Getting Oriented
Strawberry Reservoir sits on US-40 between Heber City and Duchesne, an hour southeast of Salt Lake City. The OHV system loops the reservoir and extends into the surrounding national forest. Uinta-Wasatch-Cache NF's Heber-Kamas Ranger District manages the trails. The reservoir itself is a popular fishing destination; OHV use shares the basin with anglers and lake-access recreation.
What to Expect
Seventy-five miles of marked OHV routes. Most of the system is graded forest road and two-track suitable for full-size 4WDs and standard OHVs. Several single-track segments are restricted to narrower vehicles. Surface is mostly dry through summer, with mud after rain or snowmelt. Elevations are moderate (7,500 to 9,000 feet), so weather is more forgiving than the high Uintas to the north.
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.
- Some single-track is OHV-only. Check segment width before riding.
Where to Camp
The USFS operates five developed campgrounds around Strawberry Reservoir: Strawberry Bay, Aspen Grove, Currant Creek, Renegade, and Soldier Creek. All five accept reservations and serve as practical basecamps for OHV trips. Dispersed camping is allowed in the surrounding forest with the standard 16-day stay limit.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
- Reserve developed sites on Recreation.gov well in advance for summer weekends.
- The Heber-Kamas Ranger District (435-654-0470) holds trail status and current closure info.
- Watch for mixed traffic. The basin sees riders, anglers, and lake-access traffic sharing some corridors.
- Carry recovery gear. The forest soil gets slick after rain.
- Pair with the Mirror Lake Byway or Cascade Springs Backway for a multi-day high-country trip.
