Guides/Overland routes/Utah
Overland route47 mi5,000 ft gaindifficulty: moderate

Abajo Loop Scenic Backway

RegionUtahAgencyU.S. Forest Service, San Juan CountyLast verified—
Abajo Loop Scenic Backway — overland route near Blanding, Utah, Utah
BLM Utah
Trail vitals7 facts
Length
47mi
Elev gain
5,000ft
Technical difficulty
Moderate
Direction
Loop
Vehicle
High-clearance required for the upper passes; AWD or 4WD recommended. North Creek Pass closes seasonally.
Best months
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Cell coverage
None on the upper loop; service returns at Blanding and Monticello.
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The Abajo Loop is a 47-mile scenic backway that climbs from the desert floor near Monticello to over 11,000 feet on the Abajo Mountain crest before dropping back to Blanding. The route runs across both Manti-La Sal National Forest and county-maintained roads, with the high spine featuring views into the Bears Ears, Canyonlands, and the La Sal Mountains.

The surface is graded gravel and forest road, mostly suitable for high-clearance vehicles. North Creek Pass — the highest and most exposed segment — closes from late fall through spring with snow. The reliable driving window is mid-June through October.

Hazards

Read before you go

  • Snow on North Creek Pass. The 11,000-ft pass closes seasonally and holds snow into June.
  • Steep grades. Several segments climb on switchbacks; use lower gears on descent.
  • Wet weather. Soil turns slick after rain.
  • No services. Carry water, fuel, and recovery gear.
  • Lightning at altitude. Summer thunderstorms hit the high pass; descend if storms approach.

Location

47 mi · Overland route

Approx. location 37.874, -109.463

Trail facts

5 fields
AgencyU.S. Forest Service, San Juan County
Nearest townBlanding, Utah
Websitewww.fs.usda.gov/r04/manti-lasal/recreation/abajo-loop-state-scenic-backway
ClosedDec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Approx. location37.874, -109.463

Getting there

Directions

From Monticello (east access). From US-191 in Monticello, turn west on Center Street and follow signs for Buckboard / FR-079. The pavement ends within two miles.

From Blanding (west access). Take SR-95 west, then turn north onto FR-088 / the Elk Ridge / Abajo connector road.

Photos

6 photos

Photos · 6

Field notes

Getting Oriented

The loop sits in southeastern Utah, between Monticello and Blanding on US-191. Manti-La Sal NF's Monticello Ranger District manages the upper segments; San Juan County maintains the lower connecting roads. Bears Ears National Monument lies south, with the Canyonlands Needles District west via SR-211.

Trail Overview

Forty-seven miles, loop. Starting from Monticello on US-191, the route climbs into the Abajos via Forest Road 079, crests at North Creek Pass, and drops via Forest Road 088 toward Blanding. Total elevation gain is roughly 5,000 feet from desert floor to the high pass. The pass itself has long-range views in three directions and is one of the few places in Utah where you can see the La Sals, Abajos, and Canyonlands all at once.

Points of Interest

  • North Creek Pass. The 11,000-ft crest of the loop. Long-range views.
  • Buckboard Campground. USFS developed campground on the Monticello side.
  • Dalton Springs Campground. USFS developed campground with vault toilets.
  • Horsehead Peak. Visible from multiple overlooks on the upper loop.
  • Devil's Canyon Campground. Developed USFS site on US-191 between the loop's two endpoints.

Where to Camp

Dispersed camping is allowed on Manti-La Sal NF land. Buckboard and Dalton Springs are developed sites along the loop. Devil's Canyon Campground sits on US-191 between Monticello and Blanding for a roadside option.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip

  • Confirm North Creek Pass is open before driving. The Monticello Ranger District (435-587-2041) holds current status.
  • Carry chains in shoulder-season conditions. The pass holds snow into June.
  • Cell service is gone on the upper loop. Bring an offline map.
  • The loop pairs well with Elk Ridge Scenic Backway for a multi-day Bears Ears overlanding trip.

Frequently asked

Common questions

How difficult is Abajo Loop Scenic Backway?
Abajo Loop Scenic Backway is rated moderate. The route runs 47 miles with 5,000 feet of elevation gain.
What kind of vehicle do you need for Abajo Loop Scenic Backway?
High-clearance required for the upper passes; AWD or 4WD recommended. North Creek Pass closes seasonally.
When is the best time to visit Abajo Loop Scenic Backway?
The best months are Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct. Avoid Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr.
Is there cell service at Abajo Loop Scenic Backway?
None on the upper loop; service returns at Blanding and Monticello.