BLM Proposes Reopening 226 Miles of OHV Routes in Utah's San Rafael Swell — Public Comment Open Until June 8

Overview

In a significant development for off-road access in the American West, the Bureau of Land Management has released a new alternative that would reopen 226 miles of previously closed off-highway vehicle (OHV) routes in Utah's San Rafael Swell and San Rafael Desert. The announcement marks a potential turning point in a legal battle that has simmered since 2025.

The BLM is now accepting public comments on the proposal until June 8, 2026, giving the off-road community a direct opportunity to shape the outcome.

Background: Two Years of Litigation

The San Rafael Swell — a 2,000-square-mile geologic dome of sandstone, shale, and limestone in south-central Utah — has been a focal point of OHV access controversy for years. In 2025, the BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC) initiated litigation against the BLM over the closure of numerous established routes within the Swell and the adjacent San Rafael Desert.

BRC argued that the closures were procedurally flawed and disproportionately restricted recreational access without adequate environmental justification. The lawsuit drew broad support from the OHV community, which views the Swell as one of the premier off-road destinations in the region.

What the New BLM Alternative Proposes

Under the newly released alternative, the BLM would reopen 226 miles of previously closed routes for OHV use. This represents a substantial concession from the agency and reflects both the legal pressure from BRC's litigation and the growing political recognition of motorized recreation as a legitimate use of public lands.

The affected routes are primarily located in the San Rafael Desert planning area and offer a mix of difficulty levels, from relatively straightforward scenic trails suitable for stock 4x4s to more technical routes that appeal to experienced off-roaders on dirt bikes, ATVs, and side-by-sides.

Why This Matters for Off-Road Riders

The San Rafael Swell is strategically located near Moab and the Manti-La Sal National Forest, making it a critical corridor for overlanding routes and multi-day off-road trips through southern Utah. The proposed reopening would restore access to trails that connect to broader route networks, enabling longer traverses and more diverse riding experiences.

For the overlanding community, the news is equally significant. The Swell is popular with vehicle-based campers who use dispersed camping on BLM land. Restored OHV access means more backcountry campsites become reachable, and popular routes like the San Rafael Swell Backcountry Discovery Route would regain sections that were previously closed.

The proposal also aligns with broader trends: the BLM has been under increasing pressure from recreation groups to balance conservation with access. The agency's recent moves — including the reopening of High Rock Canyon Road in Nevada scheduled for May 9, 2026 — suggest a shift toward greater accommodation of motorized recreation.

How to Submit Your Comment

The public comment period runs through June 8, 2026. Riders can submit comments through the official BLM portal or through the BlueRibbon Coalition's action alert system, which creates an independent record of community response that can be used in ongoing litigation.