Driving the unpaved FSR 0040 to Trail Mountain in Utah
Trail Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,018m (9,901ft) above sea level, located in Emery County, Utah. Situated within the Manti-La Sal National Forest, the access via the Forest Service Road 0040 is a technical unpaved climb through the high plateau terrain of the Wasatch Plateau.
| Road facts: Trail Mountain (FSR 0040) | |
|---|---|
| Location | Emery County, Utah (USA) |
| Elevation | 3,018 m (9,901 ft) |
| Length from Cottonwood Canyon | 3.7 km (2.3 miles) |
| Average Gradient | 5.9% |
| Surface | Unpaved / Dirt and Silt |
How challenging is the road to Trail Mountain?
Starting from the Cottonwood Canyon Road, the 2.3-mile drive to the summit of Trail Mountain involves a vertical gain of 219 meters (719 ft). Technically, the Forest Service Road 0040 is totally unpaved, consisting of a silty soil bed that is prone to deep longitudinal rutting. While the average gradient is 5.9%, the track's condition depends heavily on recent moisture levels. A high-clearance 4x4 vehicle is required to clear the high-center points between the ruts and to maintain momentum through the loose sections where traction is limited by the fine, powdery dust.
What are the driving hazards in the Wasatch Plateau?
Driving to Trail Mountain requires constant monitoring of the roadbed's structural integrity. The road is flanked by dense aspen groves, which means downed timber is a frequent logistical obstacle after high-wind events. As seen in the summit sectors, the track lacks any drainage stabilization, causing water to channel directly into the wheel paths and deepening the ruts. The route is isolated with no mechanical services; drivers must account for the high-altitude engine power loss and ensure tires are aired down slightly to increase the contact patch on the unstable silty surface.
Is the road to Trail Mountain open in winter?
Due to its elevation of 9,901ft, the road to Trail Mountain is strictly seasonal. Logistically, the track is impassable from late November until June due to heavy snow accumulation and drifting. Technically, the high-altitude plateau environment means that even after the snow melts, the road remains saturated, turning the silty dirt into a thick clay-mud trap that can swallow a vehicle to its axles. Before attempting the 2.3-mile transit, it is essential to audit the vehicle's recovery gear, as the narrow FSR 0040 offers limited opportunities for self-recovery if the vehicle slides off the established wheel paths.