Butch Cassidy OHV Trail
What do train robbers and dinosaurs have in common? They love hiding in the rocks near Vernal, Utah. You can make like a bandit and join them (posthumously, of course) on the Butch Cassidy OHV trail.
Overview
Watch this guided tour of Butch Cassidy OHV Trail!
Street legal machines can directly access the trailhead. Trailer machines can be unloaded in the parking area.
This is a more difficult trail where 4-wheel drive is required. Side by sides are the recommended vehicle type.
Trail Overview
The Butch Cassidy trail makes a full loop if you take in Asphalt Ridge. There are some steep pitches along the way, making it moderately difficult. From the highest lookout points, you’ll get a clear view of downtown Vernal and Marsh Peak. Perfect for spotting a posse, as well. Plan about four hours to complete the 20-mile trail.
On your ride you’ll see some unique terrain, from layered rock formations to bubbling tar sands. It’s a slightly off-camber road made up of dirt and cobble rock. Not too slick, but you’ll need to pay attention. Most of the loop is moderate, although the Asphalt Ridge portion is for advanced riders. There are a few cracks (great hideout, remember!) you can attempt, if you're craving a bigger challenge. Bring a buddy and winch, in case you get in too deep.
Try this Uintah County off-roading trail in the evening, providing you have proper lighting. The ups and downs feel like you’re on a roller coaster. Screams are optional — 4WD is not. Side-by-sides are recommended for this one. Ah, just like Butch and Sundance.
Interactive Trail Map
Click on the icon for each of the obstacles.
Trail Details
Timestamps from video
Butch Cassidy Trailhead - Ride like an outlaw on the Butch Cassidy OHV Trail. This trail is rated a 7 on the difficulty scale. We recommend riding a side-by-side or something with 4 wheel drive. Check out this video for more info.
The Waterfall - Obstacle 1 - A steep drop off that will put your traction to the test. Check out this video for more info.
The Pinball - Obstacle 2 - Wide vehicles may lose some paint if this obstacle isn't approached carefully. Check out this video for some help.
The Spine - This ridge will carry you up and out of the canyon. You'll see several good viewpoints from here!
McCoy Flats Corral - McCoy Flats is a great place to use the restroom and take a break. It also the trailhead to great mountain biking!
The Survey Tower - Get a view of vernal from the old survey tower.
Accessible By:
- Jeeps and 4x4s
- UTVs
- ATVs
- Dirt bikes
Distance: 20 miles
Time to Ride: 4 hours
Downloadable Map Here:
What to Bring
- Plenty of drinking water
- Off-road GPS
- Downloaded map of area
- Sunscreen
- Snacks
- Cell phone (and charger)
How to Get There
From downtown Vernal, head south toward U.S. Highway 40, then along 1500 East. The trailhead begins on Devils Hole road, on the west side of the highway.
Nearby Rentals
Do you need a side-by-side? Jeep? ATV? All types of OHVs are available to rent by the hour or day. Ask for recommendations based on the trail you’ll be navigating.
Nearby Places to Stay
Get an early start by staying just minutes from the trailhead.
Camping
Lodging
Nearby Events
Vernal hosts a hot air balloon festival in August, aptly named Dino Soar Days. Events include a Dino Dash down Main Street, free concerts, food trucks and a car show. And, of course, balloons. Big, beautiful, billowy balloons. Bodacious.
Unwind at the Outlaw Trail Theater in Vernal, Utah. Touting entertainment under the stars, the amphitheater hosts Broadway shows throughout the summer. Check the schedule for the current production.
TRAVEL BUREAU INFORMATION
VISIT DINOSAURLAND
152 E. 100 N.
Vernal, UT 84078
800-477-5558
Visit website
Click here for more OHV trails in this area.

Seasonal
-
All Year:
Suitable For
-
Couples:
-
Families:
-
Friends:
-
Large Groups:
Accessible By
-
Dirt Bike:
-
ATV:
-
SxS (Side by Side):
-
High-Clearance 4x4 (Jeep):
Best Seasons to Ride
-
Spring:
-
Summer:
-
Fall:
-
Winter:
-
Year-round:
OHV Trail Difficulty
-
More Difficult:
Route Type
-
Loop:
Services & Nearby Facilities
-
Restrooms:
- Facilities: Steinaker State Park
Technical Rating
-
7 to 10:
Trail Distance
-
10 to 30 miles:
General
-
Historic Sites:
-
Outdoor Activities:
-
Summer Tours:
-
Vehicle Tour:
Sustainability
-
Dog Friendly:
To Do
-
ATV:
-
Camping:
-
Dirt Bikes:
-
OHV/Off Road Driving:
-
Scenic Driving:
-
UTV:
Trail Features
- Difficulty: Hard
- Distance (mi.): 20
- Parking Type: Parking Lot
- Route Type: Loop
- Trail Traffic: Light
Trail Length
-
11 - 20 Miles: