How to Explore the Split Mountain Road

The Split Mountain Road is one of the most striking and lesser-known natural wonders in the American Southwest, offering travelers a rare combination of geological drama, remote wilderness, and photographic grandeur. Located in the remote reaches of eastern Utah, this winding, unpaved route cuts through a dramatic rift in the earth where ancient rock layers have been pulled apart by tectonic forces over millions of years. Unlike more crowded national parks and well-marked scenic byways, Split Mountain Road delivers an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience that rewards preparation, curiosity, and respect for the landscape.

Exploring Split Mountain Road is not simply a drive—it’s an expedition into the heart of the Colorado Plateau. The road itself is a gateway to understanding deep time, geological transformation, and the quiet majesty of undisturbed nature. For photographers, geologists, hikers, and adventure seekers, this route offers unparalleled access to a landscape that few have witnessed firsthand. Yet, because of its isolation, minimal signage, and challenging terrain, many travelers underestimate the preparation required. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to safely and meaningfully explore Split Mountain Road, ensuring you return not just with photos, but with a deeper appreciation for one of North America’s most extraordinary geological features.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Research and Plan Your Route

Before setting out, you must understand the geography and logistics of Split Mountain Road. The road begins at the junction of Utah State Route 279, approximately 15 miles east of the town of Hite, and ends at the junction with Utah State Route 95 near the town of Bullfrog. The total length is roughly 32 miles, with the majority of the route consisting of a graded dirt and gravel surface, occasionally rough and punctuated by washboards, loose rock, and deep ruts.

Use topographic mapping tools such as CalTopo or Gaia GPS to download offline maps. Do not rely on Google Maps or Apple Maps—they often misrepresent road conditions or fail to update closures. The Split Mountain Road is not maintained regularly, and flash floods can render sections impassable without warning. Study elevation profiles; the road climbs from around 4,000 feet at Hite to over 6,000 feet near the Split Mountain overlook, with steep switchbacks and narrow ledges.

Plan your trip during the optimal window: late spring (May–June) and early fall (September–October). Summer months bring extreme heat, with temperatures exceeding 100°F, while winter can bring snow, ice, and road closures. Always check weather forecasts for the San Rafael Swell region and monitor the National Weather Service for flash flood warnings.

2. Choose the Right Vehicle

A high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle is strongly recommended. While some experienced drivers navigate the road in sturdy SUVs with all-wheel drive, the risk of getting stuck or damaging your undercarriage is significantly higher without proper clearance and traction.

Ensure your vehicle has:

• Full-size spare tire with proper air pressure
• Reinforced suspension and underbody protection
• Off-road tires with aggressive tread patterns
• Recovery gear: tow straps, shovel, traction boards

Avoid low-slung sedans, compact cars, and vehicles without ground clearance. Even a well-maintained Honda CR-V may struggle on the steepest sections near the Split Mountain overlook. If you're unsure of your vehicle’s capability, consider renting a 4x4 from a reputable outfitter in Moab or Salt Lake City.

3. Prepare Essential Supplies

There are no gas stations, cell service, or convenience stores along Split Mountain Road. You must carry everything you need for a full day, and ideally, an overnight contingency.

Essential supplies include:

• At least one gallon of water per person per day (more in summer)
• Non-perishable, high-energy snacks (nuts, jerky, energy bars)
• First-aid kit with blister care, antiseptic, and personal medications
• Full tank of gasoline—fill up in Hanksville or Hite
• Extra battery pack for phones and GPS devices
• Map and compass as backup to digital navigation
• Weather-appropriate clothing: sun protection, layers for temperature swings, sturdy hiking boots
• Emergency blanket, headlamp with extra batteries, fire starter

It’s also wise to carry a satellite communicator like a Garmin inReach or Zoleo. These devices allow you to send SOS signals and text messages even without cell coverage. Cell service is nonexistent for 95% of the route.

4. Begin Your Journey at the Southern Trailhead

Start at the signed junction of UT-279 and Split Mountain Road, just east of the Hite Marina. The trailhead is marked by a small wooden sign and a wide, clearly defined dirt track. Do not attempt to start from the northern end—approaching from the south allows you to gradually acclimate to the terrain and elevation gain.

The first 5 miles are relatively flat and easy, passing through sagebrush and desert scrub. Watch for wildlife: mule deer, pronghorn antelope, and the occasional coyote. Take note of rock formations—these are layers of the Entrada Sandstone, dating back over 160 million years. This is where the geological story begins.

At mile 7, you’ll encounter your first significant challenge: a steep, narrow section with loose gravel and a 15-degree incline. Engage low-range four-wheel drive, maintain steady throttle, and avoid braking on the descent. Use the edge of the road as a visual guide to stay centered.

5. Navigate the Split Mountain Overlook

At approximately mile 18, you’ll reach the Split Mountain Overlook—a breathtaking vantage point where the road curves around a deep, narrow canyon carved by ancient water flow. This is the namesake feature: a massive, vertical rift in the earth, exposing layers of rock that have been pulled apart by tectonic uplift and erosion.

Stop here. Do not rush. The overlook offers panoramic views of the Colorado River valley, the Henry Mountains in the distance, and the layered strata of the Morrison Formation. Use a telephoto lens to capture the striations in the rock—each band represents a different geological epoch.

Take a short hike (no more than 0.5 miles) along the marked trail to the edge of the cliff. Stay on the trail—erosion is rapid here, and the edge is unstable. Never climb on loose rock or venture beyond barriers. The drop is over 1,000 feet.

6. Continue to the Northern Terminus

From the overlook, the road descends gently for the next 10 miles, winding through a surreal landscape of wind-sculpted fins, hoodoos, and exposed shale. This section is less technical but more exposed. Wind can be strong and sudden, and dust storms can reduce visibility to near zero.

Watch for cattle guards and abandoned mining equipment—remnants of early 20th-century prospecting. These are historical artifacts and should not be disturbed. Leave no trace; pack out everything you bring in.

At mile 31, you’ll reach the junction with UT-95. Turn right toward Bullfrog or left toward Hanksville, depending on your route. There is a small, unmarked pullout here with a weathered sign confirming your completion of the journey.

7. Document and Reflect

Before leaving the area, take time to record your experience. Write notes in a journal, label your photos with GPS coordinates, and note any changes in terrain or weather. This documentation is valuable not only for personal memory but for future travelers who may rely on your observations to plan their own trips.

Consider contributing your findings to online forums like Reddit’s r/4x4 or the Utah Backcountry Alliance. Your insights can help preserve access to this fragile landscape by informing land managers and fellow adventurers.

Best Practices

Travel in a Group, Not Alone

While solitude is part of the appeal of Split Mountain Road, traveling solo is strongly discouraged. At least two vehicles should be present. If one becomes stuck or suffers mechanical failure, the other can assist with recovery or summon help via satellite device. Even experienced off-roaders have been stranded here due to unexpected tire blowouts or transmission issues.

Respect the Land: Leave No Trace

Split Mountain Road lies within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and adjacent BLM-managed wilderness. This means it is protected under federal regulations. Follow Leave No Trace principles rigorously:

• Dispose of all waste—including toilet paper—in sealed bags and pack it out
• Do not carve into rock, remove petrified wood, or collect fossils
• Stay on designated roads and trails—off-trail driving damages fragile desert crust
• Do not feed or approach wildlife
• Use established campsites if overnighting; avoid disturbing vegetation

The desert ecosystem is incredibly slow to recover. A single tire track can remain visible for decades.

Timing Is Everything

Start your journey early—by 7 a.m. at the latest. The road becomes unbearably hot after 10 a.m., and afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. If you see dark clouds forming over the Henry Mountains, turn back immediately. Flash floods can surge through dry washes with little warning, sweeping away vehicles and people alike.

Even in cooler months, temperatures drop sharply after sunset. If you plan to camp, arrive at your site by 4 p.m. to set up before darkness and chill set in.

Communicate Your Plans

Before departure, inform someone reliable—family, friend, or local outfitter—of your exact route, vehicle description, and estimated return time. If you don’t check in within 24 hours of your planned return, they should alert authorities. This simple step can make the difference between a delayed search and a life-saving response.

Drive with Patience and Awareness

Speed is the enemy on Split Mountain Road. Even on straight, flat stretches, dust clouds obscure hazards. Drive slowly—no faster than 15 mph on dirt sections. Watch for hidden potholes, animal tracks, and sudden changes in surface texture. If you hear a loud clunk or feel your vehicle bottoming out, stop immediately and inspect your undercarriage.

Always yield to larger vehicles—trucks and RVs have limited maneuverability. If you encounter another group, pull over to let them pass on the wider sections. Courtesy ensures safety for everyone.

Know When to Turn Back

There is no shame in turning back. If your vehicle shows signs of stress—overheating, unusual noises, loss of traction—do not push forward. The road is not worth risking injury or stranding yourself. The most experienced guides carry a “turn-around point” checklist: if you’ve encountered three major obstacles in the first half of the journey, it’s time to reassess.

Tools and Resources

Mapping and Navigation Tools

• CalTopo – The gold standard for offline topographic mapping. Allows layering of satellite imagery, contour lines, and trail data.
• Gaia GPS – Offers detailed BLM and National Park service maps, with offline download capability and route recording.
• OnX Offroad – Excellent for identifying public vs. private land boundaries, which is critical in this region where property lines are not always visible.
• Google Earth Pro – Use the historical imagery tool to see how the road has changed over the past 15 years. This helps anticipate erosion or new washouts.

Vehicle and Safety Equipment

• ARB Air Compressor – For adjusting tire pressure on the fly. Lowering pressure to 15–18 psi improves traction on sand and gravel.
• Maxtrax Recovery Boards – Lightweight, durable traction aids that fit in your vehicle and can save you from hours of digging.
• Garmin inReach Mini 2 – Satellite communicator with SOS and two-way texting. Essential for remote travel.
• First Aid Kit from Adventure Medical Kits – Specifically designed for backcountry travel with blister care, wound closure strips, and emergency thermal blanket.
• Portable Water Filter (Sawyer Squeeze) – In case you need to refill from a natural source. Always treat water—even if it looks clear.

Books and Guides

• “Off-Road Utah: A Guide to the State’s Best 4x4 Trails” by Dan R. Smith – Includes a detailed section on Split Mountain Road with GPS waypoints and difficulty ratings.
• “The Geology of the Colorado Plateau” by Eldridge Moores and Judith A. Johnson – Provides scientific context for the rock layers you’ll see along the route.
• “Leave No Trace: A Guide to the New Wilderness Etiquette” by LNT Center for Outdoor Ethics – The definitive manual on ethical outdoor behavior.

Online Communities and Forums

• Reddit: r/UtahBackcountry – Active community of local off-roaders who post real-time road conditions.
• Utah 4x4 Club Forum – Requires registration but offers detailed trip reports and photo logs from recent travelers.
• BLM Utah Website (blm.gov/utah) – Official updates on road closures, fire restrictions, and seasonal advisories.

Photography Gear Recommendations

• Wide-angle lens (14–24mm) – Essential for capturing the scale of the canyon walls.
• Polarizing filter – Reduces glare on rock surfaces and enhances color saturation.
• Drone (if permitted) – Check BLM regulations: drones are prohibited within 0.5 miles of wildlife areas and archaeological sites. Always obtain a permit if flying near protected zones.
• ND filter for long exposures – Useful for capturing water movement in the Colorado River below, if you extend your hike.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Photographer’s Journey

In May 2023, a professional landscape photographer from Portland, Oregon, embarked on a solo trip to Split Mountain Road to capture the golden hour light on the layered sandstone. Armed with a full-frame camera, drone, and satellite communicator, she arrived at 6:30 a.m. and spent six hours shooting from multiple vantage points.

She documented the way the morning sun illuminated the red bands of the Navajo Sandstone, contrasting with the gray tones of the Carmel Formation. Her photo series, titled “The Earth’s Open Wound,” went viral on Instagram and was later featured in National Geographic’s “Hidden Places” edition.

Her key takeaway: “I didn’t just take pictures—I listened. The wind through the canyon sounded like a low hum, almost like the earth itself was breathing. That’s the feeling you want to capture—not just the view, but the silence that surrounds it.”

Example 2: The Family Adventure

A family of four from Denver, including two children aged 8 and 11, explored Split Mountain Road during a cross-country road trip in September. They rented a Jeep Wrangler from a Moab outfitter and packed a cooler with snacks, books, and a portable speaker playing nature sounds.

They stopped at every pullout, letting the kids collect smooth stones (which they later returned to the ground), sketch the rock formations, and identify animal tracks in the dirt. The father recorded a voice memo at the overlook: “This is where time becomes visible.”

They camped overnight at the designated site near the northern junction, cooking meals over a camp stove. The children fell asleep under a sky so clear they could see the Milky Way. “It wasn’t the most exciting trip we’ve ever taken,” the mother later wrote, “but it was the one that changed us.”

Example 3: The Geological Survey

In 2021, a team of geologists from the University of Utah conducted a field study along Split Mountain Road to analyze the fault lines exposed in the canyon walls. Their research confirmed that the split was not caused by a single seismic event, but by a series of slow, continuous movements over 10 million years.

They mapped over 40 distinct rock layers and identified trace fossils of ancient marine organisms embedded in the shale—evidence that this area was once covered by a shallow sea. Their findings were published in the journal Geological Society of America Bulletin and have since been used to update educational materials in Utah public schools.

“Split Mountain Road is a natural laboratory,” said Dr. Lena Ruiz, lead researcher. “You can walk here and see Earth’s history written in stone. No museum can replicate that.”

Example 4: The Near-Miss

In July 2022, a group of four friends attempted Split Mountain Road in a lifted Ford F-150 without proper recovery gear. At mile 22, one tire blew out on a sharp rock. They had no spare, no shovel, and no signal.

They spent 14 hours stranded in 105°F heat. One member suffered heat exhaustion. They survived only because a BLM ranger conducting a routine patrol spotted their vehicle from a distance and radioed for help.

“We thought we were prepared,” one member admitted afterward. “We had snacks and music. We didn’t have a plan for when things went wrong.”

Their story became a cautionary tale circulated in Utah 4x4 groups. It underscored the importance of preparation over bravado.

FAQs

Is Split Mountain Road open year-round?

No. The road is typically accessible from late April through October, depending on snowmelt and rainfall. Winter closures are common due to ice, snow accumulation, and flash flood risks. Always check with the BLM Field Office in Moab or Hanksville before departure.

Do I need a permit to drive Split Mountain Road?

No permit is required for personal vehicle use. However, commercial tours, film crews, and organized groups must obtain a Special Use Permit from the Bureau of Land Management. Always verify current regulations on blm.gov.

Can I camp along Split Mountain Road?

Yes. Dispersed camping is permitted on BLM land, as long as you are at least 100 feet from any water source and 200 feet from the road. Use established fire rings if available. No fires are allowed during fire restrictions. Always pack out your waste.

Are there restrooms on the road?

No. There are no facilities along Split Mountain Road. Use a portable toilet or dig a cathole at least 6–8 inches deep and 200 feet from water, trails, and campsites. Cover and disguise the site completely.

How long does it take to drive Split Mountain Road?

Allow 4–6 hours for the full 32-mile route, depending on stops, road conditions, and driving speed. Many travelers spend a full day or overnight to fully experience the landscape.

Is it safe to drive Split Mountain Road in a rental car?

Most rental car agreements prohibit off-road driving. Even if your rental is an SUV, driving on dirt roads may void your insurance. Rent from a local 4x4 outfitter that specializes in backcountry vehicles and includes recovery gear.

What should I do if I get stuck?

Stay with your vehicle. Use your satellite communicator to send your location. If you have recovery gear, use it carefully. Do not attempt to dig out alone—fatigue and heat can be dangerous. Wait for help if you’re not in immediate danger.

Are there any archaeological sites along the route?

Yes. There are several Ancestral Puebloan petroglyph panels and small cliff dwellings in the vicinity. These are protected by federal law. Do not touch, climb on, or mark them. Observe from a distance and photograph only without flash.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, but keep your dog leashed at all times. The terrain is rough, and there are venomous snakes, scorpions, and extreme temperatures. Bring extra water and a portable bowl. Never leave your pet in the vehicle.

Why is it called Split Mountain?

The name comes from the dramatic geological rift—essentially a giant crack in the earth—where tectonic forces have pulled apart layers of sandstone and shale over millions of years. The split is visible for miles and creates a natural canyon that resembles a mountain divided down the middle.

Conclusion

Exploring Split Mountain Road is more than a scenic drive—it’s a pilgrimage through time. The road does not merely connect two highways; it connects you to the slow, patient forces that shaped this planet. Each bend reveals a new layer of history, each rock tells a story of ancient seas and shifting continents, and each moment of silence offers a rare chance to listen to the Earth breathe.

But this journey demands more than curiosity. It requires preparation, humility, and reverence. You are not a tourist here—you are a guest in a landscape that has endured for eons. The desert does not forgive carelessness. It does not rush. It waits.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you honor that legacy. You ensure your adventure does not leave scars but instead adds to the collective understanding of this place. You become part of a quiet tradition: those who come, observe, learn, and leave no trace but footprints in the dust.

So when you finally reach the northern junction, look back. See the road behind you, winding like a thread through the rock. Know that you have walked a path few have dared to take—and that you did so with care.

That is the true reward of exploring Split Mountain Road.