Transcontinental Railroad Backcountry Bayway OHV Trail Map

Transcontinental Railroad Backcountry Bayway OHV Trail Map - Bureau of Land Management

Embark on an unforgettable off-highway vehicle (OHV) adventure through history with the "Transcontinental Railroad Backcountry Bayway OHV Trail Map," produced by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). This detailed map guides you along a 60-mile backcountry byway that generally parallels the historic Transcontinental Railroad, offering stunning vistas and a journey through time.

Explore These Locations:

• Trails: Transcontinental Railroad Backcountry Byway (OHV Route), Promontory Point Road, Golden Spike National Historical Park Auto Tour, Lakeside Mountains Backcountry Byway, Hogup Mountains, Hansel Mountains, Grouse Creek Mountains, Raft River Mountains, Park Valley, Cedar Creek, Snowville, Tremonton, Howell, Kelton, Terrace, Lucin Cutoff, Water Canyon Road, Old Terrace Road, Dove Creek Road, De Lacy Entrance Road, Blue Spring Hills.
• Geographic Features: Great Salt Lake, Promontory Point, Rozel Point, Gunnison Island, Carrington Island, Stansbury Island, Fremont Island, Antelope Island, Bear River Bay, Muddy Creek, Box Elder County, Tooele County, Curlew Valley, Park Valley, Hansel Valley, Raft River Valley, Hogup Valley, Lakeside Mountains, Pilot Range, Utah Test and Training Range.
• Cities/Towns: Promontory, Snowville, Park Valley, Kelton, Terrace, Lucin, Tremonton, Howell, Brigham City (partially visible).
• Campgrounds/Recreation Areas: Promontory Canyon East (Primitive Campsite), Promontory Canyon West (Primitive Campsite), Golden Spike National Historical Park.
• Roads: Interstate 15, Interstate 84, Utah State Route 102, Utah State Route 13, numerous county and unnumbered roads.

Plan Your Adventure with the Legend:

The map legend is your key to unlocking the information needed for a successful OHV trip. It clearly defines the symbols and colors used to represent various features, including:

• OHV Route Designations: Distinguishing between the main Transcontinental Railroad Backcountry Byway and other motorized and non-motorized trails.
• Road Classifications: Identifying different types of roads, from paved highways to unmaintained dirt roads, crucial for planning appropriate vehicle use.
• Recreational Sites: Locating campgrounds (both developed and primitive), picnic areas, and points of interest like Golden Spike National Historical Park.
• Geographic Features: Clearly marking lakes, rivers, mountains, and other natural landmarks to aid in navigation and understanding the terrain.
• Administrative Boundaries: Showing BLM land, National Park Service areas, and other land ownership, which can be important for understanding regulations.
• Informational Symbols: Indicating the locations of visitor centers, information kiosks, and potential hazards.

By carefully studying the legend in conjunction with the map, you can:

• Identify Suitable Routes: Determine which trails are open to OHVs and assess their difficulty based on visual cues.
• Locate Camping Options: Find designated campgrounds or identify potential primitive camping areas (while adhering to regulations).
• Plan for Necessary Supplies: Understand the distance between services and plan accordingly for fuel, water, and other essentials, especially given the caution about limited services along the route.
• Navigate Effectively: Use the clearly marked roads and trails, along with geographic features, to stay on course.
• Be Aware of Potential Hazards: Identify areas with potential risks, as indicated by warning symbols.

Important Laws, Rules, and Etiquette:

Riding in this area comes with responsibilities. Be aware of the following:

• Federal Law: Disturbing or taking cultural artifacts, including remnants of the historic railroad, is illegal and subject to federal penalties.
• Leave No Trace Principles: Pack out everything you pack in, minimize campfire impacts, respect wildlife, and leave what you find to preserve the natural environment. The map itself features the "Leave No Trace" and "Respect and Protect Utah's Cultural & Natural Resources" messages as important reminders.
• Stay on Designated Routes: Respect closures and stay on marked OHV trails to prevent resource damage and ensure your safety.
• Be Prepared: As noted on the map, services are limited. Carry sufficient water, food, fuel, tools, and a first-aid kit. Be prepared for changing weather conditions.
• Proper Etiquette: Be courteous to other users, including hikers, bikers, and equestrians. Yield the right-of-way when necessary and travel at safe speeds. Minimize dust and noise in sensitive areas.

Document Size: This informative map is produced by the Bureau of Land Management and is available in printed form through the Natural Resources Map and Bookstore.