High Desert Trail Environmental Assessment

June 16, 2026

Re: High Desert Trail Environmental Assessment

Dear Bureau of Land Management,

The Trails Preservation Alliance (TPA) appreciates the opportunity to comment on the High Desert Trail Environmental Assessment.

TPA supports Alternative B and encourages the BLM to move forward with designation and management of the High Desert Trail. Nearly twenty years ago, Congress directed the establishment of the High Desert Trail as part of the Washington County Lands legislation, which simultaneously created new Wilderness areas and a National Conservation Area. The High Desert Trail was intended to provide meaningful motorized recreation opportunities as part of that legislative compromise. We appreciate the BLM's efforts to finally implement this congressional direction.

The High Desert Trail represents a unique opportunity to create a world-class long-distance motorized recreation route while improving management of recreation use across Utah's West Desert. A designated and managed route will provide a better user experience, improved resource protection, and greater opportunities for cooperation among the BLM, State of Utah, local governments, recreation organizations, and other stakeholders. We believe managed recreation is preferable to unmanaged use and will help ensure the long-term sustainability of the route and surrounding resources.

While TPA supports Alternative B as the best path forward at this time, we encourage the BLM to view the High Desert Trail as the foundation of a broader future system. The ideal long-distance recreation experience would ultimately include multiple route options serving different user groups and skill levels. As the project evolves, the BLM should consider opportunities to develop:

• Dedicated motorcycle singletrack segments where appropriate.
• More challenging four-wheel-drive route options.
• Easier routes suitable for less-experienced users and support vehicles.
• Alternate access points, side trails, and connector routes that enhance the overall recreation experience.

In particular, TPA encourages the BLM to preserve and further evaluate opportunities identified in Alternative C that may complement the preferred route. Certain segments could provide future opportunities for more challenging 4WD experiences, motorcycle-focused routes, alternate access points, or side-trail connections similar to those found within other successful trail systems. These opportunities should not be foreclosed simply because they are not included in the initial phase of implementation.

Utah's West Desert contains some of the state's most remote and unique motorized recreation opportunities. Establishing the High Desert Trail will help showcase these resources while providing a framework for responsible management as visitation increases. By formally recognizing and managing the route, the BLM can better protect resources and provide a quality recreation experience than would occur through informal route promotion and unmanaged use.

After nearly two decades, it is important that the BLM, State of Utah, counties, and partner organizations deliver the recreation opportunities envisioned by Congress. Just as the legislation delivered lasting benefits for wilderness and conservation interests, implementation of the High Desert Trail should deliver meaningful and lasting benefits for the OHV community.

Thank you for your consideration of these comments and for your work on this important project.

Sincerely,