ATV Riders will find an enormous variety
of riding opportunities along the Paiute ATV Trail. The number 01 trail is a 275 mile loop that crosses mountain ranges
from 6,000 to 12,000 feet, rugged canyons and deserts, old logging roads and 1,925 miles side trails for a total of
2,200 miles. The Paiute Trail system forms a literal spider web covering most of Piute County. This unique
trail system has been rated by some publications as the best family oriented trail system in the Country, and declared the
largest recreational facility on Earth. Unique also is the cooperative involvement of Forest Service, Bureau of Land
Management, State Parks and Recreation, Cities, Counties and the State of Utah and the General Public in the oversight and
administration of the trail system. With the diverse
terrain and climate, riders can experience the thrill of descending from above tree line to dense forest, stopping constantly
to take photos of scenic vistas and diverse wildlife. It's not unusual to see herds of deer, or huge elk, or to see
a not so cuddly porcupine waddle across the road, or encounter an ill tempered badger, (give the wildlife ample room and don't
tease them).
Fishing is plentiful and accessible from the Paiute
Trail. There are numerous reservoirs, streams and tributaries in Piute County that contain fish. Piute Reservoir
and Otter Creek Reservoir are the two largest and provide some of Utah's best fishing. Manning and Upper and Lower Box
Creek also prove to be excellent producers. Barney Lake is more secluded and reportedly great for fly fishing.
Hundreds of small unimproved camp spots dot the trail system and camping is permitted, but check locally for burn regulations
if you need a campfire. Small propane cook stoves and lanterns are recommended, your a long way from help should a fire
get out of hand.
Contrary to many rumors, the Paiute ATV Trail
is Side X Side (UTV) friendly. The massive nature of the trail system
allows for hundreds if not thousands of miles of trail that are open to vehicles wider than 50 inches. There are a few
50 inch restricted trails that are ATV only, one should not worry about ample places to ride their UTV and experience some
of the greatest scenery on earth.
Riders can enter the Paiute ATV Trail at any point,
as there is no beginning or end. Most of the towns on the trail system permit ATV's on designated streets so riders
can go directly from lodging or RV parks to the trail. Also, those who have spent a weary day on the trail can drive
directly to services such as restaurants, gas stations, convenience stores and most importantly a clean restroom and hot shower.
For more information check out piutecounty.org or www.marysvale.com
The Riding Season
begins every April, when temperatures begin to rise. That is when people begin to seriously think about the
fun of getting out on the trail. While spring riding is possible on the lower portions of the trail, snowdrifts usually
close the trail over the higher trails until early July. September and October provide some of the best riding weather
on the Paiute Trail. August is also a good time for the high country, even though lower portions of the trail can be
hot.
Located in South-Central Utah, the Paiute ATV Trail surrounds the towns of Salina, Richfield, Aurora,
Elsinore, Monroe, Joeph, Koosharem, Marysvale, Junction, Circleville, Beaver and others. ATV's
are allowed on designated city streets allowing easy access to the trail. There is plenty of Camping, Hotels, Restaurants
and Services available. These communities are a perfect place to stay while you enjoy the many miles of trails.
Within minutes of downtown you will be enjoying the most beautiful scenery the trail has to offer. With the main
trail #01 being over 238 miles long, with thousands of miles of marked side trails and other side forest roads and
trails, the best way to see it is in segments.
