Vernal Utah Multi Activity Options Trip

UPDATED 1/1/2026
The Jamboree dates were released, and our dates are now confirmed for May 31 - June 9. I VERY STRONGLY SUGGEST getting your reservations now because you will be arriving when the jamboree is still in progress, meaning good sites could be in short supply.
Debbie and Monty will be staying at the KOA.

Some details are deliberately fuzzy at this point due to the new area and the long description so that you can visualize my thoughts on this area; this is not the usual CQR trip. This way, you can ride some or do other stuff if you so desire.

In this area, at approximately the same time, there is:
An ATV/UTV jamboree
A couple of medium-sized lakes
Dinosaur National Monument
Flaming Gorge Reservoir
A rather unusual sandstone rock formation
Open riding areas
A choice of trails without requiring daily trailering.
Another CQR event immediately following, just two hours away in Rock Springs, WY.
All of this activity is only 5.5 hours from Denver via Google Maps.

The following link is from the Vernal Tourist Assn. showing many routes we might explore, and many routes can be combined into longer rides. Do not make plans based on what the Tourist Assn shows we will make CQR plans based on what we can pull off.

https://www.dinolandtrails.com/ohv-trails/?utm_source=meta&utm_medium=paid-social&utm_campaign=ohv-trails-paid-social-2025-video&fbclid=IwdGRzaANej8hjbGNrA16PnWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAAEekqUUfggXteRCKBezQe5LvbVvr1xy_ELAtj4S88xeWPnXkmyiLWlieawpXEE_aem_ohVLklWdQu-E8vLrrCwtLA&sfnsn=mo

The Grand Plan

This trip is longer than the usual CQR trip; it spans 10 days in total, covering the combined Vernal and boondocking portions only (excluding the jamboree portion organized by others). This is split between two locations that are 20 miles apart, 5 days each.

This area is expansive and offers two distinct types of riding experiences. Near Vernal, it’s arid, primarily like Moab, with some trees and more dirt/sand, less slick rock. However, if you're looking for big rocks, there is an area with plenty to play on. The boondocking area is north of Vernal, and there are more trees and mountainous trails to be experienced.

To be able to make the most of the trails and mixed terrain, relocation midway through is planned to eliminate a 20-mile trailered commute each way on US Highway 191. For the second half of the trip, we plan on boondocking at one of two great locations, still TBD, coin flip.

PART A
Consider being in the Vernal area on Sunday, May 31st (arrival date), with no planned ride on that date, and daily rides from the Vernal area through June 5th.
PART B
On the morning of June 6th, move to the boondocking location, 20 miles north. Stay at the boondocking location until June 10th. On the morning of the 10th, you can travel to the other CQR Rock Springs event, which is two hours away.
Please note that you can attend either part or both.

We plan on being in Vernal even before the jamboree to do research and scout routes and boondock camping areas. As we get better intel (I am working with last year’s maps, so checking for random trail closures, etc.) and closer to the event, more details will be available. As always, you can join for any or all days.

As for accommodations in Vernal, there are several campground options, including a KOA and other similar ones in and near town. You could stay at a hotel in Vernal for the duration of the trip. The boondocking site is only 20 miles from town; note that trailering would be required on all US Highways.

OHV Riding part

The local riding club has mapped about 40 of their club rides in this greater area. There are approximately 20 of those rides they use in the jamboree, from which I plan to choose. Terrain varies from mellow to extreme, with safety equipment stipulations. Most have their descriptions to help you decide if that trail is for you. They even have some trails, intentionally for self-guided rides; again, this would be an on-your-own adventure. I can provide you with their geolocated maps designed for use in Avenza.

Potluck, social hours, and anything else that's fun are still TBD due to the split locations; your input is appreciated.

ADDITIONAL NON-CQR RELATED OR SANCTIONED ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA AS FOLLOWS

If you want to do a non-riding day(s), bring your kayak, do the jamboree, or something else; you are on your own, check rules and regs, and make sure you know before you go. I bet others would like to have a break day, team up. FYI, you drive right by both lakes and toward Flaming Gorge the day we relocate, so if you are looking for a side adventure to do, that day would be ideal.

Jamboree
The Outlaw ATV Jamboree folks have officially published their dates and they are May 27th - 30th
We have been to this jamboree 3 times, and it is always fun.
IMPORTANT: The jamboree part will have no connection to CQR. That said, if you want to arrive early and double up on your riding, it’s a good way to do that. I will be using their trail maps, descriptions, and going on rides with them to see where we can take you for the most fun.

The Jamboree has fees and rules and stuff; you need to deal with all that on your own if you participate in it.

Lakes

There are two medium-sized lakes in the vicinity. I prefer Red Fleet Reservoir 10 miles away, it’s pretty which is cool, and Steinaker Reservoir 5 miles away, is just a lake, check the Utah website for usage information.

Other activities

Flaming Gorge, 40 miles from Vernal and 17 miles from the boondocking spot

Dinosaur National Monument, 16 miles from Vernal.

Fantasy Canyon, 43 miles from Vernal, is a sandstone canyon; it is not an actual canyon like the Grand Canyon. It’s a bunch of weathered sandstone formations that are hard to describe unless you were around in the ’60s and ’70s. Just think about the shape of thousands of huge frozen lava lamps, but you would have had to be around in the '70s for that, too, so Google it. This could also be a trailered/desert ride trip on your own if you wanted to do that.

There is a designated open riding OHV area on the way to Fantasy Canyon, so let those horses run.

Lastly, this is Utah, so be sure to comply with all their training, licensing, and insurance requirements. Just plan that every day will require some street/highway travel, so be street legal. Please don't ask me to alter trails or how to bend their rules.

Update: A new law has passed in Utah that requires all UTV operators to complete an online course and print out a certificate. Here's a link to the course:
https://recreation.utah.gov/off-highway-vehicles/ohv-education-course/

DOT CERTIFIED HELMETS ARE REQUIRED ON ALL CQR RIDES. IT IS ALSO STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT ALL RIDERS HAVE A FRS OR GMRS TWO WAY RADIO, FOR SAFETY AND HELP THE GROUP STAY TOGETHER.

TWO WAY RADIO LINK:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09WQPLNNR?ref=cm_sw_r_mwn_dp_C79V82DKNRCP2S69T890&ref_=cm_sw_r_mwn_dp_C79V82DKNRCP2S69T890&social_share=cm_sw_r_mwn_dp_C79V82DKNRCP2S69T890&language=en_US