Guides/OHV areas
OHV area82 trail midifficulty: moderate

Markagunt Plateau OHV Trail

AgencyU.S. Forest ServiceLast verified—
Markagunt Plateau OHV Trail — ohv area near Cedar City, Utah
Photo by Chris M Morris via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Area vitals6 facts
Trail miles
82
Technical difficulty
Moderate
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 Markagunt Plateau OHV Trail is Dixie National Forest's marquee long-distance OHV route, an 82-mile network across the high plateau between Cedar City and Panguitch. The trail crosses Bear Valley, Horse Valley, the Panguitch Lake area, and the lava fields north of Cedar Breaks National Monument, with elevations ranging from 7,500 to over 10,000 feet.

Most of the trail is open to full-size 4WDs and standard OHVs; a roughly two-mile segment near Yankee Meadows is restricted to vehicles 62 inches wide or less. The Cedar City Ranger District manages it, and the trail connects to Bryce Canyon's southern approach via the Mammoth Creek corridor.

Hazards

Read before you go

  • Width restriction at Yankee Meadows. Roughly 2 miles is 62 inches and under only. Full-size vehicles take the bypass.
  • High-elevation weather. Snow into June; afternoon thunderstorms in summer.
  • No services on the trail. Carry water, fuel, and recovery gear.
  • Lava field surfaces. Sharp rock punishes thin tires. Use proper rated tires.
  • Spotty cell service. Plan to be self-sufficient.

Area map

OHV area

Coordinates 37.68560, -112.74640

Area facts

7 fields
AgencyU.S. Forest Service
Nearest townCedar City, Utah
PermitUtah OHV registration required. Non-residents need a Utah OHV non-resident permit. Spark arresters required on motorized vehicles.
Agency contact435-865-3700 (Cedar City Ranger District)
Websitewww.fs.usda.gov/r04/dixie/recreation/markagunt-ohv-system
ClosedDec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Coordinates37.68560, -112.74640

Getting there

Directions

The Markagunt OHV System sits on the Markagunt Plateau in southwestern Utah, on the Cedar City Ranger District of Dixie National Forest. The 82-mile main route runs south through Bear Valley and Horse Valley, then along the shores of Panguitch Lake. From there it turns west and ascends Clear Creek to the summit, where it becomes OHV-only (62" max) for the final 2 miles to Yankee Meadows.

Main trailheads are reached via Highway 143 from Parowan, or via the Cedar Mountain area off UT-14 from Cedar City. The Markagunt OHV Trail Map (available from the Dixie NF) includes a Getting There map for each major trailhead.

Photos

1 photo

Photos · 1

Field notes

Getting Oriented

The Markagunt Plateau sits between Cedar City to the west and Panguitch to the east, capped by Cedar Breaks National Monument and Brian Head ski resort. The OHV trail loops across the high plateau through Dixie National Forest, with primary access from Highway 14 (the Cedar City-to-Long Valley corridor) and Highway 143 from Panguitch Lake.

What to Expect

Eighty-two miles of marked OHV trail. Surface is mostly graded forest road and two-track suitable for full-size 4WDs. The Yankee Meadows segment narrows for about two miles to a 62-inch width restriction; full-size vehicles bypass it on the parallel forest road. The route crosses lava fields, aspen meadows, and high-elevation pine forest. Elevations run 7,500 to over 10,000 feet, so weather changes fast and snow lingers into June at the upper passes.

Vehicle and Permit Rules

  • All motorized vehicles must be registered with Utah DMV (street-legal or OHV-registered).
  • Non-resident riders need a Utah OHV non-resident permit.
  • Spark arresters required on all motorized vehicles.
  • The Yankee Meadows segment is restricted to 62-inch and narrower vehicles. Full-size 4WDs use the bypass on the parallel forest road.

Where to Camp

Dispersed camping is allowed on Dixie NF land along the trail with the standard 16-day stay limit. Cedar Canyon Campground and Panguitch Lake Campground (both USFS developed) sit on either end. Brian Head town has commercial campgrounds and lodging.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip

  • Confirm trail status with the Cedar City Ranger District (435-865-3700). Snow closures begin in October.
  • Carry recovery gear and a spark arrester. Both are required and frequently checked.
  • The trail is high enough to draw afternoon thunderstorms in summer. Watch the weather window.
  • Pair with Brian Head and Cedar Breaks for a full-day high-country trip.
  • Cell service is unreliable on the plateau. Bring an offline map.

Frequently asked

Common questions

How difficult is Markagunt Plateau OHV Trail?
Markagunt Plateau OHV Trail is rated moderate.
When is the best time to visit Markagunt Plateau OHV Trail?
The best months are Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct. Avoid Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr.
Do you need a permit for Markagunt Plateau OHV Trail?
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 Markagunt Plateau OHV Trail?
Spotty. Drops out fast above 8,000 ft.

Resources

1 map

Map files