San Rafael Swell

The Ultimate Hard Enduro Playground

The San Rafael Swell is not for the faint of heart. This is where Utah riders come to test their limits on some of the most challenging terrain in North America. If you’re not an expert rider, this isn’t your playground - yet.

Why the Swell is Legendary

This ancient reef has created a maze of canyons, fins, and ledges that form natural hard enduro obstacles. The famous Five Miles of Hell (actually closer to 8 miles) has humbled even world-class riders. This is raw, unforgiving terrain that demands respect.

Trail Highlights

Five Miles of Hell (Expert Only)

Let’s be clear: this trail has earned its name. Features include:

• Massive ledge drops and climbs
• Deep sand washes between slickrock sections
• Off-camber rock faces with exposure
• Technical slots barely wider than handlebars
• Zero bail-out options once committed

Most riders take 3-4 hours to complete. Many don’t complete it at all.

Color Trail System (Advanced)

Named trails (Red, Blue, Orange) offer varying difficulty:

• Blue Trail: “Easiest” of the set (still advanced)
• Red Trail: Technical rock gardens and ledges
• Orange Trail: Combines the worst of both

Temple Mountain Area (Intermediate to Advanced)

More accessible terrain around the old uranium mining area:

• Historic mining roads
• Technical wash crossings
• Stunning geology
• Actual trail markers (rare in the Swell)

Essential Preparation

Mandatory Gear:

• GPS with downloaded maps (phone won’t work)
• Satellite communicator (seriously)
• 3+ liters of water minimum
• Tools and spare parts
• First aid kit
• Emergency shelter

Bike Setup:

• Fresh tires with strong sidewalls
• Moose bibs or heavy-duty tubes
• Radiator fan for slow sections
• Handguards that won’t break
• Skid plate (the thickest available)

Local Knowledge

Best Riding Months:

• Spring (March-May): Ideal temperatures
• Fall (September-November): Perfect conditions
• Summer: Brutally hot, start before dawn
• Winter: Possible but check for snow

Where to Stage:

• Temple Mountain Road: Most popular
• Buckhorn Wash: Northern access
• Hidden Splendor: Southern approach

Navigation Tips:

• Download offline maps before leaving town
• Waypoint your vehicle
• Follow existing tracks
• Paint marks indicate the trail (sometimes)
• When in doubt, turn back

The Reality Check

This isn’t Instagram hard enduro - this is the real deal:

• You will crash
• You will get stuck
• You might not finish
• Your bike will take damage
• You’ll question your life choices

But you’ll also experience some of the most incredible riding on the planet.

Recovery Services

Because someone needs to say it:

• No cell service means no easy rescue
• Helicopter extraction: $15,000+
• Nearest hospital: 90+ minutes
• Search and rescue: Hours away

Why We Love It

Despite the warnings, the Swell delivers:

• Unmatched technical challenges
• Stunning desert scenery
• True adventure riding
• Stories that last forever
• Skills that transfer everywhere

Final Words

The San Rafael Swell doesn’t care about your ego. It’s been humbling riders since before suspension had more than 4 inches of travel. Come prepared, ride within your limits, and always remember: there’s no shame in turning back. The desert will be here tomorrow.