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Route ID
Common nameDecision From 2023Rationale from Comments (From PM).1Notes of Errors in Decision from Route Report CommentsDescription/Notes
Reopening?
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AT1Limited (Singletrack)AT1 is open but limited to motorized singletrack. The primary use of AT1 (0657 miles in length) is motorcycle use and it provides route connectivity to routes located on State Institutional Trust Lands (SITLA) as well as connectivity with other motorcycle single track in the Dee Pass Motorized Focus Area. Limiting motorized use to motorcycle only will minimize damage to soils and vegetation by reducing the size of route footprint.
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B118
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B119
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B129
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B131
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B135
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B136
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B137
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B138
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B139
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B140
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B141
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B142
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B143
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B145
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B147
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B148
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B149
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B150
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B215
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B238
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B261
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B323
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B335
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B336
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B337
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B338
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B340
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B341
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B342
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B343
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B361
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B362
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B372
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B377
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B378
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B999
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BB1Limited (Singletrack)BB1 is open but limited to motorized singletrack. The primary use of BB1 is motorcycle use and it provides route connectivity for the Enduro Loop motorcycle route as well as provides motorcycle single track connectivity to the Dee Pass Motorized Focus Area. Limiting motorized use to motorcycle only will minimize damage to soils and vegetation by reducing the size of route footprint.
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BB2Limited (Singletrack)BB2 is open but limited to motorized singletrack. The primary use of BB2 is motorcycle use and provides route connectivity for the Enduro Loop motorcycle route as well as provides motorcycle single track connectivity to the Dee Pass Motorized Focus Area. Limiting motorized use to motorcycle only will minimize damage to soil, watershed and vegetation by reducing the size of route footprint.
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BFS1Limited (Singletrack)BFS1 is open but limited to motorized singletrack. The primary use of BFS1 is motorcycle use and provides a unique recreational opportunity (e.g., motorcycle) and single-track connectivity between designated routes open to full sized vehicles. Limiting motorized use to motorcycle only will minimize damage to soil, watershed and vegetation by reducing the size of route footprint.
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BL1OpenBL1 is open to motorized vehicles. The primary use of BL1 is mix of full-size vehicles and motorcycle use. BL1 provides connectivity to motorcycle single track in the Dee Pass Motorized Focus Area. Designation of this route will minimize resource impacts in the area by focusing motorized travel to the designated open routes, thus decreasing route proliferation.
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BT1Limited (Singletrack)BT1 is open but limited to motorized singletrack. The primary use of BT1 is motorcycle use and provides route connectivity and a unique recreational opportunity (e.g., Motorcycle) within the Enduro Loop motorcycle route. The route is located in the Dee Pass Motorized Focus Area. Limiting motorized use to motorcycle only will minimize damage to soil, watershed and vegetation by reducing the overall route footprint in the area.
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BT2
Limited to motorized vehicles less than 60 inches wide
BT2 is open but limited to motorized vehicles less than 60 inches wide. The primary use of BT2 is motorized vehicles under 60” wide and motorcycle use. This route provides access to unique recreational opportunities in the Dee Pass Motorized Focus Area and provides connectivity between designated routes open to full size vehicles. The route is located in a dry wash bottom that has seasonal flash floods; a width limitation of 60” or less will minimize impacts from larger vehicles, including route widening, which will minimize impacts to soils and vegetation.
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CFT1BLM should consider limiting vehicle numbers with a permit system as recommended in the RMP. A seasonal closure during lambing season may also be appropriate. Alternative C already includes a seasonal closure of the upper portion of the trailLimited (Singletrack)CFT1 is open but limited to motorized singletrack. The primary use of CFT1 is motorcycle use and provides route connectivity and a unique recreational opportunity (e.g., motorcycle riding). Adjacent routes D2759A and D2759B are closed to all motorized use to minimize impacts to resources as documented in the route reports (e.g., erosive soil, blackbrush vegetation, pronghorn crucial fawning ranger). The overall route density and footprint in the area will be reduced and motorcycle use will be directed toward CFT1.significant steps to mitigate impacts on bighorn sheep by prohibiting camping in the canyon and establishing a speed limit.  Should further restrictions prove necessary to protect bighorn sheep, the BLM should consider limiting vehicle numbers with a permit system as recommended in the RMP. A seasonal closure during lambing season may also be appropriate. Alternative C already includes a seasonal closure of the upper portion of the trail (D2759A) between March 1 and June 30 because of bighorn sheep lambing season. If a seasonal closure is an effective way to mitigate impacts to bighorn sheep on the upper portion of the road, it should be suff
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CGT1Limited (Singletrack)CGT1 is open but limited to motorized singletrack. The primary use of CGT1 is motorcycle use and provides route connectivity within the Dee Pass Motorized Focus Area as well as provides a unique recreational opportunity (e.g., motorcycle riding) and connectivity with the designated Crystal Geyser trail. Limiting motorized use to motorcycle only will minimize damage to soil, watershed and vegetation by reducing the size of route footprint.
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CGT2ClosedCGT2 is closed to all motorized vehicles. CGT2 is 0.14 miles long and is redundant to route D3178. Closing CGT2 will minimize impacts to soil, watershed, vegetation and other resources from motorized vehicle use.
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CGT3Limited (Singletrack)CGT3 is open but limited to motorized singletrack. The primary use of CGT3 is motorcycle use and it provides route connectivity within the Dee Pass Motorized Focus Area as well as provides a unique recreational opportunity (e.g., motorcycle riding) and connectivity with the designated Crystal Geyser trail. Limiting motorized use to motorcycle only will minimize damage to soil, watershed and vegetation by reducing the size of route footprint.
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CGT4Limited (Singletrack)CGT4 is open but limited to motorized singletrack. The primary use of CGT4 is motorcycle use and provides route connectivity within the Dee Pass Motorized Focus Area as well as provides a unique recreational opportunity (e.g., motorcycle riding) and connectivity with the designated Crystal Geyser trail. Limiting motorized use to motorcycle only will minimize damage to soil, watershed and vegetation by reducing the size of route footprint.
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CGT5Limited (Singletrack)CGT5 is open but limited to motorized singletrack. The primary use of CGT5 is motorcycle use and provides route connectivity within the Dee Pass Motorized Focus Area as well as provides a unique recreational opportunity (e.g., motorcycle riding) and connectivity with the designated Crystal Geyser trail. Limiting motorized use to motorcycle only will minimize damage to soil, watershed and vegetation by reducing the size of route footprint.
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CGT6Limited (Singletrack)CGT6 is open but limited to motorized singletrack. The primary use of CGT6 is motorcycle use and provides route connectivity within the Dee Pass Motorized Focus Area as well as provides a unique recreational opportunity (e.g., Motorcycle riding) and connectivity with the designated Crystal Geyser trail. Limiting motorized use to motorcycle only will minimize damage to soil, watershed and vegetation by reducing the size of route footprint.
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CGT7
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CGT8Limited (Singletrack)CGT8 is open but limited to motorized singletrack. The primary use of CGT8 is motorcycle use and provides route connectivity to routes located on State Institutional Trust Lands and connectivity with the designated Crystal Geyser trail. Limiting motorized use to motorcycle only will minimize damage to soil, watershed and vegetation by reducing the size of route footprint.
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D0001
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D0002ClosedD0002 is closed to motorized use. D0002 is reclaiming naturally, which suggests it receives little to no OHV use. D0002 is a dead end and does not provide connectivity to other routes in the network. Because the route is largely reclaimed, OHV use of the route will result in new surface disturbance which displaces native vegetation utilized by desert bighorn sheep and other species. Changing this designation to OHV closed will help minimize the loss of vegetation and soil, as well as minimize damage to other resources, including an ephemeral stream, as documented in the route report.
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D0003
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D0004Nonexistent RoutesClosedD0004 is closed to motorized use. D0004 is largely reclaiming naturally, which suggests it receives little to no OHV use The route does not lead to any known recreation opportunities, or destinations. D0004 is a dead end and does not provide connectivity to other routes in the network. Although it approaches the rim of Mineral Canyon, other routes in the area, including D1402A, provide views into that canyon. Because the route is largely reclaimed, OHV use of the route will result in new surface disturbance which displaces native vegetation utilized by desert bighorn sheep and other species. The route is within desert bighorn sheep lambing habitat and closing the route reduces habitat fragmentation. Changing this designation to OHV closed will help minimize the loss of vegetation and soil, as well as minimize damage to other resources, including wilderness characteristics, as documented in the route report.States that D1402 already provides views, but that is listed as closedWhile short and fairly insignificant in itself, D1393 serves a vital purpose and need for the overall route connectivity in the area. Closing it will disrupt connectivity and force drivers to detour around on a more circuitous route to get between two locations that it currently provides a straight route between. It is not naturally reclaimed and is in fact regularly used. We therefore urge the BLM to keep it open as proposed in alternative A. Nonexistent Routes When I attempted to drive them in October 2021, I could not find any sign of D1400, D1403, D1399, or D0004 on the ground. All of these routes appear to have fully reclaimed and are no longer present on the ground. We thus have no objection to closing them as proposed in alternative C. I also attempted to drive D1363 from the western end, but only made it a short distance before completely losing the route, and I could not find any sign of it continuing past 38.55462, -109.94009. We also have no objection to closing this road.  Closing these unused and naturally reclaimed roads is the best way to reduce the overall route density on Mineral Point without affecting the quality of motorized recreation opportunities in the area. A few other minor and largely reclaimed roads on top of the Mineral Point plateau could also likely be closed without affecting motorized recreation, but we ask that all the routes mentioned in our comments as having recreational value be kept open. Deadman Point Routes
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D0005ClosedD0005 is closed to motorized use. D0005 is one of several reclaiming routes in the Mineral Point area. The route is reclaiming naturally, which suggests it receives little to no OHV use. The route does not lead to any known recreation opportunities, or destinations. D0005 is a dead end and does not provide connectivity to other routes in the network. Because the route is largely reclaimed, OHV use of the route will result in new surface disturbance which displaces native vegetation utilized by desert bighorn sheep and other species. Changing this designation to OHV closed will help minimize the loss of vegetation and soil, as well as minimize damage to other resources. Closing D0005 will reduce habitat fragmentation for desert bighorn sheep.
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D0006ClosedD0006 is closed to motorized use; it is one of several reclaiming routes in the Mineral Point area. The route is reclaiming naturally, which suggests it receives little to no recreation use. It is redundant with D1455A, which remains open to motorized travel. The route does not lead to any known recreation opportunities, or destinations. D0006 does not provide a unique recreation opportunity. Because the route is largely reclaimed, OHV use of the route will result in new surface disturbance which displaces native vegetation utilized by desert bighorn sheep and other species. Changing this designation to OHV closed will help minimize the loss of vegetation and soil, as well as minimize damage to other resources. Closing D0006 will reduce habitat fragmentation for desert bighorn sheep
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D0007ClosedD0007 is closed to motorized use. It is a dead-end route in the Mineral Point area. Its use level is low; it runs parallel to D1429, which remains open and provides connectivity to the route network in the Mineral Point area. The route does not lead to any known recreation opportunities or destinations. D0007 does not provide a unique recreation opportunity. Closing this route will minimize the loss of vegetation and soil, as well as minimize damage to other resources; habitat fragmentation for desert bighorn sheep will be reduced. Closing this route, along with natural reclamation, will reduce visual contrast created by the route. Closing D0007 will reduce route confusion in an area of route proliferation.
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D0008
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D0009ClosedD0009 is closed to motorized use. It is a 0.15-mile-long spur off route D1888. As indicated in the route report, this route receives low use. Closing the route will reduce route proliferation in the area. Closing D0009 will contribute to restoring and retaining vegetation (e.g., blackbrush) and soil cover.
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D0009AClosedD0009A is closed to motorized use; it is a 0.63-mile-long connector route. Connectivity between D1888 and D1797 are maintained through D1858 to the north and 1888 to the south. Closing D0009A will contribute to retaining and restoring vegetation (e.g., salt desert shrub, blackbrush).
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D0010ClosedD0010 is closed to motorized use. D0010 is largely reclaiming naturally, which suggests it receives little to no OHV use. The route does not provide known recreation opportunities and is redundant with routes D1888 and D1906. Closing this route will reduce route proliferation in the area. Because the route is reclaiming, closing the route will contribute to restoring and retaining soil and vegetation cover. Closing the route will reduce the route footprint in the area and reduce the overall visual impact of routes in the area.
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D0012OpenD0012 is utilized for motorized touring; it is a spur road providing a viewpoint off the Gemini Bridges Road, a heavily travelled recreation route. Impacts to resources are minimized in this area by closing two other adjacent viewpoints (D0013 and D8738). Providing a designated access route to the viewpoint for users will minimize impacts to soils and vegetation by reducing the potential for unauthorized cross- country travel.
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D0013Little Canyon / Side Pocket Canyon Overlook at 38.626704, -109.675488ClosedD0013 is closed to motorized use; it is largely reclaiming naturally, which suggests it receives little to no OHV use. It is a dead end spur and does not provide connectivity to the route network. Closing D0013 will contribute to restoring vegetation and soil cover and enhance wildlife movement by reducing habitat fragmentation in desert bighorn sheep habitat.D8738 D8738 is a short dead-end spur off D1804. When I attempted to drive it in October 2021, the route looked like it had been recently bulldozed and the ground was all torn up, which made me question whether the BLM has already attempted to decommission it. It was not blocked or signed as closed and I was still able to drive part of it, but the route soon faded out and did not appear to go to any particular destination. In contrast, its parent road D1804 was well-defined and well-traveled. As best I could tell, D8738 does not have any particular recreational value and may have already been at least partially closed. This route is proposed for closure in all action alternatives, and we support that action. If the BLM desires to reduce the overall route density in the area, this route is a prime candidate to close without negatively impacting motorized recreation. D0013 D0013 is shown on the BLM’s maps as a two-pronged spur off D1900 that runs along the rim of a narrow side canyon of Little Canyon. However, when I attempted to drive it in October 2021, I could not find any sign of it on the ground. This route appears to be completely naturally reclaimed and we have no objection to closing it as proposed in alternative C. If the BLM wishes to reduce the overall route density in this area, we would prefer that it close this route instead of any of the others mentioned in our comments. D0014
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D0014Little Canyon / Side Pocket Canyon Overlook at 38.626704, -109.675488ClosedD0014 is closed to motorized use. It is 0.33 miles long and is largely reclaimed on the ground. The route does not have a purpose and need for the OHV public; connectivity is provided by the parallel road D1900. Closing D0014 will contribute to restoring vegetation and soil cover, decrease soil erosion and enhance wildlife movement by reducing habitat fragmentation in desert bighorn sheep lambing habitat.D0013 D0013 is shown on the BLM’s maps as a two-pronged spur off D1900 that runs along the rim of a narrow side canyon of Little Canyon. However, when I attempted to drive it in October 2021, I could not find any sign of it on the ground. This route appears to be completely naturally reclaimed and we have no objection to closing it as proposed in alternative C. If the BLM wishes to reduce the overall route density in this area, we would prefer that it close this route instead of any of the others mentioned in our comments. D0014 D0014 is shown on BLM maps as a short connecting route shortcutting a bend of D1900. However, when I attempted to drive it in October 2021, I found it already signed as closed on the ground. This route appears to have been erroneously included in the baseline route network for the travel management process and is incorrectly shown as open in alternative A. While we have no objection to closing it as it is in fact already closed and has no apparent purpose, we note that its erroneous inclusion in the route network considered here distorts the BLM’s analysis. Nevertheless, if the BLM desires to reduce the overall route density in the area, this is an excellent route to close since it is already closed. D0015
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D0015Little Canyon / Side Pocket Canyon Overlook at 38.626704, -109.675488ClosedD0015 is closed to motorized use. It is a 0.23-mile connector route in the Gemini Bridges area of the TMA. D0015 is redundant with D1900 and does not have a purpose and need for the OHV public.. Closing D0015 route contribute to restoring and retaining soil and vegetation cover. It will reduce visual contrast in the area and provide habitat connectivity for desert bighorn sheep. D0015 route is primarily on slick rock and proves difficult to follow in areas, often resulting in off-route travel and off-route travel related impacts to soil and vegetation.D0014 D0014 is shown on BLM maps as a short connecting route shortcutting a bend of D1900. However, when I attempted to drive it in October 2021, I found it already signed as closed on the ground. This route appears to have been erroneously included in the baseline route network for the travel management process and is incorrectly shown as open in alternative A. While we have no objection to closing it as it is in fact already closed and has no apparent purpose, we note that its erroneous inclusion in the route network considered here distorts the BLM’s analysis. Nevertheless, if the BLM desires to reduce the overall route density in the area, this is an excellent route to close since it is already closed. D0015 D0015 is a connector route between Gemini Bridges Road and D1900. It joins D1900 at the southern end of the already closed D0014. Unlike D0014, D0015 is currently open and is clearly defined on the ground and regularly used. While it may be slightly redundant with B118 and the first segment of D1900, it provides a nice four-wheel-drive alternative to the graded county road and allows drivers to enter the trail network leading over to Metal Masher sooner on more challenging roads. It has excellent scenic views as it travels along the rim of Little Canyon, and thus has high recreational value. As can be seen in the photo below, D0015 is regularly used and is not naturally reclaiming. While it is not a major route, it is a scenic alternate way from Gemini Bridges Road to Metal Masher and is worth keeping open to continue to provide a high quality motorized recreation experience in the area.  Well-defined roadbed along D0015 at 38.598302, -109.679942
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D0016
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D0017Central Arths PastureClosedD0017 is closed to motorized use; it is redundant with D1801B. D0017 is reclaimed, which suggests it receives little to no OHV use; it does not provide a purpose and need for the OHV public that is not provided for in D1801B (e.g., accesses no particular recreation destination not also accessed by D1801B). Closing D0017 reduces route proliferation and redundancy in the area. Closing this route will reduce visual contrast and contribute to restoring vegetation and soil cover. Closing D0017 reduces habitat fragmentation in desert bighorn sheep habitat.-track at the beginning of D1991 at 38.636829, -109.754813 Approaching the canyon rim at 38.631757, -109.755760 Viewpoint of South Fork Sevenmile Canyon at 38.632552, -109.755460 Arths Pasture Routes D0017 (Central Arths Pasture) We oppose the closure of D0017 as proposed in all action alternatives. We believe the closure of this route is due to multiple serious mapping errors which show it in the wrong place. This route is i
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D0017AClosedD0017A is closed to motorized use; it is a 0.21-mile-long dead-end spur which does not provide a unique recreation opportunity or access to a destination. Closing D0017A will reduce route proliferation and provide improved route finding in an area of many routes. Closing this route will minimize reduce habitat fragmentation; natural reclamation of the route will result in increased vegetation and soil cover.
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D0019ClosedD0019 is closed to motorized use. D0019 is a 0.2-mile-long spur off B149. It provides no purpose and need for the OHV public. For example, it does not provide access to a unique recreational opportunity or destination; it does not contribute to connectivity of the route network. Closing the route will promote safety in an area of known hazards (pipeline). Closing D0019 will minimize impacts of OHV use to desert bighorn sheep and pronghorn.
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D0020
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D0022Upper Hell Roaring OverlookClosedD0022 is closed to motorized use. Closing D0022 will contribute to retaining and restoring soil and vegetation (e.g., blackbrush, pinyon-juniper) cover and reduce potential for soil erosion. Closing D0022 will reduce route proliferation in the route network.ng the plateau Clear dirt road approaching the end of the route Parking area at the end of the route at 38.533311, -109.988575 View of Mineral Bottom from overlook at 38.533340, -109.988522 D1434 and D0022 (Upper Hell Roaring Overlook) D1434 is a 1.6 mile long spur route off D0022 (which itself is a spur of the Hell Roaring Rim Jeep Safari trail) that goes out to a scenic overlook and dispersed campsite overlooking upper Hell Roari
Proposed
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D0022A
Proposed
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D0037Bartlett Wash RoutesClosedD0037 is closed to motorized travel. It is 0.37 miles long. Closing D0037 will reduce the potential for conflicts with grazing operations as well as minimize impacts to desert bighorn sheep habitat. and surrounding resources. While the slickrock pan that the stock pond is on affords a good view of the surrounding area, this view can still be accessed by means not involving OHVs.This is completely different rationale than mentioned in D2502. D0037 also has at least 5 dispersed campsitesD2359 is a straight-through route that provides a shortcut between D2361 and D2370. It is part of the Bartlett Flat trail featured on TrailsOffroad.com. It splits off from D2361 at a Y junction at 38.64680, -109.81395 (pictured above). Alternative C proposes to close it, forcing drivers to detour around on a triangle formed by other segments of D2361 and D2370.  When driving it on the ground, it in fact appears to be the main route, and the continuation of D2361 appears to be a right turn. D2359 is regularly used and well-defined, and simply crosses an open field with no significant impacts on wildlife and vegetation. While the detour to the right is likely more scenic and we are glad it is proposed to stay open under alternative C, there is no justification for closing D2359 and forcing drivers to take a more circuitous route when they would prefer to take a shorter route. We therefore ask that it be kept open as proposed in alternative D. D0037 D0037 is a continuation of D2502, past a large dispersed camping area at 38.65671, -109.82679. It continues out to a slickrock area, and then loops back on a route segment that is not included in the BLM’s GIS data but is clearly visible in Google Earth imagery, as shown below. The route makes for a short but fun side trip out to a scenic slickrock area and there is no justification for closing it as proposed in alternatives B - D. We ask that the route be kept open as it is in alternative A, and that the BLM’s route data be corrected to show the full loop at the end. D2491
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D0062
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D1000Horsethief Point RoutesOpenD1000 provides access between State Highway 313 and the heavily travelled Mineral Bottom Road (B129). It enables drivers coming from the south on State Highway 313 to access B129 (the Mineral Bottom Road). Impacts to resources are minimized by closing an extra “extension” of D1000 (D1000B), as well as by closing another link between SR313 and B129 – D1033A. Closing D1033A and keeping D1000 open allows for access between the two major routes while reducing route proliferation and its impact on resources.Looking further down the wash past the end of the route at 38.504368, -109.902429 D1002 D1002 is a connector route that is mostly on a SITLA parcel, which goes between D1000 and Mineral Bottom Road (B129). Only about 0.1 miles of it are on BLM land. It hosts three heavily used dispersed campsites, including a large dispersed campsite along it at 38.539702, -109.836294 on the SITLA parcel, which is suitable for RVs and large groups, pictured below. The other two campsites are at 38.53761, -109.83813 (at the southern end of the route) and 38.53878, -109.83751 (just inside the SITLA parcel). This route is well-defined and heavily used, primarily for dispersed camping.  While the BLM’s route data shows the entire route as being closed in alternatives B and C, the BLM only has authority to close the short 0.1 mile segment on BLM land. The BLM has no authority over the rest of the route on SITLA land. Closing the BLM segment would have little environmental benefit because it is so short, yet would disrupt route connectivity in the area by turning the segment on SITLA land into an out-and-back spur rather than a connector. Vehicles camped along the SITLA section would have to travel out to Mineral Bottom Road and then around on other D roads just to reach D1000, whereas now they can reach it directly.  This route has a clear purpose and need for dispersed camping access and route connectivity, and we strongly urge the BLM to keep it open as proposed in alternative D. Pictures of the route are below.
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D1000B
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D1002Miscellaneous Dispersed Campsite Access RoutesOpenD1002 is open to motorized use. D1002 is a 0.1 mile long connecting route between B129 (the Mineral Bottom Road) and D1000. It is primarily on SITLA managed land. It provides access to dispersed vehicle camping sites as well as SITLA land and provides connectivity for motorized users. Keeping D1002 open will reduce the impacts of cross-country travel as users attempt to connect B129 and D1000.D1945: There is a great campsite at the end of this road at 38.62337, -109.75063, overlooking South Fork Seven Mile Canyon. This part of the road is a lightly used side-spur off the 7-Up trail, and when I visited in October 2021 I saw signs that it is occasionally used for camping. There is a nice flat area for tents with great scenic views in an area that feels remote yet is not too far off Highway 313. I would consider camping here in the future and believe it is an excellent candidate for a designated campsite. D1434: There is a nice campsite at the end of this road at 38.62006, -109.86708, overlooking part of Hell Roaring Canyon. Though I did not find a fire ring there when I visited in October 2021, the turnaround at the end of the road is clearly used for camping on a regular basis. It is an excellent site for a vehicle with a rooftop tent. There is also a flat grassy area next to the road where someone could set up a ground tent. This is a very remote area with excellent scenery and hardly anyone around. D1002: During my trip in October 2021 I observed a large campsite at 38.53972, -109.83594 occupied by someone in an RV. This campsite is located just off Mineral Bottom Road and is a good campsite for RVs. D1019: During my trip in October 2021 I observed several campsites grouped closely together at 38.53375, -109.84313. This would be a good group campsite for RVs and camper trailers. D1460: There is a nice sheltered campsite down in a hollow off this road at 38.59731, -109.82340, accessed by a short spur road that descends into the hollow. I observed a group camped there during my EJS trip in April 2022. If this campsite is designated, the access road to it would need to be added to the travel plan as an authorized route.
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D1005OpenD1005 is open to motorized use; it is 1.86 miles long and provides connectivity between the Mineral Bottom Road (B129) and D1000. Relocation of this connector will cause greater impacts to documented resources than allowing continued use of the route. Furthermore ,nearby routes D1124, D1126 and D1247 are being closed, which helps minimize impacts to desert bighorn sheep habitat and erosive soils.
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D1006OpenD1006 is open to motorized use; it is a 0.97-mile-long connector between B129 (Mineral Bottom Road) and D1005. It provides connectivity in an area just west of State Highway 313. Keeping the route open will minimize impacts to soil and vegetation by providing recreation access on an existing route.
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D1008OpenD1008 is open to motorized use; it is a 0.7-mile-long loop off D1000. It provides access to an interesting rock recess and provides dispersed vehicle camping opportunities. Continued use of D1008 will reduce impacts to soil and vegetation cover by providing recreation opportunities on existing routes, reducing the potential for off-route travel.
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D1014ClosedD1014 is closed to motorized use. D1014 is redundant with D1015, which remains open so that motorists can access the Beehive Butte area south of the Mineral Bottom Road. D1014 parallels D1015 for 0.48 miles; its use is low. Closing D1014 will reduce visual contrast, restore vegetation and soil cover and minimize the potential for soil erosion.
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D1015OpenD1015 is open to motorized use; it provides access to the Beehive Butte area as well as views into Taylor Canyon (via D1026B). D1015 provides a recreation opportunity for dispersed vehicle camping. Providing an existing access route for users will minimize impacts to soils and vegetation by reducing the potential for cross country travel.
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D1019Miscellaneous Dispersed Campsite Access RoutesOpenD1019 provides the link to B129 from D1000. Motorized users are able to access D1000 by using D1019. Allowing continued use of this route will minimize potential impacts to resources by maintaining motorized use on an alignment capable of accommodating the route’s anticipated traffic volume. In addition, closing the nearby D1000B reduces impacts to bighorn habitat. Closing this route will reduce route confusion and route proliferation in the area while still allowing access to the area south of the Mineral Bottom Road (B129) on D1019. Moreover, this route has several known recreation opportunities including photography and camping.D1434: There is a nice campsite at the end of this road at 38.62006, -109.86708, overlooking part of Hell Roaring Canyon. Though I did not find a fire ring there when I visited in October 2021, the turnaround at the end of the road is clearly used for camping on a regular basis. It is an excellent site for a vehicle with a rooftop tent. There is also a flat grassy area next to the road where someone could set up a ground tent. This is a very remote area with excellent scenery and hardly anyone around. D1002: During my trip in October 2021 I observed a large campsite at 38.53972, -109.83594 occupied by someone in an RV. This campsite is located just off Mineral Bottom Road and is a good campsite for RVs. D1019: During my trip in October 2021 I observed several campsites grouped closely together at 38.53375, -109.84313. This would be a good group campsite for RVs and camper trailers. D1460: There is a nice sheltered campsite down in a hollow off this road at 38.59731, -109.82340, accessed by a short spur road that descends into the hollow. I observed a group camped there during my EJS trip in April 2022. If this campsite is designated, the access road to it would need to be added to the travel plan as an authorized route. D1408 (Mineral Point): There is an incredible campsite at the end of the road at 38.55020, -109.99333, at the Mineral Point overlook. This campsite is technically unauthorized because it is in an area that is currently limited to designated sites and is not signed as designated, yet I mapped it on OpenStreetMap because when I visited in October 2021, it is obviously still regularly used and OSM is supposed to reflect the reality on the ground. This campsite has been recently featured in a video by a popular overlanding YouTuber and is located right at the edge of a cliff looking down into Labyrinth Canyon. The BLM’s route maps inaccurately show the road ending a slight distance further back, but in reality the road has always gone right to the canyon rim, and this area has long been popular for camping. We asked the BLM to consider making this an officially designated campsite. Even if it is not designated, people are likely to continue regularly using it, and it would be better for the BLM to regulate camping here than futilely try to prohibit it.
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D1019A
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D1019B
Proposed
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D1020Big Draw WashClosedD1020 is closed to motorized use. D1020 is 1.01-mile-long dead-end spur and is redundant with D1019A, which remains open to the OHV public. D1020 does not provide access to an overlook or other recreation opportunities or destinations. Closing D1020 will enhance wildlife habitat by minimizing habitat fragmentation in desert bighorn sheep habitat. Closing this route will reduce visual contrast and restore vegetation, minimizing soil erosion.sed in alternative A. A couple pictures of this route are included below. Beginning of D1095 at 38.524079, -109.910216 View toward Canyonlands National Park from the hilltop at 38.516648, -109.904629 D1020 (Big Draw Wash) D1029 is a spur off D1019A which descends into a wash called the Big Draw. It then follows the wash a ways, before the BLM’s route data shows it just ending at a random place along the wash. When I d
90
D1022ClosedD1022 is closed to motorized use. It is a 0.31-mile-long dead-end spur and does not have an identified purpose and need for the OHV public. Designating the route OHV-closed will minimize the potential for desert bighorn sheep habitat fragmentation and other damage to resources documented within the route report. Closing route D1022 will reduce route proliferation in the Big Draw area.
91
D1026AOpenD1026A provides a link between D1019A and D1047. Closing the nearby D1026, D1048A and D1045 routes reduces route confusion and route proliferation in the area and minimizes impacts to resources. Providing a designated access route between D1019A and D1047 will minimize impacts to resources by reducing the potential for unauthorized cross-country travel. Allowing continued use of D1026A will minimize potential impacts to documented resources by directing motorized use (rather than dispersing it) on an alignment capable of accommodating the route’s anticipated traffic volume.
92
D1026BTaylor Canyon RimClosedD1026B is closed to motorized use; it is a 2.18-mile-long spur that terminates at the National Park Service boundary. Closing D1026B minimizes impacts to grasslands, salt desert shrub and blackbrush communities, desert bighorn sheep habitat from OHV use, and contributes to retaining soil cover. Closing D1026B minimizes the impacts of D1042A.
D1026B provides access to a SITLA section, and will not be actively reclaimed nor rehabilitated .		his route open as proposed in alternatives C and D. View of the head of Mineral Canyon from the overlook at 38.566874, -109.870460 View down Mineral Canyon from the overlook at 38.566885, -109.870466 D1026B (Taylor Canyon Rim) D1026B is a regularly used route that goes out to a spectacular viewpoint on the Rim of Taylor Canyon, just outside of Canyonlands National Park. This route is featured on TrailsOffroad.com, which gi
Proposed
93
D1027ClosedD1027 is closed to motorized use; it is accessed via D1026B, which is also closed. Closing D1027, along with natural reclamation will reduce visual contrast created by the route. Closing this route will contribute to retaining and restoring vegetation (e.g., blackbrush) and soil cover, minimizing the potential for soil erosion. Closing D1027 will minimize impacts to desert big horn sheep habitat by reducing the route footprint in the area.
94
D1029Horsethief Point RoutesClosedD1029 is closed to motorized travel. D1029is 0.23 miles long and does not have a purpose and need for the OHV public because, among other reasons, the route does not lead to a known destination or recreation opportunity. Closing D1029 will reduce impacts to soil and vegetation cover as a result of reduced motorized use.View toward Canyonlands National Park from the hilltop at 38.516648, -109.904629 D1020 (Big Draw Wash) D1029 is a spur off D1019A which descends into a wash called the Big Draw. It then follows the wash a ways, before the BLM’s route data shows it just ending at a random place along the wash. When I drove it in October 2021, I found the part descending into the wash to be faint but still followable, while the wash was easily passable in any 4WD vehicle. It looked like you could continue driving down the wash past the endpoint in the BLM’s route data, and there were no signs marking the endpoint on the ground.  Based on maps and Google Earth imagery, if you continue down the wash another third of a mile, you would come to a pour-off that should provide excellent views down into a tributary canyon of Taylor Canyon in Canyonlands National Park. We assume this route used to extend all the way to this pour-off but got shortened in the BLM’s mapping at some point.  If the BLM was willing to extend this route to the Big Draw pour-off at 38.50210, -109.90670, it would have significant recreational value. As it is, it has only minor recreational value, primarily for the chance to drive a ways down an interesting wash. However, this route is lightly used and is causing minimal impacts so there is no harm in keeping it open. We therefore ask that the BLM adopt the alternative D action and keep D1020 open to motorized use instead of closing it as proposed in alternative C. Pictures of this route are below.
95
D1030ClosedD1030 is closed to motorized use. D1030, a 0.16-mile dead end spur off route D1031, does not have a purpose and need for the OHV public. For example, D1030 does not lead to a destination or known recreation opportunity. As a dead end spur, it does not provide connectivity to other routes in the network. Closing the route will contribute to restoring and retaining soil and vegetation cover. Natural reclamation of the route will lead to reduced visual contrast created by the route. Closing the route will reduce the overall route footprint in the area.
96
D1031OpenD1031 provides a link between B129 and D1019A. Closing the nearby D1029 and D1030 routes reduces route confusion and route proliferation in the area and minimizes impacts to resources. Providing a designated access route between B129 and D1019A will minimize impacts to resources by reducing the potential for unauthorized cross-country travel. Allowing continued use of D1031 will minimize potential impacts to documented resources by directing motorized use (rather than dispersing it) on an alignment capable of accommodating the route’s anticipated traffic volume.
97
D1032OpenD1032 is open to motorized use; it is a 0.27-mile-long spur leading to the base of a butte and provides recreation access for 4-wheeling and dispersed vehicle camping. Adjacent routes D1033A and D1014 will be closed to reduce route redundancy and proliferation in the area. Allowing continued use of this route will minimize potential impacts to soil and vegetation by minimizing potential for new disturbances by providing a recreation opportunity on an existing route.
98
D1033
99
D1033A
Proposed
100
D1035ClosedD1035 is closed to motorized use; it is a 0.21-mile spur route off D1033A, which will also be closed because it is largely reclaimed. D1035 does not have a purpose and need for OHV public because, among other reasons, the route does not lead to a known destination or recreation opportunity and does not provide connectivity to the route network. . Closing D1025 will minimize impacts to desert bighorn sheep and raptor habitat. Closing the route will allow natural reclamation and reduce visual contrast in the area as well as minimize impacts to soil and vegetation. Closing the route reduces route proliferation in the area.
Proposed