Guides/OHV areas/Utah
OHV area250 (USFS + BLM) trail midifficulty: difficult

Gooseberry Trail System

RegionUtahAgencyU.S. Forest Service & Bureau of Land ManagementLast verified—
Gooseberry Trail System — ohv area near Salina, Utah, Utah
Intermountain Forest Service, USDA Region 4 Photography, via Wikimedia Commons
Area vitals6 facts
Trail miles
250 (USFS + BLM)
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. Drops out fast above 8,000 ft.
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The Gooseberry Trail System is a 250-mile network of OHV trails and forest roads east of Salina, jointly managed by Fishlake National Forest and the BLM Richfield Field Office. The system covers elevations from 5,100 feet in the lower drainages to 11,000 feet on the high plateau, with a quieter, more scenic character than the larger Paiute Trail to the south.

The network accepts ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, and full-size 4WDs across the broader forest roads. Several single-track segments are restricted to 50- or 60-inch vehicles. The reliable window is mid-June through October.

Hazards

Read before you go

  • Width restrictions. Some single-track is 50 inches only.
  • High-elevation snow. Lingers into June.
  • Mud after rain. Postpone after storms.
  • Spotty cell service. Bring an offline map.
  • Lightning at altitude. Descend if storms build.

Area map

OHV area

Coordinates 38.95830, -111.86170

Current conditions

Live weather

Area facts

7 fields
AgencyU.S. Forest Service & Bureau of Land Management
Nearest townSalina, Utah
PermitUtah OHV registration required. Non-residents need a Utah OHV non-resident permit. Spark arresters required.
Agency contact435-896-9233 (Fishlake NF Richfield Ranger District)
Websitewww.blm.gov/visit/gooseberry-mesa-national-recreation-trail
ClosedDec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Coordinates38.95830, -111.86170

Getting there

Directions

From St. George, Utah, head north on Interstate 15 to Exit 16 for Hurricane. Turn right onto Main Street, then take the first left onto State Route 59. Turn left onto Smithsonian Butte National Backcountry Byway. After 2.8 miles, turn left and continue 3.3 miles northwest to the trailhead.

The mesa sits at 5,200 ft, with most riding on slickrock benches above the rim.

Photos

1 photo

Photos · 1

Field notes

Getting Oriented

The Gooseberry system sits east of Salina off I-70, on the Sevier Plateau. Fishlake NF's Richfield Ranger District manages the upper segments and the BLM Richfield Field Office covers the desert floor. The system connects to portions of the Great Western Trail and shares some corridors with the Paiute ATV Trail, but the two are managed separately.

What to Expect

Two hundred and fifty miles of marked routes. Surface is graded forest road, two-track, and single-track. Most riders use the Gooseberry/I-70 trailhead as the launch point. Elevations range widely; the high segments hold snow into early summer and afternoon thunderstorms are common.

Vehicle and Permit Rules

  • Utah OHV registration required.
  • Non-resident riders need a Utah OHV non-resident permit.
  • Spark arresters required.
  • Some single-track is OHV-only. Check segment width before riding.

Where to Camp

Dispersed camping is allowed on Fishlake NF and BLM land along the network. Salina and Richfield have full services and commercial campgrounds nearby. Several USFS dispersed sites along Gooseberry Road are popular OHV staging areas.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip

  • Confirm trail status with the Richfield Ranger District (435-896-9233).
  • Carry recovery gear and a tire repair kit.
  • The system connects to the Paiute Trail via portions of the Great Western Trail; longer multi-day routes are possible.
  • Cell service drops fast above 8,000 ft.

Frequently asked

Common questions

How difficult is Gooseberry Trail System?
Gooseberry Trail System is rated difficult.
When is the best time to visit Gooseberry Trail System?
The best months are Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct. Avoid Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar.
Do you need a permit for Gooseberry Trail System?
Yes — a permit is required. It is managed by U.S. Forest Service & Bureau of Land Management — check the agency listing for current requirements and fees.
Is there cell service at Gooseberry Trail System?
Spotty. Drops out fast above 8,000 ft.