Devil’s Racetrack and Buckhorn Wash

Devil’s Racetrack and Buckhorn Wash sit in Utah’s San Rafael Swell, where a scenic desert drive can turn into a demanding ride with exposed, rocky terrain. The tricky part is knowing which route suits your machine, how the two areas fit together, and what to check before setting out. This guide covers route character, planning, safety, and a practical day-trip approach.

Understand the Difference Between Devil’s Racetrack and Buckhorn Wash

Devil’s Racetrack is the more committing ride

Devil’s Racetrack is known for rugged, exposed terrain rather than a casual scenic cruise. Expect uneven rock, tight sections, and places where the route’s exposure can make a mistake feel serious. Conditions and difficulty can vary by line, recent weather, and vehicle, so do not assume that a route will feel like an easy drive just because it appears short on a map.

The name can make the trail sound like a thrill ride, but the important question is whether your whole group is comfortable with the terrain. A capable driver may be fine with rough ground yet still dislike a narrow or exposed section. Passengers may feel the exposure more intensely, especially if they have little off-road experience.

Before committing, study a current map and confirm that the route is open and appropriate for your vehicle. Trail information can be incomplete or outdated, and route labels do not always convey how narrow, rough, or exposed a segment feels in person. For a broader look at the surrounding region, use [San Rafael Swell: Utah's Desert Maze] as a companion guide.

Buckhorn Wash is a scenic area with its own reasons to slow down

Buckhorn Wash is associated with a dramatic canyon setting, the San Rafael River corridor, and rock art panels that draw visitors beyond the driving itself. It can make a rewarding outing for riders who want to mix a ride with short stops, landscape viewing, and time to appreciate the area’s history. But it is not simply a gentler extension of Devil’s Racetrack: access roads, side routes, and conditions differ, and a day that includes both needs thoughtful route planning.

Treat the rock art as a cultural resource, not a photo backdrop to climb on or touch. Stay on established access routes, follow posted directions, and keep a respectful distance from panels and other sensitive features. A quick stop can be meaningful without leaving footprints, climbing on rock, or disturbing the surrounding ground.

Buckhorn Wash’s road and route conditions can change with storms, runoff, and maintenance. A dry, straightforward approach on one visit may be rougher or more difficult after a weather event. If you want to understand how the wider area connects, [Camping in Utah's San Rafael Swell] and [San Rafael Swell Loops From Green River] can help you think through nearby options without assuming every route belongs in one continuous ride.

Do not treat the two names as one guaranteed loop

It is tempting to plan a single loop that includes Devil’s Racetrack, Buckhorn Wash, and nearby stops. On a map, the distances may look manageable; on the ground, rough surfaces, slow technical sections, route-finding, and photo stops can stretch the day. The right plan depends on which roads are open, the exact route you choose, and the capability and comfort of the least experienced person in your group.

Think of Devil’s Racetrack and Buckhorn Wash as separate route choices that may fit into the same trip, not as a promise of a simple connecting circuit. Confirm connections and legal access before leaving. If a map line appears to cross private land, closed terrain, or an unclear junction, do not assume it is a public route.

Riding choice	What it may suit	Main planning concern
Devil’s Racetrack	Experienced groups seeking a rougher, more committing route	Exposure, vehicle fit, and driver comfort
Buckhorn Wash outing	Riders who want scenery and stops as part of the day	Road and wash conditions, plus time for stops
Both areas in one day	Groups with flexible schedules and good route knowledge	Confirming open connections and allowing enough time
A nearby alternative	Groups uncertain about exposure or machine capability	Choosing an open route that matches the least experienced rider

Plan the Route Around Your Machine and Group

Check width, turning room, and ground clearance

A UTV’s width matters on tight routes, particularly where the trail narrows or has limited room to reposition. A machine that is comfortable on a broad desert road may feel cumbersome on a rocky, confined section. Check the vehicle’s actual width, including any added accessories, and compare it with current route information. If you cannot find reliable details, treat that uncertainty as a reason to choose a less committing route rather than a reason to test your luck.

Ground clearance, tires, suspension condition, and protection underneath the machine all affect how comfortably it handles rough rock. A stock machine may be capable on many trails, but capability is not the same as having room for error. Carrying extra weight, running low tire pressure without understanding the terrain, or approaching ledges at speed can increase the chance of damage or loss of control.

An ATV has different advantages and limitations from a side-by-side. It may be narrower, but the rider’s body position and balance matter, and fatigue can accumulate on rough ground. If you are comparing a vehicle to the demands of the area, [What Trail Difficulty Ratings Leave Out] is a useful reminder that a map’s difficulty label cannot tell you whether a particular machine or driver will feel comfortable.

Make the least experienced rider part of the decision

A group should not choose a route based only on its most confident driver. The newest rider, the most nervous passenger, or the machine with the least clearance may set the practical limit for the day. That does not mean anyone has to prove themselves; it means planning a route where everyone can make steady decisions without feeling pressured to keep up.

Talk through the route before you reach a difficult section. Agree that anyone can ask to stop, turn around, or choose an alternative without being teased. On exposed terrain, pressure to “just get through it” can lead to rushed steering or poor decisions. A calm group that understands its options is safer than a group that discovers its limits after committing.

If your party has mixed abilities, choose a conservative route and leave the technical option for another day. A scenic ride in Buckhorn Wash may be a better fit than a challenging section of Devil’s Racetrack for some groups, but verify the actual access and route conditions rather than relying on the names alone. [Best Utah Rides for a Family With Teenagers] offers useful planning ideas for groups with a range of experience.

Build in more time than the map suggests

Off-road mileage does not translate neatly into drive time. A rocky route may be slow even when it looks short, and a group will often stop to check the map, let a vehicle cool, take photos, or help a rider through an awkward section. Add time for loading and unloading, trailhead parking, breaks, and the drive back to your lodging or campsite.

Do not let a late start turn into a race against sunset. Daylight matters for spotting route markers and reading terrain, and fatigue tends to make careful driving harder. If you are behind schedule, skip a side route or scenic stop rather than pushing through an unfamiliar section in fading light.

For an outing from Green River or another nearby base, plan the full door-to-door day, not just the riding portion. Leave a realistic return window, tell someone where you expect to be, and keep a backup route in mind. [What to Carry on a Utah Day Ride] can help you build a practical gear list around the ride you are actually planning.

Navigate Carefully in a Remote Desert Area

Download maps before you leave service

Cell coverage can be unreliable across remote sections of the San Rafael Swell. Do not build a plan that depends on looking up directions at every junction or calling for help from the trail. Download maps while you have a dependable connection, confirm that the offline map covers the whole route, and learn how to read it before you are standing in a dusty wash trying to figure out which turn you missed.

Digital mapping tools such as onX Offroad can help riders review route lines and save information for offline use. They are planning aids, not a substitute for checking whether a route is open, legal, and suitable for your vehicle. Compare the mapped route with current local information, posted signs, and what you see on the ground. If a route line and a closure sign disagree, follow the sign.

Bring a backup way to navigate. That could mean a second charged phone, a dedicated GPS device, or a paper map that gives you a broader view of the area. Save key locations such as your staging area, planned exit, and a reasonable alternate route. Do not wait until you lose service to discover that your map was never downloaded.

For additional map-planning context, see [Utah OHV Trail Maps and How to Read Them] and [Downloading Utah Trail Maps for Offline Use]. The useful habit is to check your map before departure, then keep checking it at junctions rather than relying on memory or following another group without knowing where they are headed.

Treat junctions and closures as decision points

In a maze-like landscape, a minor-looking junction can change the length and difficulty of your day. Pause at major turns, check your position, and confirm that the route ahead matches the plan. If a sign is missing, a track is unclear, or the ground suggests a route has been altered, take time to reassess rather than choosing the most obvious tire marks.

A closure is not an invitation to find a way around it. Stay on open, designated routes and respect gates, barriers, and posted restrictions. Route access can vary across land boundaries, and a line shown on a device does not guarantee that riding is permitted there. [Private Land Crossings on Utah Routes] explains why it is worth understanding access instead of assuming that every visible track is public.

When traveling with several machines, make sure the lead and tail riders understand the same route. Agree on a simple regrouping plan before you start: for example, wait at major junctions and do not leave a rider behind after a stop. If one machine has a problem, the group should know where to gather and how to communicate without depending on continuous cell service.

Have a turn-around plan before you need one

The safest decision may be to turn around before reaching the most difficult part of a route. That can feel frustrating, especially after driving a long way to the area, but changing plans is better than pressing ahead because you have already invested time. If exposure, vehicle clearance, weather, or group confidence does not feel right, choose a route that lets everyone finish the day safely.

Decide in advance what conditions would make you reconsider: a storm building over the Swell, water in a wash, a damaged machine, an uncertain junction, or a driver who no longer feels comfortable. Setting those limits before the ride helps prevent a tense debate when the group is already tired.

An alternate plan should be practical, not just a vague promise to “find something easier.” Identify a nearby route or scenic outing that is open and within the group’s ability. You can also use a conservative approach: ride to a decision point, reassess together, and turn back if the terrain ahead is not a good match.

Prepare for Weather, Water, and Trailside Problems

Check conditions and avoid assuming a wash is harmless

Desert weather can change how a route behaves. Rain can create muddy or slick surfaces, deepen ruts, and send water through washes. A dry-looking route on a sunny morning does not guarantee that the same wash will be safe later, especially if rain is falling or forecast in the surrounding area. When conditions are uncertain, postpone the ride or choose a route away from drainage crossings.

Never drive into moving water when you cannot judge its depth, current, or surface. The bottom may be uneven, and water can conceal loose rock or a washed-out section. Even a small crossing can become a serious problem if conditions have changed. If you are unsure, turn around rather than trying to prove that the machine can make it through.

Check for trail and weather information before you tow, and check again before unloading. [Checking Utah Trail Conditions Before You Tow] and [Riding Utah Trails After a Storm] offer useful reminders to make conditions part of the plan, not an afterthought. If signs, land managers, or local authorities indicate a closure, respect it even if your route app still shows a line.

Carry water, basic recovery gear, and a repair plan

The San Rafael Swell is remote enough that a small issue can become a long delay. Bring more water than you expect to drink, plus food and sun protection. Keep essentials accessible rather than buried under luggage. If someone gets overheated, thirsty, or uncomfortable, a quick break in the shade may be more important than reaching the next waypoint.

Carry recovery equipment appropriate to your machine and your experience, and know how to use it. A strap, shovel, tire repair supplies, basic tools, and a way to communicate can help with common trail problems, but the right kit depends on the vehicle and route. Recovery gear is not a reason to attempt terrain beyond the group’s ability; it is preparation for manageable setbacks.

Before leaving, check tires, lug nuts, fluids, brakes, lights, and fuel. Make sure the spare or repair option is usable, not merely present. Let someone outside the group know the planned area and when you expect to return. For more detail on a sensible kit, see [Recovery Gear for Utah Sand and Slickrock] and [Satellite Messengers for Remote Utah Rides].

Protect the landscape and cultural sites

The Swell’s scenery is part of what makes the ride worthwhile, but desert surfaces can take a long time to recover from damage. Stay on established routes rather than widening tracks to pass another vehicle or avoiding a rough patch. Do not cut across vegetation or sensitive ground to make a turn easier.

Buckhorn Wash’s rock art and nearby cultural features deserve particular care. Do not touch, mark, climb on, or remove anything from a site. Keep food and trash secured, and leave the area as you found it. A good stop is one where the next visitor can enjoy the place without seeing evidence of your visit.

Be considerate of other trail users, including hikers and people traveling at a slower pace. Reduce speed around dust, give people room, and follow posted rules about access and use. [Passing Hikers and Bikes on Shared Trails] and [What a Closed Gate Means on Public Land] are useful reads for building good habits across Utah riding areas.

Put Together a Practical Day Ride

Choose a simple itinerary with room to adjust

A good day plan does not have to include every nearby landmark. Start with one primary riding objective, such as a carefully assessed Devil’s Racetrack outing or a more scenic Buckhorn Wash visit. Add secondary stops only if the route, daylight, and group comfort allow. This makes it easier to change plans when conditions differ from what you expected.

Before departure, write down the starting point, intended route, key junctions, and likely return time. Share that plan with someone who is not riding with you. If you change the plan on the trail, send an update when you have service again, or follow your group’s agreed check-in process.

At the staging area, do a final group check. Confirm fuel, water, helmets, communication, and map access. Make sure everyone knows the basic signals and what to do if the group gets separated. Small preparations reduce the chance of turning a pleasant ride into a stressful search for a missing rider or an uncertain route.

Pack for comfort as well as emergencies

Comfort influences judgment. Dust protection, gloves, suitable layers, and a way to carry water can make a rough day much easier. Conditions may feel different in exposed sun than they do in a shaded canyon or at a windy viewpoint, so dress for changing temperatures rather than assuming the day will stay uniform.

Bring essentials where you can reach them quickly: water, snacks, a first-aid kit, sunscreen, and any personal medication. Keep phones charged and protected from dust, and consider a backup battery. If you are riding with children or passengers who are new to off-roading, plan more frequent stops and make sure they know they can speak up if they feel unwell or uneasy.

Keep your vehicle paperwork and required permits in order, and check the rules that apply to your machine and the land you plan to ride. Visitors should not assume that an out-of-state registration alone covers every requirement. [Utah's Non-Resident OHV Permit Explained] and [The Utah OHV Education Certificate] can help riders understand requirements that may apply to their trip.

Match the day to the experience you want

Some groups want a technical challenge; others want a scenic outing with room to stop, take photos, and explore responsibly. Neither is the “right” way to ride. The best route is the one that fits your machines, experience, conditions, and goals without pressuring anyone to accept a level of risk they did not choose.

If Devil’s Racetrack sounds appealing but the exposure is a concern, gather more route-specific information and consider a less demanding ride in the area first. If Buckhorn Wash is the main attraction, give the scenery and cultural stops enough time instead of treating them as quick interruptions on the way to a harder trail.

The San Rafael Swell rewards flexibility. Check access, study your navigation, make conservative choices at uncertain sections, and be willing to change the plan. That approach leaves room to enjoy the landscape—whether the day centers on Devil’s Racetrack, Buckhorn Wash, or a more suitable nearby route.

Disclaimer

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.