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| Home > Utah > Black Dragon ATV Trail |
Black Dragon ATV Trail
Saturday, December 23, 2023
| Other Names | Black Dragon Wash, Sinkhole Flat, Rattlesnake Reservoir, Black Dragon Reservoir, San Rafael River, San Rafael Swell |
| Last Known Status | Open |
This part of the San Rafael Swell offers a unique offroad trail that forms a moderately challenging loop that takes riders though a narrow but scenic canyon. The trail starts off as a typical smooth desert road but as you edge closer toward the canyon the terrain changes and becomes more rugged before turning into a sand wash.
The trail is popular with ATVs and UTVs but is wide enough to accomodate Jeeps. Note that camping is prohibited within the canyon but is permitted outside of the wash. Those looking for a designated campground should try the San Rafael Bridge Campground, which is about 15 miles further north past the main entrance.
The canyon is known for its colorful pictographs. The trail is open year-round but the best time to visit is during the spring or fall months.
REGULATIONS
| Permit Required | Yes | UT OHV Sticker |
| Dates Open | Year-Round | |
| Other ATV Stickers Accepted | No | Non-residents must purchase a non-resident OHV permit. |
| Spark Arrestor | Yes | A spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles. |
| Noise Limit | Yes | |
| Whip Flags | Not Required | |
| Maximum Vehicle Width | No Restriction | |
 Motorcycles & Dirt Bikes | Permitted | |
 ATVs | Permitted | |
 UTV & SXS | Permitted | |
 SUVs & Jeeps (registered) | Permitted | |
| Dune Buggy & Sand Rail 4x4 (unregistered) | Permitted | |
| 2 Stroke Engines | No Restriction | |
| MX Helmet Required | Youth Only | required for persons under 18 by state law (RiderPlanet strongly recommends helmets for all riders.) |
 Camping | Some Areas | not permitted in canyon |
 Campfires | Some Areas | (permitted in developed campsites only) |
| Night Riding | Unknown | |
| Trail Blazing | Prohibited | stay on designated trails |
| Rule Enforcement |
TERRAIN
| Approx Size | 6,400 acres (10 sq mi) | |
| Miles Of Trail | 15 | |
| Climate Type | Desert | |
| Elevation | 5000 to 6150 ft. | |
| Trail Maintenance | Marked, Not Rated, Lightly Maintained | |
| Loose Dirt |  Little | |
| Hard Pack |  Some | |
| Sand |  Mostly | |
| Mud | Little | |
| Dust | Some | |
| Rocks | Some | |
| Trees |  None | |
| Steep Hills |  Few | |
| Water Crossings | Few | seasonal water crossings |
| Small Jumps | None | |
| Large Jumps | None | |
| Berms | None | |
| Sand/Gravel Pits | None | |
| Single Track | None | |
| Roads | Few | |
| Shade | Few | |
| Hazards | Few | (hazards assumed marked but use caution) |
 Novice | Little | |
 Amateur | Mostly | |
 Expert | Some |
TYPE OF AREA
| Area | Motorized Trails |
| Land | BLM |
KEY SERVICES
 Gasoline | 30+ Miles (E) | Chevron (435) 564-3302 |
| Diesel | 30+ Miles (E) | Chevron (435) 564-3302 |
 Water | 30+ Miles (E) | Green River State Park (435) 564-3633 |
 RV Hookup | 30+ Miles (E) | Green River State Park (435) 564-3633 |
 RV Disposal | 30+ Miles (E) | Green River State Park (435) 564-3633 |
| Campground | 5-20 Miles (N) | San Rafael Bridge Campground (435) 636-3600 |
 Conv Store | 30+ Miles (E) | Chevron (435) 564-3302 |
FEES & PASSES
| Parking | (None) |
| Entry | (None) |
| Riding | (None) |
| Camping | Yes Tent: $6.00 RV: $6.00 Addtl. Vehicle: $0.00 San Rafael Bridge Campground Fee |
RATINGS
| Our Rating |  Good |
| Recommended Stay | Full Day |
| Comments | (Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments) |
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
| Nearest City | Green River, UT | ||
| Address | Buckhorn Draw Road, Green River, UT 84525 | ||
| From: Green River, UT
1) Take I-70 West to Exit 131 2) Turn right (north) at the stop sign onto Buckhorn Draw Road, continue 5.7 miles 3) Turn right (east) onto Swaseys Leap Road, continue 1.8 miles 4) Turn left (north-east) onto turnoff for Jackass Benches, continue 2.7 miles toward trailhead. |
OFFICIAL CONTACTS
| Contact Info | BLM - Green River District 170 South 500 East Vernal, UT 84078 (435) 781-4400 utvnmail@blm.gov www.blm.gov |
Black Dragon ATV Trail Photo
Photo Submitted 4/27/2017 (Thanks!)
Black Dragon ATV Trail Photo
Photo Submitted 4/28/2017 (Thanks!)
Black Dragon ATV Trail Photo
Photo Submitted 4/28/2017 (Thanks!)
Black Dragon ATV Trail Photo
Photo Submitted 4/28/2017 (Thanks!)
RIDER COMMENTS & REVIEWS