Elk Mountain / Elk Ridge Road
Elk Ridge Road (FS 50088), approximate public road reference, Blanding, UT
About this trail
This historic Elk Mountain entry describes Elk Ridge Road, reached from State Route 275 near Natural Bridges. The designated Forest Service road climbs toward the Bears Ears and follows the Elk Ridge high country, with views over southeastern Utah’s canyons. Use a suitable high-clearance vehicle and carry the current Monticello travel map. Narrow sections, snow, mud and storm damage can make travel difficult or prevent passage. The November 9, 2026 Forest Service update reports the Bears Ears section of FS 0088 passable, while several nearby roads and South Cottonwood crossings are washed out or impassable. Do not assume the old connections to Beef Basin, Elephant Hill or other routes are available. Stay on designated roads and respect barriers, private and tribal land, and archaeological sites. The pin is an approximate point on mapped FS 50088, not a parking place or a promise of through access. The original photograph shows historical conditions.
Contact the venue
Terrain
Access and reports
- Surface
- Bumpy · Rocky · Steep · Scenic · Rock Crawling · Gravel · Dirt · Obstacles
- Latest condition report
- Not published
- Map point
- A public map point is published. The full trail route is not available.
Before you go
- Check current access and vehicle rules with the operator before traveling.
- Use a high-clearance vehicle and carry the current Monticello Ranger District travel map
- Remain on designated roads; off-road travel and entry into closed, private or tribal areas are not authorized
- Check current Monticello road conditions before departure; storm damage, snow and mud can prevent passage
- Nearby North Creek, Johnson Creek, Causeway, Foy Lake and South Cottonwood routes have current hazards or closures; do not assume connecting routes are available
- Do not drive around gates, barricades or closure signs; protect archaeological sites and leave artifacts in place
Location
This is the public map point supplied for the trail profile. Private access instructions are never inferred from this view.
Elk Ridge Road (FS 50088), approximate public road reference, Blanding, UT
37.606, -109.894
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