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Hole in the Rock
74 miles
full day - approx 11 hrs
Ride through history on the legendary Hole in the Rock trail, where rugged terrain, breathtaking views, and stories of early pioneers come together in one unforgettable off-road adventure. This tour follows the original 1880 wagon route giving you a front-row seat to the challenges, beauty, and history of San Juan County’s wild canyon country.
Sites You'll Visit:
Lake Canyon Overlook
Marble Camp
Gray Mesa Wagon Trail
4' drop
San Juan Great Bend
The Chute
Hole in the Rock overlook
Additional Info:
Begins and ends in Blanding, Utah
Light hiking
Mildly uneven terrain
Small group sizes to keep things personal and flexible
Side-by-side to use (or ride with your guide)
Safety gear and a trail briefing
Local guide who knows the land, the stories, and the safest way through the terrain
Time to explore, ask questions, and take in the views
Experience Level:
Intermediate
Full Description
Join us for an unforgettable adventure on the historic Hole in the Rock trail.
Located in the remote and challenging terrain of San Juan County, Utah, this trail holds significant historical importance to the region and the Western Expansion movement. Offering breathtaking views of the high desert and rugged canyon country, the Hole in the Rock trail is a haven for off-road enthusiasts.
Originally established as a wagon wheel trail in 1880, the trail was initially deemed too steep and rugged for modern vehicles, adding to the allure of its historical significance. Despite its challenging nature, the area saw extensive mining activity for oil, gas, and uranium during the early history of San Juan, leading to the construction of roads throughout the rugged canyon terrain.
These roads have enabled us to access the Hole in the Rock trail almost to its original location, with minor deviations around impassable areas and a modern detour around Lake Canyon. Lake Canyon, as its name suggests, was formed by a natural dam during the time of the settlers' passage. The dam not only provided a route for the road but also a crucial water resource in the harsh desert. However, a flash flood eventually destroyed the dam, resulting in the release of the captured lake.
Despite this setback, a road was built into the canyon and out of it. Regrettably, a more recent flash flood further altered the canyon floor, creating an 80-foot deep impasse, and necessitating a detour around the head of Lake Canyon. We are thrilled to offer you an opportunity to experience this rich history and stunning landscapes on the Hole in the Rock trail, and we look forward to embarking on this adventure with you.
Tour Guide Q&A
Who drives on the tours?
Each machine has seating for three guests and one driver.
If your group includes more than four guests, one lucky guest will get to be the driver!
If nobody in your group is comfortable driving a side-by-side please contact Sunrise Outfitting to request additional drivers.
