Fee applies
Off Road Vehicles in Glen Canyon
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Off-road vehicle use is allowed in the park only on National Park Service-designated ORV routes and areas, delineated by ORV route maps. Some Shoreline Access Areas indicated on the maps may not be available seasonally, due to changes in lake level. Note: There are 388 miles of Designated Roads of which 304 miles are unpaved.
Glen Canyon offers amazing opportunities for exploration. To expand access for our visitors, the park is opening designated roads and routes to off-road vehicle (ORV) recreation. Protect your privilege to enjoy responsible backcountry travel by following all rules and guidelines. Off-road vehicle use is allowed in the park only on National Park Service-designated ORV routes and areas, delineated by ORV route maps. Some Shoreline Access Areas indicated on the maps may not be available seasonally, due to changes in lake level. Please visit our website for a video overview about Off Road driving in Glen Canyon. Define Your Ride ORV, OHV, ATV, What Does it Mean? An off-road vehicle (ORV) is any motor vehicle designed for or capable of cross-country travel on or immediately over natural terrain. This includes a range of vehicle types: Conventional Motor Vehicles Any motor vehicle that is designed primarily for operation on streets and highways, and that is licensed and registered for interstate travel. Automobiles, vans, highway motorcycles (including a dual-sports motorcycle licensed for use on a highway), sport utility vehicles (SUVs), recreational vehicles (RVs), pickup trucks, and buses are examples of conventional motor vehicles. Allowed on paved and unpaved designated park roads, including in the Orange Cliffs Special Management unit, and designated ORV Routes. Allowed in Shoreline Access Areas. Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs) Any motor vehicle – excluding snowmobiles and hovercraft – that is designed primarily for off-road travel that is not licensed and registered for intrastate travel. Allowed on most unpaved designated park roads. Allowed on unpaved designated roads within all shoreline access areas. Prohibited on paved roads. Prohibited on park roads in the Orange Cliffs Special Management Unit, except for approximately eight miles of the Poison Spring Loop. Prohibited on Shoreline Access Areas except at Lone Rock Area. Street-legal All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) An ATV that qualifies under Arizona or Utah motor vehicle and traffic code to be operated on state roads and highways. Check equipment and registration requirements to make your vehicle street legal in Utah or in Arizona. Allowed on paved park designated roads, except for the Lees Ferry Access Road, and on most unpaved park designated roads. Prohibited on park designated roads in the Orange Cliffs Special Management Unit, except for approximately eight miles of the Poison Spring Loop. Allowed in Shoreline Access Areas, with seasonal closures. State Laws Glen Canyon National Recreation Area includes land in both Utah and Arizona. ORV operators are responsible for complying with all applicable state laws and regulations (e.g. license, registration, inspection, insurance). Be sure to check equipment requirements too. When driving on park roads, operators of street-legal vehicles must also comply with all applicable state and federal traffic requirements (e.g., speed limits, rules of the road). Utah Department of Natural Resources OHV Laws & Rules Arizona State Parks and Trails OHV Laws & Regulations Safety & Recommendations Gear Wear Your Helmet. It could save your life. A smart move for all ages, but for riders and passengers under age 18, it’s the law. Gloves, eye protection (mandatory in AZ), abrasion resistant clothing, and over the ankle boots are also highly recommended. Youth Riders In Utah, youth operators between 8 and 15 years old must possess an OHV education certificate in order to operate on any public lands. Riders 16 or older may operate an OHV if they possess either a valid driver drivers license or an education certificate. Any rider under 18 years old should be under direct adult supervision when riding on public lands. See state laws for more details. Speed Limits Follow posted speed limits. Unpaved roads and routes are 25 mph, unless otherwise marked. Shoreline Access Areas are 15 mph, unless otherwise marked. Alcohol No matter what motor vehicle type, alcohol and driving do not mix. It is illegal to drive an ORV while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Open containers are also prohibited. Pets Pets must be under owner’s control at all times, either in a vehicle or on a leash no longer than six feet in length. Owners must pack out solid pet waste. Pets are not allowed in the Orange Cliffs Special Management Unit, unless they remain secured in vehicles while riding through the park. Human Waste Disposal Gotta go? Use human waste bags or other approved methods for all solid human waste including toilet paper and hygiene products. Packing out human waste is required in Coyote Gulch, within 1/4 mile of the shore of Lake Powell, the San Juan River, Escalante River, Dirty Devil River or the Colorado River, and anywhere else the minimum 300 feet from a water source cannot be attained. Safety Whip Flags Operators at the Lone Rock Beach Play Area, must display a solid red or orange safety flag that is a minimum of six by 12 inches in size and that is attached to either: the ORV so that the safety flag is at least eight feet above the ground. the protective headgear of the operator of a motorcycle or dirt bike so that the safety flag is at least 18 inches above the top of the operator’s head.
Tags
Auto Off-RoadingCanyons and CanyonlandsRock Landscapes and FeaturesScenic ViewsRoads, Routes and HighwaysGlen Canyon National Recreation Areaoff road vehiclesORVATVdrivingshoreline access arearecreate responsibly
Visitor Photos
No visitor photos yet
Details
Fees
A permit system is in development. Once the permit system is in place, they will be required for the following areas. All Shoreline Access Areas Ferry Swale Area, including Corrals Road and Seismograph Road Lone Rock Beach and Lone Rock Play Area ORV Permits are separate from park entrance fees. To purchase a entrance pass, tap the fees icon in the black bar. Camping & ORVs There is no additional camping fee or permit required to camp in undeveloped backcountry areas, with some exceptions: Backcountry permits are required for all overnight stays in the Escalante District of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Obtain permits at the Escalante Interagency Visitor Center in the town of Escalante or at one of the entry trailheads. Day use does not require a backcountry permit, but please sign the trail register. Backcountry camping in the Orange Cliffs area of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area requires a permit from Canyonlands National Park.
Fees Apply
Yes
Seasons
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility
You must be able to drive or ride in a conventional vehicle, street-legal ATV, or off highway vehicle to participate in Off Road Diving. There are over 300 miles of roads available, all in various states of repair. Few roads are paved and have access to comfort facilities. Unpaved roads may or may not be passable in inclement weather. Shoreline Access Areas, when open, access the shoreline of Lake Powell, but there are no facilities available there. Getting out of your vehicle and walking around when Off Road Driving is optional. Service animals are permitted in the areas in Glen Canyon that are closed to pets.
Pets
Yes — Pets are allowed in most parts of the recreation area. Pets must be on a leash six feet or shorter. Pick up after your pet. During the summer season, the parking lot and trail is too hot for bare feet and bare paws. Consider booties for your furry friend. Do NOT leave your pet in your vehicle for any amount of time without you there. Bring enough water for you and your dog. Along with some other areas not along ORV routes, pets are NOT allowed in the following areas: All archeological sites. Orange Cliffs special permit area.
Reservations
No
Location
Where to Ride