Josie Morris Trail

The Josie Morris Trail is part of the Outlaw Trail system in Vernal, Utah

The Josie Morris Trail loop is part of the Outlaw Trail system in Vernal, which is fast becoming a hub of OHV riding in Utah. The trail features easy and moderate terrain, and includes several points of interest such as the Josie Morris Cabin and Blue Mountain Plateau. 

Trail Overview

The Josie Morris Trail Loop is a system of trails near Dinosaur National Monument. This moderate ride consists mostly of sandy terrain, a bit of slick rock and one or two boggy spots, depending on the season. Riders/operators will get a real Western experience as they roll their tires over red sand and through desert pines. In the northeast corner of the trail, near Cub Creek Road (State Route 149), there’s an opportunity to hop off trail and visit the real Josie Morris’ cabin. Josie was an independent frontierswoman who housed outlaws like Butch Cassidy and lived a rugged, remote lifestyle until the 1960s — and you thought this trail couldn’t get any more Western. 

Inspired by Josie’s spirit, riders can then turn south and travel up Bear Mountain Plateau, taking in views of Dinosaur National Monument, slickrock canyons, sprawling sand dunes and untracked wilderness. Enjoy lunch with a view at Point of the Pines Recreation Site before heading back down. 

Interactive Trail Map. Click on the icon for each of the obstacles.

Trail Details 

Timestamps from Video

Butt Pucker Hill -The first obstacle is a steep, sandy hill. Learn more about it with this Youtube link

ET Rock - ET Rock not only looks like the alien, ET, but is also probably the last place you'll be able to "phone home". Cell service tends to drop off at this point.

Petroglyphs - Well preserved rock art. Remember to leave no trace and to take only pictures. 

Crack Petroglyphs - Park your machine and take a short walk to more amazing petroglyphs! Look, but don't touch. 

Point of the Pines Viewpoint - Get a 360 degree view of the Outlaw Trail System.

Big Brush Creek Cave - Step below ground and into freezing temperatures.

Dyer Mine - Stop and see remnants of an old copper and silver mine

Accessible By: 

• Dirt bikes
• ATVs
• UTVs
• Jeeps and 4x4s

Distance: 40 miles

Trail Difficulty: Moderate

Technical Rating: 6

Trailer: Optional

Max Vehicle Width: No Maximum

How to Get There

The trailhead is located at 40.369611, -109.331342, along the Green River in Jensen, Utah. Follow Highway 40 to the bridge and begin your ride on South Escalante Ranch Road on the bridge’s eastern side. 

Need to Know

Because service may be spotty, be sure to bring along a map of the trail system. Screenshot any directions and information you might need regarding the short trip off trail to the Josie Morris Cabin. Bring plenty of water and make sure your vehicle is fully fueled for the journey. 

Downloadable Maps here:

• GPX MAP
• KML FILE
• OUTLAW TRAIL SYSTEM MAP
• JOSIE MORRIS OHV MAP

Nearby Places to Stay

Just down the street from the trailhead, you’ll find the Outlaw Trail RV Park.

The Josie Morris OHV Trail Loop is also a 20 minute drive from Vernal, Utah. 

• Ledgestone Hotel 

Nearby Events

The annual Outlaw ATV Jamboree! Riders from all over the Southwest gather in early June each year to get a taste of Utah off-roading for the weekend. In addition to daily rides, there are cookouts, raffles, a night ride and lots of good times. If you’re looking to explore the Outlaw Trail System, take in some of the best off-roading in Utah and make some new friends while you’re at it, there’s no better time to travel to Vernal and eastern Utah. 

TRAVEL BUREAU INFORMATION

VISIT DINOSAURLAND

152 E. 100 N.

Vernal, UT 84078

800-477-5558

Visit website

Click here for more OHV trails in this area.

FREE OHV COURSE

Utah requires all OHV operators to complete the free Utah Off-Highway Vehicle Education Course. Operators under the age of 18 shall possess a youth OHV education certificate in order to operate an OHV on public land, road or trail. Operators 18 years of age or older may operate an OHV if they possess an approved adult OHV education certificate. The once-in-a-lifetime course is expected to take less than 30 minutes to complete. 

Take FREE OHV Education Course

Nearby Attractions