Discover the beauty of Mary's Lake and North Dragon Trails with Utah UTV Rentals
These trails are located near Joe’s Valley Resort and are accessible by UTVs and ATVs. Many riders are drawn to these trails due to the numerous smaller side trails that branch off along the way. Together, Mary’s Lake and North Dragon Trails span a total of 45 miles. While they offer enjoyable riding experiences, it’s important to note that during the winter months, these trails can become quite challenging to navigate, even for those with some UTV driving experience.
Beginning near Joe’s Valley Resort, the North Dragon Trail is one of the longer UTV trails within the Arapeen Trail System. This trail welcomes all types of off-road vehicles and tends to get quite busy during the summer months. The trail’s length and variety make it a favorite among many off-road enthusiasts.
Accessibility
These trails are open to all types of off-road vehicles, including small and large UTVs, ATVs, Jeeps, and dirt bikes. During our visit, we observed that most vehicles on the trails were full-sized UTVs and dirt bikes, indicating the trails’ popularity among a variety of off-road enthusiasts. The versatility of the Arapeen OHV Trails makes it a favorite destination for diverse groups of riders, and onX Maps ensures that everyone, regardless of their vehicle type, can navigate safely and enjoyably. Find more information below.
Trail Difficulty
Both the Mary’s Lake and North Dragon Trails are considered moderate in difficulty. They require some extra driving skills to navigate successfully. If you are a first-time UTV driver, it’s advisable to have an experienced driver accompany you or choose a less challenging trail within the Arapeen OHV Trail System.
Trail Surface
The surfaces of these two trails are primarily dirt and rocky. Due to the dense forest areas, some sections of the trails may remain icy and muddy longer than others, especially during the colder months.
Best Time to Visit
The optimal time to visit these trails is during the spring or summer months. However, early spring visitors should be prepared for some icy patches along the trails. If you plan to venture out in the winter or fall, ensure your vehicle is equipped with 4×4 capabilities to handle the muddy and icy conditions. During our visit in late fall, the trails were quite muddy, and the weather was overcast, leading us to plan a return trip in the summer for a better off-road experience.
North Dragon to Horn Mountain
The North Dragoon Trail offers an exhilarating journey from 7,000 feet to over 9,100 feet in elevation, transitioning from sagebrush landscapes to high alpine slopes adorned with pine and aspen trees. This trail is not only renowned for its diverse flora but also for its breathtaking vistas that provide a stunning backdrop to your adventure. The trail is wide enough to accommodate 4-wheel drive vehicles, ensuring accessibility for a variety of off-road enthusiasts.
However, it’s important to note that the trail conditions can vary significantly with the weather. When the road is wet or muddy, travel can become challenging, making 4-wheel drive essential to navigate the rough terrain safely. The dynamic landscape and changing trail conditions add an extra layer of excitement and challenge, making the North Dragoon Trail a must-visit for adventure seekers.
Along the trail, you’ll find numerous primitive camping spots, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy an overnight stay under the stars. These spots offer a unique opportunity to experience the serenity of the high alpine environment and create lasting memories.
One aspect to consider when planning your trip is the significant amount of backtracking required to return to the starting point. This adds an additional element of strategy to your adventure, ensuring that you plan your route and timing carefully.
Mary's Lake Trail
Mary’s Lake Trail offers a remarkable 15-mile journey that takes adventurers from an elevation of 7,000 feet to over 9,100 feet. This trail provides a diverse and dynamic experience, transitioning from sagebrush landscapes at lower elevations to lush alpine forests at higher altitudes. The significant elevation change of over 1,500 feet presents a unique opportunity to witness a wide variety of flora and fauna, making it an ideal trail for nature enthusiasts. The trail can be completed in about 1 hour, making it a perfect day trip for those looking to explore the great outdoors without committing to an extended adventure.
As you ascend, you’ll be greeted by the picturesque scenery of pine and aspen trees, interspersed with small, serene lakes such as Mary’s Lake, which is perfect for fishing and relaxation. The dispersed camping spots along the trail offer an excellent opportunity to extend your adventure overnight, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the high alpine environment. These camping areas are primitive, providing a rustic and authentic outdoor experience.
The trail’s terrain is accessible for 4-wheel drive vehicles, but it is important to note that travel can become challenging, especially during rain or snow. The trail features some steep climbs that can be difficult to navigate when the path is wet or muddy, making 4-wheel drive essential in such conditions. Despite these challenges, the trail rewards adventurers with stunning views, expansive meadows, and numerous scenic vistas that are perfect for photography and sharing with friends and family.
For those looking to extend their adventure, Mary’s Lake Trail connects to other fun and exciting trails such as the Horn Mountain Trail. These connections offer additional opportunities for exploration and discovery, ensuring that there is always something new and exciting to experience.
Activities
The trails’ proximity to lakes and camping spots makes them a popular choice for outdoor activities. Many visitors enjoy hiking, exploring, and fishing in the small lakes near the trails. The Horn Mountain Cow Camping Spot, located near Mary’s Lake Trail, is a favorite among campers. Additionally, Joe’s Valley Reservoir offers camping spots near the starting point of the North Dragon to Horn Mountain trail. In total, there are seven small lakes nearby for fishing, providing plenty of options for those looking to relax by the water.
Overall, Mary’s Lake and North Dragon to Horn Mountain offer a diverse and enjoyable off-road experience for riders of all skill levels. Whether you’re seeking adventure or a peaceful retreat in nature, these trails provide a perfect getaway.
Camping Spots
Near Mary's Lake and North Dragon Trails, numerous camping spots are ideal for enjoying with friends and family, especially with a rented UTV, providing memorable outdoor experiences.
Moderate Trails
Utah UTV Rentals strongly recommends that beginners avoid these trails due to their challenging terrain and elevation changes, ensuring a safe and enjoyable off-road adventure.
Stunning Nature
The trails of Mary's Lake and North Dragon Trails boast stunning natural scenery, featuring lush alpine forests, picturesque meadows, and serene small lakes, offering a beautiful backdrop for any off-road adventure.
