🏜️ OHV Trails & Ancient History: Exploring Buckhorn Wash in Utah’s San Rafael Swell 🚙🪨

Switching Gears RV Diary
Apr 4, 2024
5 min read

February 4, 2024

An Off-Road Adventure Through Red Rock, Rock Art, and Desert Solitude

If you love rugged backroads, ancient petroglyphs, and wide-open desert landscapes, the San Rafael Swell in central Utah needs to be on your travel list. This wild stretch of public land, managed by the BLM, is a treasure trove for campers, off-roaders, and history lovers alike.

We recently returned to camp along The Wedge Overlook—also known as Utah’s “Little Grand Canyon”—and took our side-by-side out to explore some of the most scenic and remote trails in the region. From Fix-it Pass to Cane Wash, and along the famous Buckhorn Wash, this trip delivered everything we love about off-grid adventures in the West.

Ready to hit the dirt? Let’s go!

📍 Where Is the San Rafael Swell?

A Backcountry Playground in Central Utah

The San Rafael Swell is a massive geologic uplift about 2.5 hours west of Moab or 1.5 hours southeast of Price, Utah. It covers more than 2,000 square miles of canyons, mesas, buttes, and desert wilderness.

This area is known for:

Free dispersed camping with epic views
Dozens of OHV and 4x4 trails
Ancient rock art panels and fossils
Almost no crowds and minimal development

We based ourselves near The Wedge Overlook, a high plateau with incredible canyon views, then explored several trails and historic sites from there.

⛺ Camping at The Wedge – Utah’s Little Grand Canyon 🌄

There’s no better place to start your San Rafael Swell adventure than The Wedge Overlook. This scenic rim looks out over the San Rafael River far below and offers some of the best free boondocking in the state.

✅ Vault toilets available✅ Easy access for most rigs✅ Unmatched sunrises and sunsets✅ Perfect base for OHV riders and photographers

💡 Pro Tip: Come midweek for the most peaceful experience. This area is remote but becoming more popular with campers and overlanders.

🛻 Buckhorn Draw: The Scenic Gateway (1:00)

Our journey started with a drive through Buckhorn Draw, a stunning desert canyon carved over millions of years by water and wind. This scenic drive features towering red cliffs, unique rock formations, and plenty of pullouts to explore.

📌 Things to See in Buckhorn Draw:

The Buckhorn Wash Pictograph Panel – One of the largest and best-preserved Fremont rock art panels in Utah
Dinosaur Track Site – Fossilized dino footprints in stone
Old Swinging Bridge – A historic wooden suspension bridge over the San Rafael River
Cattlemen’s Pictographs & Names – Cowboy graffiti from the early 1900s

The road is graded dirt and accessible by most vehicles in dry conditions.

🔧 Fix-it Pass Trail – Remote and Rugged (3:49)

From Buckhorn Draw, we veered onto Fix-it Pass, one of the more remote OHV trails in the region. This route winds through canyons, dry washes, and slickrock, offering both scenic beauty and a true backcountry challenge.

🎯 Trail Highlights:

Narrow canyon passages
Technical rock sections
Solitude—you’re unlikely to see another soul
Stunning views of the surrounding mesas

Why it’s called Fix-it Pass? Legend has it early travelers often had to stop and “fix” their wagons and vehicles due to the rough terrain. Bring tools and a spare tire—just in case!

🏜️ Cane Wash Trail – Where Desert Beauty Meets Peace and Quiet (6:40)

Cane Wash is another unforgettable route filled with red rock drama, sweeping desert vistas, and towering sandstone cliffs.

🧭 What to Expect:

A mostly dry, sandy wash with occasional rocky sections
Gorgeous canyon walls that rise above your trail
Total silence—until the occasional gust of wind breaks it
Signs of old mining operations and cattle grazing

We enjoyed the peacefulness here—until, well… it wasn’t so peaceful anymore. 😉

😬 Peace & Quiet Interrupted (10:21)

The San Rafael Swell is known for its serenity, but every now and then, modern life breaks through the calm. During our ride through Cane Wash, our solitude was interrupted by a large group of OHV riders passing through.

While it’s great to see others enjoying the outdoors, it’s a good reminder to practice:

Trail etiquette (slow down when passing)
Leave No Trace principles
Respect for fellow travelers and the environment

Don’t let a little traffic ruin your trip—just find a quieter spot, and you’ll be back in your desert bubble in no time.

🗿 Stops Along Buckhorn Wash – Rock Art & History (11:25)

After our backcountry adventures, we returned to Buckhorn Wash to slow down and appreciate the area's rich cultural history.

🪨 Must-See Sites:

📌 Buckhorn Wash Pictograph Panel

A massive wall of Fremont rock art, this panel includes:

Life-sized human-like figures
Abstract symbols and animal shapes
Red and white pigment still visible after 1,000+ years

This site is one of the best-preserved panels in the state, with interpretive signage and parking nearby.

📌 The Dinosaur Track Site

Walk across a flat rock slab where actual dinosaur footprints were preserved in time. A fun, educational stop—especially for kids!

📌 The Swinging Bridge

Built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), this rustic wooden bridge crosses the San Rafael River and makes a great photo stop.

📌 Pioneer & Cowboy Graffiti

Keep your eyes peeled for names and dates etched into the canyon walls by early settlers and cowboys passing through over the past century.

🧭 Planning Your Trip to the San Rafael Swell

📅 Best Time to Visit:

Spring (March–May): Mild temps, blooming desert flora
Fall (September–October): Crisp air, ideal for hiking and OHV
Summer: Hot! Stick to early mornings or shaded canyons
Winter: Can be snowy or muddy, but uncrowded

🧳 What to Bring:

Extra fuel and water
Paper or offline maps (no cell service!)
Spare tire and basic tools
Camera or drone for epic shots
Snacks, first-aid, and sun protection

🌄 Why the San Rafael Swell Belongs on Your Bucket List

The San Rafael Swell is one of Utah’s last true frontiers—where public lands, untouched beauty, and ancient history collide. From adrenaline-pumping OHV trails to silent rock art panels thousands of years old, this area has something for everyone.

Whether you’re camping near The Wedge, navigating rugged terrain in a side-by-side, or soaking in the peaceful vibes of Buckhorn Wash, the Swell reminds you why we explore in the first place.

So gear up, go off the grid, and let the red rocks lead the way. 🏜️✨

💬 Have You Explored the Swell?

Let us know your favorite OHV trails or stops in the comments! If you're planning a trip and need help with maps or suggestions, feel free to reach out. We’re always excited to share more from the trail.