200 miles of fuel range since the nearest gas is in Delta, Utah. The 65-mile trail plus detours to fossil sites and getting back to civilization adds up quick.