If you are looking for the ultimate off-road adventure, you have likely heard of the Paiute ATV Trail in Utah. It is widely considered the best ATV trail system in the country, boasting over 2,000 miles of connected riding with no beginning and no end.
But here is the secret most first-time visitors miss: Where you stay determines how much you ride.
Many visitors make the mistake of staying in hotels along the highway or in dusty RV parks on the valley floor, forcing them to trailer their machines to the trailhead every morning. At Bullion Creekside Retreat, we offer a different experience. Located directly in the historic Bullion Canyon—the “Canyon of Gold”—our guests have direct access to the trail system. You park your truck once, and for the rest of your trip, you ride.
Whether you are here to conquer the famous “Main Loop” or explore the hidden high-alpine lakes, this guide covers everything you need to know about riding the Paiute Trail.
Understanding the Layout: The Loop vs. The Spiderweb
To navigate the Paiute Trail in Utah, you need to understand how it is structured. It isn’t just one single path; it is a massive network that covers four counties and three mountain ranges.
The Famous Paiute #01 Loop
This is the heart of the system—a 275-mile continuous loop that circles through the Fishlake National Forest. It passes through several towns, including Marysvale, Richfield, Beaver, and Fillmore. While die-hard riders can complete the loop in roughly 25 hours of seat time (usually broken up over 3–4 days), most visitors prefer to ride segments of it.
The Side Trails (The Spiderweb)
This is where the real magic happens. Branching off the main #01 loop are thousands of miles of marked side trails and forest roads. These trails take you to the highest peaks, the hidden fishing ponds, and the best viewpoints. When you stay at our cabins or RV sites, you are positioned perfectly to access the most scenic side trails in the Tushar Mountains immediately.
Why Bullion Canyon is the Best Starting Point
Your choice of basecamp matters. The Paiute Trail varies wildly in elevation and terrain.
Bullion Creekside Retreat is located in Marysvale, Utah, often called the “Hub of the Paiute Trail.” However, unlike accommodations located on the loud Highway 89 corridor, our retreat is tucked away in Bullion Canyon.
The “Canyon of Gold” Advantage
- Cooler Temperatures: Because we are tucked into the canyon along Pine Creek, we are often significantly cooler than the open valley floor.
- Historic Scenery: You don’t have to ride 20 miles to see something cool. The moment you leave our driveway, you are on the historic mining route.
- No Trailering Required: You can legally ride your ATV or UTV from our RV Hook-ups directly onto the trail and into Marysvale town for gas and groceries.
Top 3 Rides Starting from Bullion Creekside
Don’t spend hours staring at a map guessing where to go. Here are the three best itineraries our guests love:
1. The Family Scenic Ride: Bullion Falls & Miner’s Park
- Difficulty: Easy
- Vehicle Width: Any (UTV/ATV/Jeep friendly)
- Description: Turn left out of our retreat and head up the canyon. You will pass historic mining structures from the 1800s. Stop at the Miner’s Park, an open-air museum where you can walk inside old cabins and see mining equipment. Just a bit further is the trailhead for Bullion Falls. It’s a short hike to see a stunning 60-foot waterfall. This is the perfect “warm-up” ride for your first afternoon.
2. The High Alpine Adventure: The Tushar Mountains
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult (Steep switchbacks)
- Vehicle Width: Mostly 60” friendly, but check maps for 50” spur trails.
- Description: From the canyon, you can climb the switchbacks up to the skyline. You will rapidly ascend from 6,000 feet to over 11,000 feet. You’ll find yourself riding above the tree line, looking down on mountain goats and elk. The views of Mt. Belknap and Mt. Baldy are unmatched.
- Pro Tip: This area is also excellent for Bird Watching and wildlife photography, so bring your camera.
3. The Town Run: Lunch in Circleville
- Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
- Description: Head out to the main Paiute #01 Loop and ride south toward Circleville. This is a classic trail ride that mixes forest roads with high desert terrain. Ride into town, grab a burger at a local diner, fill up your gas tanks, and head back to the retreat for a campfire by the creek.
Critical Rules & Logistics for 2025
The Paiute ATV Trail Utah is managed by the US Forest Service and the BLM. To keep the trails open, strict adherence to rules is required.
1. The 50-Inch vs. 60-Inch Rule
This is the most common question we get.
- The Rule: Many designated trails in the National Forest are restricted to machines 50 inches wide or less. These trails have physical gates that a wider UTV (like a RZR 1000 or X3) cannot fit through.
- The Good News: The main Paiute Loop #01 and most major access roads (including Bullion Canyon) are open to wider machines (60+ inches).
- The Strategy: If you have a wide machine, you still have hundreds of miles of riding. Just be sure to check the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) to ensure you don’t turn down a 50-inch restricted spur.
2. Permits & Education (Crucial!)
Utah has updated its OHV laws recently.
- Non-Resident Permit: If you are visiting from out of state, you must purchase a Utah Non-Resident OHV Permit online.
- Education Course: As of 2023, all adult riders (18+) must complete the free online Utah OHV Education Course. You must carry a digital or physical copy of your certificate while riding. Rangers do check this!
When is the Best Time to Ride?
- Spring (May – Early June): The lower trails are perfect, green, and dust-free.
- Summer (July – August): This is prime time for high-elevation riding to escape the heat. It’s the perfect time to stay at Bullion Creekside to enjoy the shade of the canyon.
- Fall (September – October): Known as the “Golden Season.” The massive Aspen forests turn brilliant yellow and orange.
- Winter: While the main ATV trails close, the area transforms into a wonderland for Winter Activities like snowshoeing and backcountry exploring.
Your Basecamp for Adventure
The Paiute Trail in Utah is more than just a ride; it’s an experience of history, nature, and adrenaline. Don’t spoil the trip by staying in a cramped hotel room or a noisy parking lot.
At Bullion Creekside Retreat, you get the best of both worlds: luxury cabins and RV hookups with the rustic charm of the deep forest.
Are you ready to ride the best trails in America? Check our availability today and secure your spot in the Canyon of Gold.
