McCoy Flats Trails
Vast desert trails for biking, hiking, and off-roading with stunning red rock views and minimal crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Ideal temperatures for outdoor activities
McCoy Flats Trails
Best Time
Ideal temperatures for outdoor activities
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vast desert trails for biking, hiking, and off-roading with stunning red rock views and minimal crowds.
"No crowds. No noise. Just open desert and endless trails."
Pack for the Desert Heat
Bring ample water and sun protection, especially in summer. Mosquitos can be intense in June! :droplet: :sunwithface:
Trail Maps Available
Find trail maps and information at the main trailhead 'corral'. :world_map:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Expansive Trail Network
Over 35 miles of multi-use trails for biking, hiking, and off-roading. Explore at your own pace.
Red Rock Desert Scenery
Immerse yourself in the stunning high desert landscape with vibrant red rock formations.
Winter Snowshoeing
Experience a magical transformation with snow-covered trails and hoodoos.
Sunset Views
Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the desert sky in vibrant colors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Escape the Crowds, Embrace the Desert
Year-Round Adventure Awaits
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack for the Desert Heat
Bring ample water and sun protection, especially in summer. Mosquitos can be intense in June! :droplet: :sunwithface:
Trail Maps Available
Find trail maps and information at the main trailhead 'corral'. :world_map:
Dispersed Camping Friendly
Enjoy dispersed camping with great cell service. Perfect for a ride-and-camp trip. :tent:
Winter Wonderland
Snowshoeing in winter offers a unique, quiet experience with stunning snowy landscapes. :snowflake:
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack for the Desert Heat
Bring ample water and sun protection, especially in summer. Mosquitos can be intense in June! :droplet: :sunwithface:
Trail Maps Available
Find trail maps and information at the main trailhead 'corral'. :world_map:
Dispersed Camping Friendly
Enjoy dispersed camping with great cell service. Perfect for a ride-and-camp trip. :tent:
Winter Wonderland
Snowshoeing in winter offers a unique, quiet experience with stunning snowy landscapes. :snowflake:
Night Ride Potential
The trails are great for night rides, offering a different kind of adventure. :moon:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about McCoy Flats Trails for their extensive network, stunning red rock scenery, and peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere. It's a haven for mountain bikers and hikers alike, with options for all skill levels. While summer can bring heat and mosquitos, the unique winter snowshoeing experience and great camping opportunities make it a year-round gem.
"My husband went mountain biking and I took the kids walking on trails. The trails were great. I loved that there were really flat tails that worked great for toddlers. There are several mountain biking trails. My husband liked the couple runs he took and can't wait to go back. We easily spent 90 mins the and could have spent more."
Kira Joy
"So much riding potential here! Plenty of land and existing trails that could be greatly enhanced with new trails, alt lines, and tech features. Vernal could take a page from Richfield's playbook on trail development and marketing. Nice being able to camp and ride to trails. No crowds. Mosquitos were terrible in June '23."
Ryan Bertram
"Outstanding mountain bike trails, and great camping. Great cell phone service on all carriers. Very quiet. Amazing sunsets."
Ryan Gordon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
McCoy Flats Trails are located just outside of Vernal, Utah. Access is typically via BLM land roads. Many visitors report good cell phone service on all carriers in the area, which can be helpful for navigation.
Yes, the main trailhead, often referred to as the 'corral,' is accessible by car and features shaded picnic tables, kiosks with trail maps, and a vault toilet.
McCoy Flats is known for its off-road adventures, with a sprawling BLM land area offering numerous trails. Specific directions for off-road vehicles will depend on your starting point and desired route within the vast network.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
McCoy Flats Trails are located on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, and typically do not have an entrance fee for day use. Dispersed camping is also available without charge.
As an open desert recreation area, McCoy Flats Trails do not have set operating hours. You can visit and use the trails at any time, though daylight hours are recommended for safety and enjoyment.
Generally, no specific permit is required for recreational activities like hiking and mountain biking at McCoy Flats Trails. However, it's always a good idea to check with the local BLM office for any specific regulations or alerts.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
McCoy Flats boasts over 35 miles of multi-use trails, catering to mountain biking, hiking, and off-road adventures. There are options for various skill levels, including flat trails suitable for toddlers.
Absolutely! Reviewers mention that there are really flat trails perfect for toddlers, making it a great spot for families.
One of the biggest draws of McCoy Flats is the lack of crowds. Visitors frequently mention enjoying the open space and having the trails to themselves.
Yes, dispersed camping is available at McCoy Flats, and it's a popular option for those who want to camp and ride. The area offers great cell phone service.
The main trailhead, known as the 'corral,' offers shaded picnic tables, kiosks with trail maps, and a vault toilet.
📸 📸 Photography
The red rock formations and expansive desert landscapes provide stunning backdrops for photography. Sunsets are particularly spectacular, painting the sky with vibrant colors.
Yes, the vast open desert and unique geological features make McCoy Flats an excellent location for landscape photography. The changing light throughout the day offers diverse photographic opportunities.
While not guaranteed, the high desert environment can host various wildlife. Keep an eye out for animal tracks, especially in snowy conditions, which can also make for interesting photographic subjects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the cooler parts of the day, like mornings or late afternoons, to ensure comfort for little ones. While summer can bring mosquitos, bringing insect repellent can help mitigate this.
💰 Budget Travelers
The primary costs would be transportation and any gear you might need. The availability of free camping means you can save on accommodation, making it an ideal spot for an affordable getaway.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Mountain Biking Paradise
Visitors appreciate the variety of terrain, with some trails being quite flat and suitable for beginners or families, while others offer more challenging routes. The ability to camp and ride directly to the trails is a major convenience for biking enthusiasts.
While the trails are well-regarded, some suggest that Vernal could learn from other towns like Richfield in terms of trail development and marketing strategies to further boost McCoy Flats' appeal.
Seasonal Adventures: Summer vs. Winter
Winter transforms McCoy Flats into a serene, snowy landscape, perfect for snowshoeing.
The high desert storms can create a 'different world' appearance, with trails covered in snow and animal tracks visible. This offers a unique and quiet adventure, far removed from the summer crowds. The hoodoos, or rock pillars, take on a magical quality when dusted with snow, making for a picturesque and memorable experience. Regardless of the season, the open desert and red rock views remain a constant, providing a stunning backdrop for any activity.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit