Revamping Adventure: BLM Unveils New Travel Management Blueprint for San Rafael Swell

PRICE, Utah — The Bureau of Land Management today released a finalized travel management strategy for the San Rafael Swell management region, outlining the accessibility of routes on public territories for off-highway vehicles (OHVs). This area covers over 1.1 million acres in Emery County and about 44,000 acres in Sevier County. 

The chosen alternative by the BLM enhances the mileage available for OHV utilization and offers a range of sustainable recreational opportunities for all guests, satisfying access requirements throughout the San Rafael Swell while reducing the chances of user conflicts and harm to natural and cultural assets.

Situated in the heart of Utah, the region attracts visitors with its captivating mix of rugged landscapes and outdoor adventures. This vast and varied terrain, marked by towering red rock formations, slot canyons, and broad desert views, serves as a magnet for a diverse array of outdoor enthusiasts.

BLM’s final management plan, referred to as Proposed Alternative E, was crafted after reviewing over 6,000 responses from the community and stakeholders. In total, 1,355 miles of designated paths are accessible for motorized travel, including OHVs, trucks, and SUVs, with 141 miles restricted to specific types and sizes of vehicles. The sanctioned plan opens an extra 67 miles of designated routes compared to current regulations, and approximately 240 miles of previously closed or undesignated routes are now allocated for public motorized use.

About 158 miles of routes that were previously accessible are now restricted from motorized travel, resulting in a total of 665 miles closed to OHV access. These closed routes are only off-limits to motorized travel and still open to the public for nonmotorized activities. The route closures were implemented to mitigate and prevent adverse effects from motorized travel in sensitive regions, particularly those with cultural resources, vital wildlife habitats, and fragile ecosystems. 

Comprehensive details, including the finalized environmental assessment, route maps, and route analysis, can be found at the BLM National NEPA Register. Photographs for publication are available on our Flickr page.