Utab BDR Segment 2 - Elk Mountain to Lockhart Basin in Moab
- Jens Brown
- Oct 11
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 16
Traversing the Abajo Mountains to the Edge of Canyon Country
Day 3 of the Utah Backcountry Discovery Route covers some of the most varied terrain in the state — from crisp alpine forest in the Abajo Mountains to the red sandstone corridors that mark the edge of Canyonlands National Park.
Starting west of Blanding, Utah, this section climbs through the Abajos, crosses North Creek Pass (the highest point on the Utah BDR), then descends into Monticello before turning west toward Indian Creek and Lockhart Basin Road.
It’s one of those rare days where you’ll experience forest, high mountain views, and classic desert trails — all in a single stretch of the route.
Starting the Day at Elk Mountain
After a night of camping on Elk Mountain, we wake to cool air, pine forest, and the first colors of autumn. The road rolls gently through stands of tall timber before transitioning into long stretches of glowing aspen groves.
This time of year, the leaves are bright gold and orange, signaling fall across the Abajos. The
climb is steady, and every turn opens new views of the desert plains far below.
North Creek Pass — The Roof of the Utah BDR
At 10,312 feet, North Creek Pass is officially the highest point on the Utah BDR. The air is thin and cold, and from here the entire southeast corner of Utah stretches out in every direction — from the Bears Ears to the distant mesas of Canyonlands.
The forest roads are well-graded and manageable in dry weather, but expect snow, mud, or fallen timber earlier in the season. Descending from the pass, the route gradually transitions out of pine and into open country as we approach Monticello.
Monticello — Fuel, Supplies, and Small-Town Charm
Monticello is the last major town before heading into canyon country. It’s an essential stop to top off fuel, grab ice, and restock supplies.
Founded in the late 1800s, Monticello’s early economy was tied to ranching and uranium mining, but today it serves travelers exploring the Abajo Mountains, Canyonlands National Park, and the Utah BDR itself.
From town, the Utah BDR splits — one branch continuing north on easier roads, while the advanced route cuts west toward Lockhart Basin. That’s the path we’re taking today.
Newspaper Rock — Layers of History
A short drive west on Highway 211 leads into Indian Creek Canyon, where the red sandstone cliffs rise high on both sides. Along the canyon wall stands Newspaper Rock, one of the most impressive and densely carved petroglyph panels in the Southwest.
The markings here span nearly two thousand years — with symbols attributed to Ancestral Puebloan, Fremont, and Navajo peoples. Hunters, spirals, handprints, and figures overlap across generations, creating a visible record of centuries of travel through this same corridor.
It’s worth stopping here, not only for the history but for the perspective — the same landscape that once guided ancient travelers now guides modern backcountry routes.
Lockhart Basin Road — The Real Backcountry Begins
Turning off Highway 191, we leave pavement behind and rejoin the dirt on Lockhart Basin Road, the start of the BDR’s “Expert Route.”
The trail begins with a wide, sandy section that winds through red bluffs before narrowing into slickrock corridors. A few miles in, we pass Hamburger Rock Campground, known for its rounded Navajo Sandstone domes that look like something out of The Flintstones.
Past the campground, the trail crosses Indian Creek, then begins climbing again — carving its way into the layered cliffs and benches that mark the entrance to Lockhart Basin.
This 78-mile route parallels Canyonlands National Park and was shaped by the same ancient forces — wind, water, and time. It’s slow going, technical in places, but endlessly rewarding. The geology here tells its story in layers: deep red Wingate Sandstone forms the vertical walls, capped by tan Kayenta Formation ledges above. It’s Utah’s canyon country at its best — raw, colorful, and vast.
Camping on the Escarpment
By late afternoon, the light softens, painting the rock in deep orange and pink. We find camp high along the basin’s eastern escarpment — a flat slickrock shelf overlooking miles of canyon terrain.
Dinner is simple but earned — steak and our strange but surprisingly good mix of garbanzo beans, peaches, and tomatoes. The air cools fast as the sun drops, and by the time the fire settles, the stars are bright enough to cast their own shadows.
It’s a quiet night — no wind, no traffic, no glow on the horizon. Just the canyon air, and the satisfaction of knowing tomorrow’s trail gets even better.
Trail Overview
This segment captures the essence of what the Utah BDR does best — contrast. From alpine forest to desert canyon, smooth roads to ledged slickrock, it’s a full-spectrum day on the trail.
Late September was ideal for our run — cool air, perfect traction, and changing leaves in the mountains. Check for Monsoon weather, we had an unusually wet and late monsoon which brought a decent amount of rain early in the trip.
If you’re planning to follow the route, this is the day that transitions from Utah’s high-country calm into true canyon-country backcountry. The pace slows, the scenery expands, and the adventure deepens with every mile westward.
Trail Difficulty
Elk Mountain to Monticello: Easy – maintained forest roads
Monticello to Newspaper Rock: Easy – paved scenic route
Lockhart Basin: Moderate to Difficult – technical rock steps, narrow ledges, potential washouts
This segment is best suited for high-clearance 4x4 vehicles or experienced ADV riders. Always check current trail conditions before heading in, as erosion and flash flooding can quickly alter the route.
Plan Your Own Ride
Utah Backcountry Discovery Route – Official SiteDownload GPS tracks, see the official route map, and plan your logistics. Use TrailsOffroad with our 'Discount Code'.
Trails Offroad – Lockhart Basin Route Guide Detailed technical guide, difficulty ratings, and current conditions.
Trails Offroad – Elk Mountain Route Guide for route details and dispersed camping information.
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