The San Rafael Swell is 2,000-square miles of public land that provides some great 4-wheeler riding. This area is well-known for its scenic sandstone formations, deep canyons, desert streams, and expansive panoramas. It is strongly advised that you bring a current map of the area you plan to ride your 4-wheeler in as many of the areas are not marked and some are incorrectly marked or have been vandalized.
Unlike many areas in Utah, no special permits or licenses are required for individuals to ride their 4-wheelers on these trails. This area does practice Positive Impact and the actions of 4-wheelerers are closely monitored.
This place still has the raw feel of the untamed land it always was. There were actually outlaw chases on these 4-wheeler trails. Buckhorn Draw, a long, steep-walled canyon, is the main northern gate-way to the Swell. A canyon highlight is the interpreted Buckhorn Draw Native American rock art site- definitely stop and have a look before you start your day of 4-wheeler riding. These striking figures were restored as Emery County's Utah Centennial Project in 1996.
Wedge Overlook and other areas of these 4-wheeler trails have dozens of old mines, everything from silver to uranium was mined in this area. It's generally permissable to look at the outside of most mines, but steer clear of stopping your 4-wheeler and going inside. Besides the danger of being caught in a collapsing tunnel or falling into a hidden shaft, uranium mines pose an additional hazard. Heavy concentrations of radioactive radon gas are known to accumulate at the entrances to mines in this area. Additionally, many mines have "bad air" that can overcome you in seconds - so be respectful of old mines as you ride your 4-wheeler in this area.
There are camping facilities are provided at the San Rafael Bridge Recreation Site adjacent to the San Rafael River. Camping facilities at San Rafael Bridge include tent pads, picnic tables, toilets, and fire rings. No drinking water is available. When camping at other areas, please use existing undeveloped campsites to avoid impacting new areas - this helps preserve the terrain for future generations of 4-wheelerers.
