Dixie National Forest · Hundreds of Miles of Routes
OHV Trails Near
OHV Trails Near
Bryce Canyon & Zion
The forests and canyons surrounding Starlit Ridge offer some of the best OHV riding in southern Utah — from gentle forest roads on your doorstep to challenging canyon terrain and world-class sand dunes.
ATV & UTV Trails
Multiple entry points near the property
The Dixie National Forest surrounding Long Valley Junction is laced with forest roads and OHV routes. The area's elevation keeps summer temperatures cool and the terrain varied — from open meadows and dense pine forest to rocky ridge lines and canyon edges.
Dixie National Forest Roads
Hundreds of miles of maintained forest roads and OHV routes directly accessible from Long Valley. Gentle grades, dense pine scenery, and virtually no traffic — perfect for newer riders or a relaxed family UTV cruise through the national forest.
Dixie National Forest
Duck Creek OHV Routes
A network of OHV routes winding through the national forest around Duck Creek Village. Mix of open meadow runs and forested singletrack-style roads. Stop in the village mid-ride for fuel, ice cream, or lunch at one of the local spots.
OHV Staging Area
Asay Bench Loop (#49)
If you want a break from highway-style forest roads, this loop winds through thick ponderosa pines and open meadows just north of the Junction. A classic Dixie National Forest cruise — gentle, scenic, and usually full of deer or elk in the early morning. Great first ride of the trip.
Wildlife on the Trails
🍓 Strawberry Ridge & Loop Best Sunset Ride
Arguably the best bang-for-your-buck view in the immediate area. Trail FS 058 runs along a high ridge with a stunning overlook of the Pink Cliffs — the same dramatic formation that makes up Bryce Canyon. The golden hour light on the cliffs is unreal. Do this one at sunset.
🏔️ Stout Ridge (#7)
Stretches over 11 miles heading south from Hwy 14 near the eastern edge of the Cedar City Ranger District, connecting the highway to the southern boundary of the national forest. A shelf road with big panoramic views — 360 degrees of surrounding mountains and valleys with no technical difficulty. Great for riders wanting scenery over challenge.
Side-by-Side in the Forest
🏜️ Proctor Canyon
Trail FS 30109 connects the high plateau down to the town of Hatch through spectacular red sandstone cliff scenery. A bit more rugged than the standard forest roads but the views as you descend are worth it. A fun way to "ride to lunch" — park in Hatch, eat, and ride back up.
Mammoth Cave Area Trails
Forest roads weave around the ancient lava tube area, combining geological curiosity with great riding terrain. Combine a morning on the trails with a walk through the Mammoth Cave lava tubes for a full day — kids love the caves.
🔴 Casto Canyon Top 10 in the US
Frequently ranked in the Top 10 OHV trails in the US — you ride directly through red rock hoodoos and spires in Red Canyon near Panguitch. It genuinely feels like riding through the middle of Bryce Canyon. Note: 50" width restriction applies in some sections. Worth trailering up for the day.
🍖 Coral Pink Sand Dunes
A Utah State Park with a designated OHV riding area on stunning coral-colored sand dunes — one of the most unique and photogenic riding experiences in the Southwest. Open year-round with on-site rentals available. Kids absolutely love it. Plan a half-day and stay for sunset.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes
Markagunt Plateau Loop (#1)
The longest route on the Cedar City Ranger District at almost 82 miles — a massive all-day or multi-day epic. Travels south through Bear Valley and Horse Valley, then along the shores of Panguitch Lake through some of the most varied terrain in the Dixie National Forest. Best for experienced riders with full fuel loads and a plan.
Sandy–Caddy Creek Loop (#2)
Located on the northern portion of the Cedar City Ranger District, this 22+ mile loop sees very few visitors — a genuine backcountry escape. Less trafficked than other Markagunt routes, making it ideal for riders looking for solitude over spectacle. Good for a full day out with the right fuel range.
Birch Spring–Pass Creek Loop (#3)
Just under 20 miles through lower-elevation terrain — a nice change of pace from the high-altitude pine forest. Mixes ponderosa, juniper, and sagebrush landscape, making it a great option earlier or later in the season when upper routes may still have snow. Good scenic variety for a half-day ride.
Tommy Creek Loop (#4)
Just under 17 miles of spectacular scenery starting from the Mammoth Creek Highway heading east. The primary trail ties into some outstanding terrain with great elevation variation. One of the more rewarding mid-length loops on the district — enough distance to feel like a real adventure without needing a full day.
🍓 Strawberry Loop (#5)
Starts near Aspen Mirror Lake just north of Hwy 14 — practically from the doorstep. Heads south crossing Hwy 14, passes the Duck Creek Visitor Center, then swings by the Ice Cave before dropping into Strawberry Valley and looping back. Spur trails hit Cascade Falls and Duck Creek Village. Outstanding overlooks of Deep Creek and the Zion Canyon area along the way.
Harris Rim Loop (#6)
A 14-mile loop in a remote area with minimal traffic — some of the best quiet riding on the district. Multiple loop options within the trail system and outstanding rim vistas that make the distance worth it. If solitude and big views are the goal, this one delivers both without the crowds of more popular routes.
Peek-a-Boo Canyon Area
Access the famous Peek-a-Boo slot canyon near Kanab via dirt roads that twist through surreal red rock walls and open desert. Combine an OHV day with a slot canyon hike — the canyon itself is a short walk from where you park. An unforgettable combo day trip from Starlit Ridge.
Safety Tips & Permits
Know before you go
Helmets Required
Utah law requires helmets for all OHV operators and passengers under 18. Protective gear is strongly recommended for all ages on all terrain.
Stay on Designated Routes
Only ride on roads and trails designated for OHV use. Off-trail riding damages fragile desert soils and carries heavy fines in national forest areas.
Carry Water & a First Aid Kit
Cell service is limited in the national forest. Always carry at least 2 liters of water per person, a basic first aid kit, and a paper map or offline GPS route.
Fire Season Awareness
During high fire danger periods (typically July–September), spark arrestors are required on all OHVs. Check current fire restrictions with the Dixie National Forest before riding.
Check Current Conditions
OHV trail access can change due to fire closures, seasonal restrictions, and weather. Always check with the Cedar City Ranger District before heading out: 🌐 fs.usda.gov/dixie
Rental Options
No machine? No problem
Several rental operators serve the southern Utah OHV corridor. Most require a valid driver's license, a damage deposit, and a safety briefing before heading out.
Kanab Area Rentals
ATV and UTV rentals available in Kanab (~41 mi). Multiple operators offer half-day and full-day packages with guided and self-guided options.
Cedar City Outfitters
Larger rental operations near Cedar City (~40 mi via UT-14) with a wide range of machines including side-by-sides, ATVs, and dirt bikes.
Duck Creek Side-by-Side Rentals
Side-by-side UTV rentals right in Duck Creek Village (~12.5 mi) — closest option to Starlit Ridge with fuel and food nearby.
Ask Your Host
Message your Jerny Destinations host for the most current local rental recommendations and trail condition updates.
Ready to Ride?
Book Your Off-Road Basecamp
Starlit Ridge puts you at the trailhead for some of the best OHV riding in southern Utah. Book direct for the best rate.
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