Utah is arguably one of the most beautiful states in America and one of the best 4×4 destinations. The beehive state is in fact so well known for it’s slick rock trails that there is a Jeep Edition named for the city of Moab. The state features five of the Great National Parks including Zion, Bryce, Capital Reef, Canyonlands and Arches all of which are located in the southern section of the state and part of the Colorado River System. Utah 4×4 trails are some of the best in the world and offer amazing scenery, wild life, and history makes Utah one of the absolute best places to take your 4×4.
Utah History
The state has a deep and rich history, starting with the Native American Ute Tribes, Spanish explorers in the 1540’s, and the Mormon expansion in the 1800’s when they traveled west and settled the area seeking religious freedom.
Robert LeRoy Parker AKA Butch Cassidy was born in Beaver Utah lived in Utah prior to joining the infamous “Wild bunch”.
The state of Utah offers a lot to the back-county and expedition traveler. Stunning view, history, 4×4 trails, slick rock, lakes, rivers and slot canyons offer the best outdoor experience there can be found. But this is just my opinion.
The entire southern half of Utah could be designated a National park. The layers of sedimentary Red Rock are exposed by water erosion. The Colorado River and its tributary’s slowly carve the landscape over the eons. The southern section of the state features: Zion National Park, Bryce National Park, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park and Capital Reef National Park. Known as the “Mighty Five”, any one of these parks deserve a two week trip to really appreciate all they have to offer.
Utah 4×4 Destinations and Trailmap
Utah Trails
 Cathedral ValleyLocated in Capital Reef National Park, the Cathedral Valley District of Capitol Reef National Park is open all year and the perfect spot for the… |
 Hole in the RockRecognized on the National Register of Historic Places, the Hole in the Rock trail is an old Mormon trail in Utah that was used to establish colonies… |
 Shafer TrailAn old cattle trail, the Shafer trail which will test your nerve, as you descend down into the canyons of Canyonlands National Park. This trail… |
 Valley of the GodsValley of the Gods is a beautiful sandstone valley and located in the South East corner of Utah near Mexican Hat. alley of the Gods… |
 White Rim TrailThe White Rim Trail is Canyonlands National Park is a 100 mile back country 4x4 trail that follows an strata of white lime stone along… |
Utah Campgrounds
 Goblin Valley UtahGoblin Valley is located in Utah is a state park and campground which is adjacent to eroded flood plain. Formed by water, time and a… |
Utah Birds
 Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus)A member of the cuckoo family, the long legged Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) is an icon of the desert southwest in part to the artistic… |
 Raven ( Corvus corax )The Raven ( Corvus corax ) is one of eight subspecies of Ravens distributed throughout the world. Also known as western or northern raven, this large black… |
 Stellars Jay ( Cyanocitta stelleri )The Stellars Jay ( Cyanocitta stelleri ) is a common character found in the forests of the western half of the United States. The bird… |
Utah Mammals
 Black Tailed Jackrabbit ( Lepus californicus )Black Tailed Jackrabbit enjoying the shade of a Joshua Tree. The Black Tailed Jackrabbit (Lepus californicus) commonly known as the American Desert Hare makes its… |
 Coyote (Canis latrans)Coyote (Canis latrans) enduring a snow storm in Joshua Tree National Park - Photo by James L Rathbun A symbol of the American Southwest, the… |
 Mustang (Equus ferus caballus)A lone mustang is the symbol of wild, power and freedom Left behind by Spanish explorers and settlers, the Mustang ( Equus ferus caballus )… |
 Pronghorn ( Antilocapra americana )Commonly known as an antelope, the Pronghorn is an even toed or hoofed mammal found in the plains of the western United States of America. |
Utah Wild Flowers
 Arizona Thistle ( Cirsium arizonicum )Arizona Thistle ( Cirsium arizonicum ) is a member of the sunflower family and common across the south west. The thistle has a two year… |
 California Poppy ( Eschscholzia californica )The California Poppy the state flower of California. As the name implies, the California Poppy is that state flower of California. However, this little flower… |
 Coyote Melon (Cucurbita palmata)Coyote Melon (Cucurbita palmata) Coyote Melon (Cucurbita palmata), also known as Coyote Gourd, is a flowering plant common in the desert southwest and known to… |
 Desert Marigolds (Baileya multiradiata)Desert Marigolds photographed near the Old Mojave Road. Desert Marigolds (Baileya multiradiata) are an abundant and well distributed flower across the desert south west. The… |
 Fremont’s Phacelia (Phacelia fremontii)Fremont's Phacelia (Phacelia fremontii) is a small delicate looking flowering plant commonly commonly found in the southwestern United States including Nevada, Arizona and California. The… |
 Globemallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua)Globemallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua) The Globemallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua) is a perennial herb and orange wildflower which is commonly found in Nevada, California, Utah and Arizona. This… |
 Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja miniata)The Giant Red Indian Paintbrush or Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja miniata) is a wildflower and perennial which is quite common in the western United States, including… |
 Mojave-aster ( Xylorhiza tortifolia )Mojave-aster ( Xylorhiza tortifolia ) A member of the sunflower family, the Mojave-aster ( Xylorhiza tortifolia ) boasts a delicate lavender flower in the harsh… |
 Notch-leaved phacelia ( phacelia crenulata )Notch-leaved phacelia ( phacelia crenulata ) is a lovely little purple wild flower which grows across the desert southwest from California to Texas. The plant… |
 Palmers Penstemon ( penstemon palmeri )In the spring on 2020 I was photographing along the Morning Star Mine Road, we happened upon Palmers Penstemon ( penstemon palmeri ). This species… |
 Spreading Phlox ( Phlox diffusa )Spreading Phlox ( Phlox diffusa ) is a perennial shrub with small needle like leaves. This is a small white flowering plant prefers alpine, sub-alpine… |
 Western Wallflower (Erysimum capitatium)A member of the mustard family, the Western Wallflower ( Erysimum capitatium ) is a brightly colored yellow flower which is quite common across the… |
Utah Points of Interest
 Fay Nevada – Lincoln County Ghost TownFay Nevada is a ghost town and gold mining camp located in Lincoln County Nevada near the border with western Utah. The townsite is located… |
Goblin Valley UtahGoblin Valley is located in Utah is a state park and campground which is adjacent to eroded flood plain. Formed by water, time and a… |
Hole in the RockRecognized on the National Register of Historic Places, the Hole in the Rock trail is an old Mormon trail in Utah that was used to establish colonies… |
 Lower Antelope CanyonLower Antelope Canyon one of two slot canyons located off the highway 98 just outside of Page, Arizona near the Utah border. Entering Lower Antelope… |
 Upper Antelope CanyonLocated just outside of Page, Arizona Upper Antelope Canyon is arguably the best known slot canyon on the planet, yet few people will know its name… |
Valley of the GodsValley of the Gods is a beautiful sandstone valley and located in the South East corner of Utah near Mexican Hat. alley of the Gods… |