As he Detours across America James Hearne discovers some of the most memorable off-road routes in Utah.

Have you ever considered that some of the world’s most remarkable roads aren’t paved? When you think of your favourite drives, you might envision smooth stretches of tarmac meandering through majestic mountains or skirting the edges of sparkling blue lakes. But if you've ever driven through Utah, your mind might wander to a different kind of road entirely.

Off-roading is a popular recreational activity in the western United States, but nowhere is it more popular than in Utah. Of America's 840 million acres of public land, 22.8 million acres are in Utah, making up 42 per cent of the state’s total land area. This public land boasts a myriad of unique rocky landscapes, some of which can be explored along precarious tracks. While a four-wheel-drive vehicle is ideal, the following off-roading detours can be attempted without one.

Valley of the Gods
In southern Utah, you’ll find one of the most scenic drives I’ve ever experienced: a 17-mile loop that winds through rugged terrain, crossing precarious washes and climbing steep, loose gravel tracks, all while taking in towering red rock formations. Halfway along the route, you’ll see exactly why this place is called the Valley of the Gods.

Although the drive is only 17 miles, the first half took us several hours as we navigated at a snail’s pace, taking in the views and trying to avoid damaging our van. We spent the night under the stars at the base of the most striking rock formation before finishing the loop the next day. The second day took just as long—thanks to a particularly steep wash that grounded the rear end of our van, preventing us from gaining traction (we were driving a rear-wheel-drive van). With a little help from some fellow travellers who had the misfortune of getting stuck behind us, we eventually made it out.

The Bonneville Salt Flats
Head north, and you’ll come across one of Utah's most iconic off-roading spots: the Bonneville Salt Flats. Known for hosting annual racing events, the vast, crunchy surface here provides an exhilarating place to speed around. It’s like driving on the beach but without the risk of getting stuck!

The White Rim Road and Shafer Basin Road
Both the White Rim Road and Shafer Basin Road wind through the awe-inspiring Canyonlands National Park. Not many attempt these routes, but those who do are rewarded with the thrill of zigzagging down steep canyon walls before tracing the edge of another. The view of these roads from above is breathtaking, and if I were feeling a little less protective of the van, I would have been tempted to give it a try!

Swing Arm City
Swing Arm City, located in the Factory Butte Recreation Area, is as close as you’ll get to driving on the surface of the moon. It’s a vast, grey expanse of compacted clay, shaped into impressive formations that resemble a massive skate park. Huge half-pipes and sketchy jumps stretch as far as the eye can see. With no official trails, it’s a designated recreational area open for off-roading enthusiasts to explore at their leisure.

Monument Valley

Straddling the Utah-Arizona border on Native American land, Monument Valley offers one of the most iconic landscapes in America. For a small fee, you can drive along an unpaved trail that showcases this breathtaking backdrop. If you've ever seen a Western film or an episode of Looney Tunes featuring Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner, you’ve likely seen this unforgettable view!

Words & Photography James Hearne  Instagram  

Follow James’ adventures in his van here.