Dark Valley Trail
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TRAIL COORDINATES / POINTS OF INTEREST
LOCATION
The staging area for this trail is at the Ranger station between Bicknell and Loa, or you can stage at the Great Western Trail.
TRAIL TYPE
ATV/Jeep/4WD and pick up. Be aware that there are different types of vehicles that do this trail often.
DISTANCE
This trail length can very depending of what you decide to do. Recommended loop is 20 miles long.
DIFFICULTY Moderate
Moderate. The Dark Valley Shelf trail are difficult and ATV/OHV ONLY! There are no width restrictions anywhere on the trail.
DESCRIPTION
This trail can have pot holes and trees that have blown over across the path. Most of the the time the trail is good and clear.
EQUIPMENT
This trail has been designed for ATV, Jeep, 4WD or truck.
ENVIRONMENT
The weather varies greatly and will affect the road conditions greatly. Be sure to check the Visitors Center before starting out on your tour.
SAFETY
It would be beneficial to you if you take something up that could help you clear away brush and trees that have fallen on the trail.
TRAIL TIP
There is some private property located on this trail and so it is important to respect the people who own it by staying away. In case of emergency contact the ranger station.
| Name (Click name below to view map) | GPS | Latitiude | Longitude |
| USFS Aquarius Ranger Station | N 38d11’43” W 111d34’34” | 38.195278 | -111.576111 |
| Dark Valley Staging Area | N 38d10’20” W 111d34’59” | 38.172222 | -111.583056 |
| Dark Valley Shelf Trail | N 38d06’14” W 111d36’00” | 38.103889 | -111.6 |
| Blue Lake | N 38d04’57’ W 111d34’15” | 38.0825 | -111.570833 |
| Purple Lake | N 38d04’23” W 111d34’22” | 38.073056 | -111.572778 |
| Boulder Top Trail | N 38d02’55” W 111d34’22” | 38.048611 | -111.572778 |
| Boulder Creek Trail | N 38d02’45” W 111d34’40” | 38.045833 | -111.577778 |
Do it at Your Own Pace
Best way to ride the trail is to follow the east side of the broan road heading south to the green shelf road. Then follow the red raod around to Big Lake. If you want a more challenging path, follow the west side and travel north on the Shelf trails.Get a Closer Look
The Dark Valley Shelf Trails provide amazing opportunities to see different types of wildlife. Elk, deer, antelope, and on occasion, bears have been sighted on the Shelf trail. There are also many kinds of birds that call this area home. Be sure to be on the lookout!
Take in the Views
