Autumn Adventures in Utah: 8 Overland Trails to Conquer with PAKRAX Protection

When it comes to overlanding, Utah is sacred ground. Red rock deserts, endless canyons, slickrock playgrounds, and wide-open backcountry — it’s the state every overlander dreams of. In the fall, Utah is unbeatable. The summer crowds thin, temps cool off, and the red rock glows against autumn skies. Whether you’re easing into your first Moab trail or committing to a multi-day backcountry loop, PAKRAX gear keeps your rig safe while you focus on the views.

Here are 8 Utah trails perfect for your autumn adventure list.

1. White Rim Road (Blue – 100 miles)

• Highlights: The bucket-list trail of Canyonlands National Park. This 2–4 day loop winds below Island in the Sky with endless canyon views.

• Camping: Permit required for designated sites along the trail.

• Water: No natural sources — carry it all in.

• PAKRAX Tip: Bed racks are perfect here, giving you the space to mount rooftop tents and carry all the water and supplies needed for a multi-day trip.

2. Fins & Things (Blue – 9 miles)

• Highlights: Moab’s slickrock playground. Short but packed with climbs, descents, and classic sandstone ledges.

• Camping: Sand Flats Recreation Area campgrounds.

• Water: None — bring plenty.

• PAKRAX Tip: Rock sliders protect your rig from slickrock ledges and belly-scraping climbs.

3. Gemini Bridges (Easy – 14 miles)

• Highlights: A great intro trail for Moab, with incredible twin arch views and fun but mellow terrain.

• Camping: BLM sites nearby.

• Water: None reliable.

• PAKRAX Tip: A cargo bed slide makes day trips like this simple, keeping your gear organized and easy to access.

4. Shafer Trail (Easy/Blue – 20 miles)

• Highlights: Famous switchbacks that descend from Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky down into the White Rim. A must-drive.

• Camping: None on the trail — best to camp along White Rim Road with a permit.

• Water: None.

• PAKRAX Tip: Bed stiffeners keep loads from shifting on those steep switchbacks and washboard sections.

5. Lockhart Basin (Red – 60 miles)

• Highlights: One of Utah’s more advanced backcountry routes, connecting Moab to Canyonlands Needles District. Rugged, remote, and absolutely gorgeous.

• Camping: Dispersed camping along the route.

• Water: Rare seasonal sources — plan to be fully self-sufficient.

• PAKRAX Tip: Sliders and bumpers are essential here — the rocky ledges and remoteness demand real armor and recovery points.

6. Hell’s Revenge (Red – 6.5 miles)

• Highlights: The most famous Moab trail, with iconic obstacles like Hell’s Gate and Tip-Over Challenge.

• Camping: Sand Flats Recreation Area.

• Water: None.

• PAKRAX Tip: Not for the faint of heart. Sliders will save your rig from steep slickrock climbs, while racks/stiffeners keep gear secure when tackling off-camber obstacles.

7. Burr Trail (Easy – 68 miles paved/dirt combo)

• Highlights: One of Utah’s most scenic drives, winding through Capitol Reef’s canyons before dropping into the desert. Not technical, but stunning.

• Camping: Plenty of dispersed camping along BLM land.

• Water: No reliable sources.

• PAKRAX Tip: A roof rack makes it easy to carry extra storage or kayaks for side adventures.

8. Cathedral Valley Loop (Blue – 60 miles)

• Highlights: A remote loop through Capitol Reef’s Cathedral Valley, where fall light on the monoliths is otherworldly.

• Camping: Dispersed camping is available throughout the loop.

• Water: Seasonal creeks; carry what you need.

• PAKRAX Tip: Long, remote trails like this are what bed stiffeners were built for — they keep your rig’s bed solid while hauling all your camping gear and water.

Utah in autumn is pure overland magic: crisp desert nights, glowing red rocks, and trails ranging from beginner-friendly drives to slickrock legends. Whether you’re cruising Gemini Bridges or pushing through Lockhart Basin, PAKRAX gear keeps your rig protected, so the only thing you’re worried about is catching the sunset.