Where is Mineral Bottom Trail?
Usa, north-america
23.49 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through southeastern Utah, just outside Canyonlands National Park, no permits needed, baby! You're on the Mineral Bottom Trail (aka Horse Thief Trail), a 14.6-mile dirt track that's your ticket from UT-313 to the White Rim Trail.
This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. BLM129 starts as a wide county road, but quickly plunges down into the Green River valley via some seriously epic switchbacks. Seriously, these switchbacks can be intimidating! We're talking steep sections, up to 21% grade, right on the edge.
High-clearance 2WD can handle it when it's dry, but 4WD is recommended because the surface is uneven. But, pro tip: avoid this road like the plague if it's wet! Those switchbacks get slick, and trust me, you don't want to slide off the edge. If it rains while you're down by the river, just chill for a couple of hours and let the road dry out.
You can tackle this trail year-round, but avoid midday in July and August—it gets HOT! Plus, those summer thunderstorms roll in. Pack all the water you'll need and get ready for some incredible views of the surrounding area and mountains. Just be prepared for a wild ride!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 23.49 km
- Difficulty
- hard
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