ATV Adventures: Blue sky and red rocks at the San Juan ATV Safari
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- Negotiating the beautiful red rocks at the San Juan ATV Safari
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- Winding through red rock country at the San Juan ATV Safari
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- Riding through the Blue Mountain forests on the San Juan ATV Safari
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- On the edge overlooking the Verdure Creek on the San Juan ATV Safari
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- Riding on the edge of the Dark Canyon Wilderness at the San Juan ATV Safari
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- Lynn Blamires
Southeastern Utah’s combination of blue mountains and red rocks is a great place for an OHV jamboree. For the last 21 years, San Juan County has showcased the amazing country San Juan County has to offer in staging ATV jamborees. This year, the county will host the 22nd San Juan ATV Safari. It will be no less spectacular than the other 21 jamborees.
The late Doug Miller, who hosted Utah Outdoors, loved this section of Utah. About this jamboree, he said: “The San Juan ATV Safari is a ride destined to be one of Utah’s best OHV trail networks. It combines 18 mapped and marked trails that offer a contrast between rides through the middle of this red rock beauty to a ride through dark timber on a trail that towers to over 11,000 feet. Most of the trails are true, two-track trails that are too narrow for a truck and SUV. This is trail riding at its finest amid some of Utah’s most spectacular country.”
The dates have been set for Sept. 18-21. Registration is open and limited to the first 350 riders. The host city changes each year between Blanding and Monticello. This year it is Blanding.
Fees are $135 per rider whether you ride or drive, including a night ride on the day you register (Children under age 9 are $50). Riders will leave Blanding or Monticello depending on where they have accommodations and meet at the Blue Mountain Guest Ranch for dinner. This is a highlight of the jamboree and it happens on opening day. Riders get to mingle with fellow participants and then light up the night with their bling on the way back.
Also included in the registration are three days of guided rides on 18 different trails, an ending banquet, a chance to win some great prizes and a jamboree sweatshirt. Registration information, the itinerary and details on each of the 18 different trail rides are found at https://www.sanjuanatvsafari.com.
Going over these trail descriptions will give you an idea of what Miller was so excited about. Some of them require traveling to the trailhead and some have width restrictions. These are some of the trails from which you can choose:
#1 – Bridger Jack: On the way to the trailhead, there is a stop at Newspaper Rock. This is one of the most famous petroglyphs in Utah. From the trailhead, the trail travels through amazing red rock country with spectacular scenic views of North Cottonwood, Lavender Canyon, Salt Creek, Stevens Canyon and the Six Shooters. You will ride to the Salt Creek Overlook, where you can see multiple arches and scenic wonders. There are also archaeological sites along this trail. Rated “moderate,” this trail is 38 miles long
#3 – Hook and Ladder: The Hook & Ladder trail is a maze of trails with unprecedented views of the La Sal Mountains and the backside of Wilson Arch. There are indescribable views of red rock fins, canyons and overlooks. It has a “difficult” rating for some steep slick rock sections, but assistance will be provided. Short-wheel-base ATVs will find sections of this trail more difficult than the long-wheel-base UTVs. This is one of the most popular trails in San Juan County. The ride is 40 miles long.
#10 – River House Ruin: This trail was part of the Hole in The Rock Trail. Along this ride, you will see the remains of the historic Barton Trading Post, San Juan Hill, Navajo Spring, Native Rock Art and the magnificent River House Ruin. It has a rating of easy. Riders will meet at the old Bluff Fort before driving to the trailhead. This fort played an important part in San Juan County’s history. Rated “easy,” the ride is 15 miles long.
#17 – Elk Ridge: This trail leaves South Cottonwood Canyon and travels through Whiskers Draw to Elk Ridge. From there, the trail crosses the spectacular North Notch that separates Dark Canyon and North Notch Canyon. Once through the notch, a stop at North Notch Spring will be made before returning to South Cottonwood Canyon. This steep trail travels through a large, magnificent stand of ponderosa pine. It goes from the desert to the high country and back. It’s a longer ride but packed with scenic views, archaeological sites and historical mining sites. This trail has an “easy” rating and is 63 miles long.
When you go, take plenty of water, keep the rubber side down and I will see you at the San Juan ATV Safari.
Contact Lynn R. Blamires at quadmanone@gmail.com.
