NOHVCC Attends The 2025 Utah Trails Conference

Known as “Little Hollywood” for its historic role in classic Western and Sci-Fi film productions, Kanab, Utah has more recently carved out a reputation as a gateway for outdoor recreation. Nestled in the red rock canyons of southern Utah, Kanab is ideally situated near three iconic National Parks—Zion, Bryce Canyon, and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon—making it a prime basecamp for adventurers and nature lovers alike.

This unique setting made Kanab the perfect host city for the 2025 Utah Trails Conference, held April 22–23. This annual gathering brings together trail users, land managers, planners, and recreation advocates from around the region to share insights and strategies for managing and enhancing Utah’s expansive trail networks. The two-day event featured a mix of field-based experiences and in-depth classroom discussions.

Day One: Hands-On Trail Exploration
 

The first day offered a variety of field day options, allowing participants to choose from guided trail excursions tailored to their specific interests. One of the highlights of the day was a 40-mile side-by-side (SxS) off-highway vehicle (OHV) ride led by the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC) with significant support from the Utah Division of Natural Resources (DNR).

The ride began at the Belly of the Dragon Trailhead, a popular area known for its stunning sandstone tunnel and dramatic desert scenery. The route took riders through a network of deep sand trails, challenging their driving skills while providing a unique way to explore the region’s remote terrain. Over 20 participants joined the excursion, including several first-time OHV riders, local county commissioners, land planners, and trail managers, creating a dynamic group that allowed for a rich exchange of ideas. 

Throughout the ride, the group made several strategic stops for on-the-ground discussions about OHV trail maintenance, responsible land use, and best practices in trail sustainability. Topics included erosion control in sand-heavy areas, signage and wayfinding improvements, and strategies for balancing recreation with conservation. These field conversations provided practical, real-world insights that complemented the more formal discussions on day two.

The final stretch of the ride offered a refreshing twist—a segment of trail featuring more than 20 water crossings. As the afternoon temperatures climbed, the crossings provided a welcome way to cool off while adding a sense of adventure to the day’s itinerary.

Day Two: Education and Collaboration in the Classroom
 

The second day of the conference transitioned to a more traditional format, featuring classroom-based breakout sessions on a variety of trail-related topics. These sessions were held at the Kanab Center, where participants could choose from presentations and panel discussions that focused on planning, ethics, stewardship, and user education across both motorized and non-motorized trail systems.

One particularly well-attended session was a panel on OHV education and outreach, co-led by NOHVCC staff alongside representatives from Utah DNR and a community-driven OHV ethics program based in Moab. The panel explored the evolving landscape of OHV use in Utah, emphasizing the importance of education in promoting responsible and sustainable recreation. NOHVCC shared its ongoing national efforts in OHV rider training, youth engagement, and collaboration with land management agencies. They also highlighted Utah’s own state-level programs, which include signage campaigns, volunteer patrols, and educational workshops.

A recurring theme in the discussion was the growing recognition of motorized recreation’s role in trail use and economic development—especially in rural communities like Kanab. Conference attendees expressed appreciation that more motorized-focused sessions were being included in a forum that has traditionally leaned toward non-motorized activities such as hiking, biking, and equestrian use. The inclusion of OHV-specific content reflects a broader trend of integrating all trail users into the planning conversation, acknowledging that comprehensive trail stewardship depends on cross-user cooperation.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 Utah Trails Conference in Kanab was a resounding success, marked by strong attendance, engaging field activities, and constructive dialogue between diverse stakeholders. With the town’s stunning natural backdrop and welcoming community spirit, participants left inspired and energized to bring what they learned back to their home regions.

As outdoor recreation continues to grow in popularity, and as land managers seek to accommodate a broader spectrum of trail users, the lessons learned in Kanab will undoubtedly play a role in shaping the future of Utah’s trail systems.