ATV Adventures: San Juan ATV Safari is packed with history, blue sky, and red rocks
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- Squeezing between boulders on the Hook and Ladder Trail at the San Juan ATV Safari.
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- Negotiating the slick rock on the Hook and Ladder Trail at the San Juan ATV Safari.
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- Riding a narrow ridge on the Hook and Ladder Trail at the San Juan ATV Safari.
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- Lynn R. Blamires tries to keep his hat on while riding the Musket Shot Trail.
This marks the 33rd anniversary of the San Juan ATV Safari. This jamboree has been showcasing the beautiful country contained in this southeastern county of Utah for 32 years and is one of the oldest and smoothest-running jamborees in the state. The 18 trails on the San Juan Safari are uniquely spectacular, beautiful and exciting.
Registration is open and limited to 350 riders, and this event is within 70 people of reaching that limit. Riders will submit their trail choices — three for each day at the time of registration online. You will be able to ride one of the trails each day of the safari, for a total of three great rides. Regardless of the trails you select, be prepared for a scenic and exciting adventure.
Trails will originate from both Blanding and Monticello and return to that same starting point each evening. Some trails will leave from town, while others will require transporting your machine to the trailhead. Every trail is guided by a group of two or more experienced riders who are familiar with the trail and the sights along the way. Many of these volunteer guides are longtime residents of San Juan, intimately familiar with the country. Register at https://www.sanjuanatvsafari.com.
The dates are set for Sept. 17-20. The fees are $135 per rider, $50 for children eight years old and younger. These fees include a jamboree sweatshirt, two dinners, three days of guided rides and a night ride. Wednesday, the 17th, is considered a travel day. Riders pick up packets between noon and 4 p.m. at the Blanding Visitor’s Center, 12 N. Grayson Parkway. Envelopes will contain information on trailheads. Register by Aug. 1 to secure one of the remaining slots available. After that date, it will be too late to order sweatshirts.
Then the excitement begins. Riders will leave from the Blanding Visitor’s Center at 5 p.m. and from the Monticello Visitor’s Center (216 S. Main St.) at 5:30 p.m., depending on where their lodging is located. Guides will lead riders to meet at the Monticello Pavilion on Blue Mountain, where dinner will be served. Twilight in this beautiful mountain setting is memorable. After dinner, people will enjoy a night ride back to their motels.
Rides will leave each morning promptly at 8 a.m. Some trails will begin at the send-off points, but most will require some trailering to the trailhead. The weather is normally pleasant during this time of year, but participants should come prepared for all kinds of weather. Each rider is responsible for lunch on the trail and should bring plenty of water.
These are some of the trails from which you can choose:
No. 3 – Hook and Ladder
I took this trail last year, and it was amazing. It is a maze of trails with unprecedented views of the La Sal Mountains and the backside of Wilson Arch. Indescribable views of red rock fins, canyons and overlooks. There are some steep, slick rock climbs that UTVs will handle with ease. The ride is 40 miles long and one of the most popular trails in the county.
No. 10 – River House Ruin
This trail was part of the famous Hole in the Rock Trail. Along this ride, you will see the remains of the historic Barton Trading Post, San Juan Hill, Navajo Spring, Native rock art and the magnificent River House Ruin. Riders will meet at the old Bluff Fort before driving to the trailhead. This fort played an important part in San Juan County’s history. Rated “easy,” the ride is 15 miles long.
No. 4 – Falls Missile
Waterfalls on lower Indian Creek and a spent booster rocket launched from Green River that crashed near the falls gave this trail its name. The trail passes by the remains of the rocket, traversing slick rock and crossing numerous streams adjacent to Canyonlands National Park. I took this trail two years ago and enjoyed the beautiful red rock cliffs prominent there.
No. 9 – Arch Canyon
This trail brings ancient history and the fun of riding in the backcountry together. From South Cottonwood Canyon, the trail crosses over Comb Ridge and makes several water crossings. You will see Jailhouse ruins high on the cliff face and end at the massive Cathedral Arch.
These are only a sample of the 18 rides available. When you go, take plenty of water, keep the rubber side down and plan to be a part of this colorful adventure.
Lynn R. Blamires can be reached at quadmanone@gmail.com.
