If you’re planning to rent an OHV in Brian Head, the 4-hour loop option from Prime Adventure Outfitters covers an impressive range of terrain in a short window. Forest roads climb toward a high-mountain overlook, then drop into red-rock walls and eventually a reservoir.
We rode the full loop to understand timing, trail conditions, wildlife encounters, and how approachable it is for travelers who prefer independent adventure. It was absolutely worth doing, even if we occasionally wished for more time to explore the side stops. With a little preparation, it becomes a scenic, varied half-day ride through some of Brian Head’s best landscapes.
Quick Takeaways
- A wildly varied route including forests, red rocks, meadows, a reservoir, and expansive overlooks.
- The High Mountain Overlook and Second Left Hand Canyon were trip highlights.
- The map could use improvement. We struggled with a few turn-offs and missed one stop entirely.
- Four hours is enough to finish, but tight if you like to linger or explore side trails.
- Best for independent riders and confident beginners.
- We would return for more time in Second Left Hand Canyon.
Why We Chose the 4-Hour vs 2-Hour Route
We’d done a two-hour OHV ride in Bryce Canyon before, and while it was fun, it felt like we blinked and it was over. Four hours seemed like the sweet spot, enough time to explore without feeling like the day was gone.
In reality, four hours gave us exactly what we wanted in terms of scenery, but not quite the breathing room we hoped for. The route packs in a lot, and if you like to stop for photos, viewpoints, or short off-shoots (we do), you’ll want to keep an eye on pacing. Another hour or two would have let us linger without thinking about the return clock.
Even so, the longer loop was absolutely worth it. More variety, more terrain, and more adventure. Just know that four hours is doable, not leisurely.
Booking and Check-In: Expect Time for Paperwork
We booked in person later in the afternoon and learned that Utah requires all OHV drivers to complete an online safety course with training videos and a test. It’s a reasonable requirement, just something we wish we had known earlier. Between the state mandated course, forms, and processing, nearly an hour passed before we ever left the parking lot.
Booking online would have given us the warning and allowed for pre-completion of the test. So much for spontaneity.
We recommend completing the OHV safety certificate online in advance.
Getting comfortable with the machine
With paperwork finished, we received a quick overview of controls and operation. It took a moment to understand how aggressively the throttle wanted to be handled, but once running, the machine performed well. It handled gravel, rocky terrain, water crossings, and even the temporary highway detour without trouble.
Trail Navigation and the Map
We were given a paper map and a helpful verbal walkthrough of the route. Once outside, however, some junctions were less intuitive than expected. A few trails lacked signage, and several turn-offs blended into the surrounding terrain. We managed fine overall, despite a couple of “reverse and try again” moments, but we spent longer than planned searching for the reservoir overlook we never found.
The map works, but more specific written detail would help. If you want to hit every stop, ask for clarification before departure.
Here’s the approximate route we took in Google Maps. You can also click here to open directly in Google.
The Route Experience
The loop moves through diverse landscapes, and each segment feels distinct.
Warm-up through Brian Head and Forest Roads
The ride begins with mellow gravel roads in Brian Head. Because a special event rerouted traffic when we visited, part of the standard path was blocked, but staff warned us well in advance. We also observed other riders get pulled over for entering restricted areas, so listening carefully matters here.
Marathon Point
Our first viewpoint was Marathon Point. Easy to find, light on payoff. We snapped a photo from the vehicle and continued on.
Twisted Forest
The Twisted Forest trailhead was easy to locate, but there was no indication of distance or time commitment. We later learned the trail is roughly 0.9 miles round-trip. With a 3-hour estimated drive time riding straight through, adding a 30–45 minute detour could push the schedule. We skipped this one with a promise to return someday.
High Mountain Overlook
Next came an unsigned turnoff. Google Maps saved us here. We followed a dirt climb to the overlook and were glad we did. At the top, distant views of Cedar Breaks made this a clear favorite. We lingered with water and photos, savoring the breeze and the silence, before backtracking to continue toward the Haunted Bus.
Haunted Bus
After a long stretch on Dry Lake Road, broad meadows appeared, then forest again, and finally the abandoned bus — riddled with bullet holes and framed by aspens. We didn’t have time to explore inside, but it’s a fun visual stop. Not far beyond this, we met a flock of sheep and one escape artist that had squeezed through the fence. The first of many wildlife encounters to come.
The Highway (143)
Dry Lake Road eventually reached Hwy 143. Normally there is a parallel trail for OHVs, but it was blocked due to construction. We were instructed to keep to the shoulder, maintain speed, and pull over for faster vehicles.
Riding a small machine on a public highway isn’t everyone’s dream, but it was brief and manageable. Soon we reached Second Left Hand Canyon.
Second Left Hand Canyon
This was the most scenic section and the one where beginners may feel most alert. Most of the road is hard-packed dirt with several shallow water crossings. The upper portion becomes rockier, with occasional ruts and narrow two-way traffic where passing requires patience.
We rode late enough that we only encountered one vehicle, and the meeting spot happened to have room to pull aside. With heavier traffic, this could feel stressful, but the payoff is tremendous. The red rock walls tower overhead and the canyon feels like a hidden world tucked inside the forest-road network.
Yankee Meadows Reservoir
The final stretch branches toward Yankee Meadows Reservoir. We watched a buck bound through the grass like he owned the place, then later found ourselves sharing the road with cows who had clearly escaped whatever fence was meant to contain them.
The reservoir would make a great lunch stop if you arrive early, picnic-worthy and scenic. If you continue past it, look for the cutoff to the final viewpoint, which overlooks the lake from above.
We attempted to find that overlook, but overshot the turn and ended up at the campground instead. If you reach the campground loop, you’ve gone too far. The turn-off is actually before it, but the day we visited, trucks were parked near the entrance and made the track look like a dead-end. We circled, re-checked the map, circled again, then admitted defeat. Maybe next time.
The Return
Once you leave the reservoir, the route generally retraces itself down Second Left Hand Canyon before reconnecting with the highway. Instead of running the full Dry Lake Road again, you’ll turn east onto Route 900 as recommended. Navigation had been fairly intuitive up to this point, but this neighborhood section had minimal signage and we did a couple of loops before finding the correct exit.
If you don’t want bonus laps, keep Google Maps handy here.
After Hours Drop Off
Returning the machine after hours was simple. We secured the cable around the wheels, locked it to the anchor, took photos, and texted for confirmation. The process was smooth, quick, and convenient. Even after sunset it would have been easy.
Wildlife and Conditions
We had ideal weather with temperatures in the high 70s. Because it was late afternoon on a weekday, there were very few other machines on the trail. That meant almost no dust clouds from other riders. Dust still settled on everything. Goggles beat sunglasses here.
Along the route we saw deer, sheep, and grazing cattle right on the road. The most surreal moment came after we returned the machine and met Thunder, a local deer who walked toward us like she owned the parking lot. We did not feed her, but it was a Disney-feeling moment.
Is the 4-Hour ride right for you?
Ideal For:
- Riders who prefer independence over group tours.
- People comfortable with mixed terrain and basic navigation.
- Anyone who wants a loop with varied landscapes and solid payoff.
Maybe Not Ideal For:
- Narrow or rocky sections make you uncomfortable.
- You prefer slow exploration over continuous movement.
- You enjoy stopping frequently for photos or want to linger.
Four hours is enough to complete the loop though adding time would make the stops more relaxed. The experience itself is worth doing.
Final Thoughts
This was a memorable OHV ride, packed with scenery and full of texture. The red canyon walls stand out vividly in our minds, along with the high overlook and the calm of the reservoir. With another hour, we would have stayed longer at each stop. Even so, it was a fantastic way to experience Brian Head’s backcountry.
FAQs
Is this a good option for beginners?
Yes, but only confident beginners. The red canyon section has some narrower uphill/downhill sections that are quite rocky.
Is four hours enough?
Yes, but barely. It’s enough to complete the loop at a steady pace, but not enough to explore freely. We might also be slow. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
What should I bring?
Long sleeves, water, snacks, and the OHV safety course completed in advance.
Best time to ride?
Early morning or late afternoon for fewer riders and better temps.