Cherry Creek:

Cherry Creek has trails and gullies to ride that are challenging and never ending.....

Riding on Cherry Creek tail in Little Sahara

Cherry Creek trail in Little Sahara

Riding:

Cherry Creek is an unique riding area that has no designated riding areas or trail maps. As a rider, I never tire of the thrill of adventure, freedom and anticipation all bundled together. Riding Cherry Creek can be frustrating if you expect to find excellent trails easily, you have to work to find them often so don't give up because the rewards can be unbelievable. Always be prepared when you ride there, carry water, food, an extra tube, tools and make sure you have enough fuel to get back. Maple Mountain is the largest peak in the area (to the north of the Cherry Creek area). You will need to get on one of the trails and head north towards Maple Mountain. As you head toward the mountain, you will be presented with multiple forks in the trail that can confuse you if you don't expect it. Just continue to head in sort of a northerly direction and then take whatever trail looks like the most fun to you. Inevitably, you will get onto some old racecourse/trails.

This is single track heaven, this area has an annual desert race.  Cherry Creek is one of the best riding areas I've been on if you like desert riding.  This is a remote area with no facilities, so make sure you have water, food, tools and gas.  I'd recommend a GPS if you don't have a good sense of direction.

Utah OHV sticker is required. 

Trails:

A ride that is fun, is to drive on the road past the Little Sahara turn off to end of the pavement. Park your truck, on your bike, cross the road (going south) and ride toward the fence, there is a trail just before it. Turn right, heading West, this is fun and fast trail. Be careful not to go into the fence it is barb wire. You can ride this trail for approximately 6-8 miles and there are trails that will go in a Northern direction, some of these trails are great, but some dead end, so be prepared. This trail will take you to the trail described below.

If you drive 14.2 miles past the railroad track, park your truck and ride your bike on the dirt road in a Northwest direction. After you cross the cattle guard, about 50 feet, there is a trail on the right (Northern direction). Once on the trail, it will take you in a wash that is some of the best riding I've done. You will eventual cross another dirt road, continue going in a North/Northeast direction and it will take you to another wash and some hill riding.

Getting lost is a possibility so always make a mental note of a few landmarks. Since you will be riding typically in a north direction and returning in a south direction, it helps in finding your way back. There are a number of roads that go in a general east/west direction, so this should make it easier to find your vehicle. Almost every trail will eventually lead into a wash that will eventually lead you back to the dirt road (known as the Weiss Highway....or the main dirt road that runs east/west out to Cherry Creek).

Directions:

From Salt Lake City, travel south (approximately 85 miles) on Interstate 15 to Exit 225. Turn right and take State Highway 132 toward Nephi. Continue west from Nephi on State Highway 132 for about 13 miles, then northwest for 9 miles on Juab County Route 1812 to Jericho Junction. From the railroad track, I will travel 14.2 miles, this is were the Cherry Creek desert race start/refuel area is. You will go past the left turn to Little Sahara recreation area and continue past the pavement and travel on the dirt road until you find a good location to park/camp.

Alternate Directions

From the North take I-15 to exit west at Santaquin. Follow this road through Goshen, Elberta, Eureka all the way to the west/right hand turn to Little Sahara/Jericho/Cherry Creek (not sure what the sign says). You will cross the railroad tracks, from this point it is 14.2 miles to a good parking location. On this road go past the left turn to the dunes, keep to the left when the road forks.

Cherry Creek video

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