One of southern Utah’s most popular off-road destinations is once again at the center of a public lands battle, and the outcome could determine the future of hundreds of miles of motorized routes near Kanab.
The Bureau of Land Management has released its Draft Environmental Assessment for the Trail Canyon Travel Management Area, a sprawling recreation area in Kane County that includes approximately 473 miles of designated OHV routes. The public comment period is now open through July 22, 2026, and off-road advocates are urging riders to get involved.
According to the BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC), one of the alternatives being considered by the BLM would close 124 miles of routes that are currently open to motorized use. That represents nearly one-third of the existing trail network and could significantly impact access to some of the most popular riding areas around Kanab.
A Popular Off-Road Destination
The Trail Canyon Travel Management Area encompasses more than 326,000 acres in southern Utah. The area sits between Zion National Park, Dixie National Forest, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and the Arizona border, making it one of the most heavily visited recreation regions in the state.
The Kanab area has long been a favorite destination for UTVs, Jeeps, dirt bikes, ATVs, and overland travelers. Nearby riding opportunities include destinations such as Hog Canyon, Johnson Canyon, Peek-A-Boo Canyon, and numerous backcountry routes that connect riders to some of the most scenic terrain in the Southwest. The region’s combination of slickrock, sand, canyon country, and high-desert landscapes has made it a bucket-list destination for off-road enthusiasts from across the country.
How Did We Get Here?
The current planning effort stems from a 2017 settlement agreement that required the BLM to revisit route designations established under the agency’s 2008 Kanab Resource Management Plan. The settlement followed litigation brought by organizations seeking additional restrictions on motorized travel.
As a result, the BLM has developed several alternatives that would determine how the area’s trail network is managed moving forward.
The most restrictive option under consideration would reduce the amount of open OHV routes by approximately 124 miles. Many of the routes targeted for closure have been open to legal motorized use for decades and remain popular with local riders and visiting recreationists.
By comparison, Alternative D would keep approximately 95 percent of the trail system open while addressing routes with documented resource concerns. Alternative D is currently the option supported by the BlueRibbon Coalition, although the organization says it plans to conduct additional field reviews of proposed closures to verify conditions on the ground.
The User Conflict Question
One of the key arguments being raised by recreation advocates is that many of the routes proposed for closure have remained open and available for decades without documented conflicts between different user groups.
According to BRC’s review of the planning documents, route reports prepared by the BLM repeatedly indicate there is no known user conflict on many of the routes targeted for closure. The organization argues that access decisions should be based on documented resource concerns rather than hypothetical conflicts that have not been demonstrated on the ground.
The group has also expressed concern about closures proposed within Wilderness Study Areas, noting that many of these routes existed before those designations were created and have historically remained open to motorized travel.
Why This Matters
The Trail Canyon decision is part of a much larger trend affecting motorized recreation across Utah. Over the past decade, numerous travel management plans have revisited existing route networks, often resulting in reductions to motorized access following litigation and settlement agreements. Similar debates have occurred in the Moab area, the San Rafael Swell, and other iconic recreation destinations throughout the state.
For UTV owners, these decisions can have lasting consequences. Once routes are removed from official travel plans, reopening them often becomes a lengthy and difficult process. Public comments submitted during the planning stage frequently play a major role in shaping the final outcome.
The Kanab region is one of the premier off-road destinations in the country. Riders travel from across the United States to experience its unique mix of desert trails, slickrock formations, sand washes, and remote backcountry routes. Decisions made as part of this travel management plan could influence how future generations experience the area.
Public Meeting Scheduled
The BLM will host a public meeting on July 9, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Kanab Center in Kanab, Utah.
The meeting will provide an opportunity for riders, local residents, business owners, and other stakeholders to learn more about the proposed alternatives and provide feedback directly to BLM staff.
Take Action
The BlueRibbon Coalition is encouraging riders, local residents, businesses, and recreation groups to review the proposal and submit comments before the July 22, 2026 deadline.
According to BRC, Alternative D would keep approximately 95 percent of the existing trail system open while focusing closures only on routes with documented resource concerns. The organization is also planning additional field reviews of proposed closures to verify conditions on the ground before a final decision is made.
Anyone who enjoys exploring southern Utah by UTV, ATV, dirt bike, Jeep, or other off-highway vehicle is encouraged to participate in the process. Public input can play a significant role in shaping the final travel management plan, and once routes are removed from a travel plan, reopening them can be difficult.
To learn more about the proposal, submit comments, or get involved, visit the BlueRibbon Coalition action page:
https://blueribboncoalition.org/trail-canyon-ohv-trails-kanab/
Motorized access only remains available when the off-road community participates in the public process. If you ride in the Kanab area—or simply care about the future of public land access—now is the time to make your voice heard.
Areas Where Trail Closure Could Happen
