State Recreation Area · Utah
Jordan River Off-Highway Vehicle State Recreation Area
Jordan River Off-Highway Vehicle State Recreation Area is a Utah State Park located in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. The park is dedicated to recreation with off highway vehicles. It consists of four separate tracks, with tabletops and banked turns, and is open from approximately early April to approximately mid-October.
Off-highway motorcycle (OHM) riders have access to two motocross tracks. The novice and grand-prix tracks are open to both OHMs and all-terrain vehicles. All riders must wear a helmet and all machines must be currently registered.
Before riding here, or on any public land, youth from 8–16 years old (and until they get a driver license) must take and pass the state-required youth off-highway vehicle (OHV) education program; children under the age of eight may not operate an OHV on public land in Utah. Youth must carry their safety certificate while riding.
Jordan River Off-Highway Vehicle State Recreation Area occupies a particular place in the imagination of American public lands. As a State Recreation Area in Utah, it represents a deliberate choice — by the people who advocated for its protection, and by the National Park Service rangers who maintain it — to keep this landscape available to anyone willing to make the trip. That accessibility is the quiet miracle of the park system.
The pages linked below break the visit down into the four practical questions every traveler asks: where can I hike, where can I sleep, what else is worth seeing while I'm in the area, and what should I know before I show up. Each one is written from the perspective of someone planning their first trip — assume nothing, explain what's worth explaining, and skip the marketing language. If you've been here before, treat these guides as a refresher and a way to discover the corners you missed last time.
What this guide covers
Over the next four pages, this field guide breaks Jordan River Off-Highway Vehicle State Recreation Area into the practical questions every traveler asks: which trails are worth the effort, where to sleep both inside and outside the park boundary, what else is worth a stop in the surrounding region, and the small-but-essential tips that make the difference between a stressful first day and a smooth one. Use the navigation above to jump between sections, or read them in order — they're written to flow.
- Hikes — short loops, half-day trails, and backcountry routes
- Camping — drive-in campgrounds, RV sites, and backcountry permits
- Nearby attractions — gateway towns and adjacent public lands
- Visitor tips — timing, fees, weather, and what to skip
Logistics at a glance
Use this quick reference when you're putting together your itinerary. The figures below are the most-asked questions every visitor needs answered before arrival, summarized in one place.
| Designation | State Recreation Area |
|---|---|
| State | Utah |
| Entrance fee | Varies — check the official park site below for current rates. |
| Visitor center hours | Most open daily 8–9am to 4:30–6pm. Reduced winter hours common. |
| Best months | Plan around the weather notes above. |
| Camping inside park | See the camping guide for campground details, fees, and reservation windows. |
| Nearby gateway towns | See nearby attractions for lodging and supply stops. |