Guides/OHV areas/Utah
OHV area20 main loop plus 8 spurs trail midifficulty: difficult

Birch Spring–Pass Creek Loop OHV

RegionUtahAgencyU.S. Forest ServiceLast verified—
Birch Spring–Pass Creek Loop OHV — ohv area near Hatch, Utah, Utah
U.S. Forest Service, via Wikimedia Commons
Area vitals6 facts
Trail miles
20 main loop plus 8 spurs
Technical difficulty
Difficult
Vehicle classes
ATV, UTV / Side-by-side, Motorcycle / Dirt bike, 4WD truck/SUV
Best months
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Permit
Required
Cell coverage
Spotty.
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Birch Spring–Pass Creek Loop is a 20-mile OHV system with eight spurs on Dixie National Forest near Hatch. The system offers vistas across Haycock Mountain and Rock Canyon, with surface that's mostly mixed-use forest road accepting full-size 4WDs and OHVs. Cedar City Ranger District manages the network.

Vehicle width restrictions vary by segment. The reliable window is mid-June through October.

Hazards

Read before you go

  • Width restrictions vary. Confirm by segment.
  • Mud after rain. Postpone after storms.
  • Cell service. Spotty.
  • Limited traffic. Self-recovery is important.
  • Spark arrester checks. USFS enforces.

Area map

OHV area

Coordinates 37.64810, -112.45690

Current conditions

Live weather

Area facts

7 fields
AgencyU.S. Forest Service
Nearest townHatch, Utah
PermitUtah OHV registration required. Non-residents need a Utah OHV non-resident permit. Spark arresters required.
Agency contact435-865-3700 (Cedar City Ranger District)
Websitewww.fs.usda.gov/recarea/dixie/recarea/?recid=71018
ClosedDec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Coordinates37.64810, -112.45690

Getting there

Directions

The 11-mile loop trail (not including spurs) heads south from Highway 14 near the eastern edge of the Cedar City Ranger District on the Dixie National Forest.

From Cedar City, head east on UT-14 toward Duck Creek Village; the trailhead is along the highway corridor on the south side. Forest Service access roads connect to the network from there. Contact the Cedar City Ranger District at 435-865-3200 for current trail status and the area MVUM.

Photos

1 photo

Photos · 1

Field notes

Getting Oriented

Birch Spring sits on the eastern Markagunt Plateau near Hatch, on the Cedar City Ranger District. The system is connected to the broader Markagunt OHV network and pairs with Tommy Creek Loop and Markagunt Plateau OHV Trail for longer multi-day routes.

What to Expect

Twenty-mile main loop plus eight spur trails. Surface is graded forest road and two-track. The system is in the lower-density part of the plateau and sees less traffic than Markagunt or Paiute.

Vehicle and Permit Rules

  • Utah OHV registration required.
  • Non-resident riders need a Utah OHV non-resident permit.
  • Spark arresters required.
  • Width restrictions vary by segment.

Where to Camp

Dispersed camping is allowed on Dixie NF land along the system. Mammoth Cave Campground sits nearby on the Markagunt Plateau.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip

  • Confirm trail and width status with the Cedar City Ranger District (435-865-3700).
  • Pair with the Markagunt Plateau OHV Trail for a fuller day.
  • Cell service is spotty.
  • Carry recovery gear; the system has lower traffic, so self-recovery matters more.

Frequently asked

Common questions

How difficult is Birch Spring–Pass Creek Loop OHV?
Birch Spring–Pass Creek Loop OHV is rated difficult.
When is the best time to visit Birch Spring–Pass Creek Loop OHV?
The best months are Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct. Avoid Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr.
Do you need a permit for Birch Spring–Pass Creek Loop OHV?
Yes — a permit is required. It is managed by U.S. Forest Service — check the agency listing for current requirements and fees.
Is there cell service at Birch Spring–Pass Creek Loop OHV?
Spotty.