How long is the unpaved road to Cox Knoll in Utah?
Cox Knoll is a high mountain summit at an elevation of 3,132m (10,275ft) above sea level, located in Sanpete County, central Utah. The peak is situated just north of Buck Ridge within the Manti-La Sal National Forest. The road to the summit, Forest Road 0020 (FR0020), is a technical high-altitude transit used primarily for forest management and communication tower access.
| Road facts: Cox Knoll | |
|---|---|
| Location | Sanpete County, Utah, USA |
| Elevation | 3,132 m (10,275 ft) |
| Length | 3.8 km (2.4 miles) |
| Technical Requirement | Low-range 4x4 recommended |
What are the driving logistics for the FR0020 to Cox Knoll?
Starting from the intersection with Skyline Drive, the 2.4-mile climb to Cox Knoll is a relentless unpaved track. Technically, the road bed is composed of compacted earth and loose scree. Logistically, the narrowness of the FR0020 makes passing maneuvers difficult for larger 4x4 units. The track features sustained gradients that require consistent traction management. As seen in the typical plateau terrain, the absence of trees at the summit means the road is fully exposed to lightning strikes and high-altitude storms, which are a primary safety hazard during the summer months.
Is a 4x4 required for the Cox Knoll summit?
Yes, a 4x4 with high ground clearance is mandatory. Technically, the road to Cox Knoll is not maintained for passenger cars and features embedded rocks that can easily damage a low-hanging oil pan. Logistically, the FR0020 is impassable during winter and early spring due to heavy snowpack. Before attempting the drive, it is a mandatory safety protocol to check the current status of the Manti-La Sal forest roads, as localized washouts can occur after heavy rainfall, potentially stranding vehicles at the 3,132m summit.