Sarlacc Trail

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Views · Wildflowers

Built by combined efforts of motorcycle riders, mountain bikers, horseback riders and hikers, this great singletrack hugs the slopes of the southern most range of Bookcliff Mountains. Views alternate between the south and the north. Looking south you'll see the La Sal mountains far to the SW along with the ranches of the eastern Grand Valley and the popular mountain biking trailhead off 18 Rd. To the north are the many peaks of the Bookcliff Mountains.

The hike is best done with a vehicle shuttle. V 8/10 Rd is rough and needs a high clearance vehicle. The road can be excessively muddy after rains and should be allowed to dry to limit damage to it. If a shorter hike is desired it is best to drive to the eastern access point. When parking at the eastern end of the trail be sure not to block the side road to the gas well pad.

The singletrack trail curves along through the juniper forest climbing and falling as it goes but with little overall change in elevation until about the 8 mile mark. Then the singletrack ends and an old two-track is followed that drops a 1070 ft down through a series of switchbacks to V 8/10 Rd. Near the top of the two track you may unfortunately encounter fumes from a long burning underground coal fire, depending on winds.

The rating of Intermediate is given because of the length. The singletrack and old 2-track are both well packed trails.

The Spotted Towhee has been seen along the trail.