Jordan River OHV State Park
Utah’s Urban Off-Road Playground

A Utah State Park Like No Other

If you are picturing scenic alpine lakes or remote red rock canyons, think again. The Jordan River OHV State Park is Utah’s only state park dedicated entirely to off-highway vehicle recreation. And it is located smack dab in the middle of Salt Lake County just minutes from downtown Salt Lake City.

This park was created specifically and exclusively for dirt bikes, ATVs and other off-highway vehicles. It is a place where riders of all ages can learn, train and ride in a safe, controlled environment. No trailers into the backcountry required. No guessing where the trails are. Just grab your gear and go.

What Makes Jordan River OHV State Park Different?

Jordan River OHV State Park is one of only a handful of urban OHV parks in the country. Most riders in Utah associate OHV use with remote mountain trails or open desert. They visualize having to drive miles out into the countryside to find a place that allows it. But this park actually lets you go off-road without leaving the city.

It is located just east of I-215 and just north of 2200 North so it is accessible for families, after-school riders and weekend thrill-seekers who don’t have time to haul machines hours into the hills. Take the 2200 North exit off I-215 and follow the signs.

Photo: Travel Utah

What You’ll Find at the Park

Jordan River OHV State Park covers 350 acres of dedicated riding area. Terrain includes:

• A main motocross track (for experienced riders)
• A mini motocross track (for smaller bikes and youth riders)
• A beginner/training area
• Open dirt loops and practice areas

All tracks are groomed and maintained regularly. You’ll find banked corners, tabletops, whoop sections and rolling terrain to test your skills. The training track is especially popular with first-timers and younger riders learning to operate machines safely.

Who Can Ride Here?

Jordan River is open to a range of OHV types:

• Dirt bikes and motocross motorcycles
• ATVs and youth-size quads (50cc–125cc)
• Side-by-sides and UTVs (on specific training or instructional days)

No street-legal vehicles are allowed on the track. This park is for dedicated off-road machines only.

Photo: Travel Utah

Safety and Requirements

This is a managed park which means there are rules. These rules are enforced to keep riders safe.

Required to Ride:

• A current OHV registration (Utah or out-of-state)
• Helmets for all riders (no exceptions)
• Proper safety gear encouraged: goggles, gloves, boots, etc.
• Youth riders (under 18) must complete an approved OHV safety education course

OHV Education Certificates must be carried on you while riding. The park also offers free OHV education classes on-site during select weekends and summer days.

A Place to Learn: OHV Education and Community Outreach

One of the park’s biggest assets is its focus on safety education and responsible OHV use. Jordan River partners with state agencies to host:

• Youth training sessions
• Rider safety demonstrations
• Group rides and open houses
• Law enforcement OHV certification courses

The park prides itself on being more than a riding area. It is a training ground for responsible riders. Many parents bring their kids here to learn how to ride safely before hitting backcountry trails. What a novel idea.

Seasonal Hours and Riding Conditions

The park is open seasonally from early spring through late fall depending on weather and ground conditions. The gates were closed the day we went by as we hadn't checked beforehand. We thought it might be because of rain in the forecast but it was a Tuesday. Per the schedule below, not open.

Typical Schedule (subject to weather & maintenance):

• Thursday – Sunday: Open riding days
• Monday – Wednesday: Closed for maintenance and grooming
• Hours: Usually 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Check seasonal updates)

Always call ahead or check the state website for current conditions and closures especially after storms. You can check this site for updated fee information and other information.             

Entry Fees and Amenities

I always hesitate to include fees as they change so frequently. And only in one direction. That was the case when I rechecked these fees.

Day-Use Fees:

• Days Use Fee:  $25 per rider. There is also a $5 parking fee for all tracks except the 50 track. Day Use fee for 50 track is $15 per rider. Only 110cc and below are allowed on the 50 Track.
• Spectators and non-riding parents enter free

Amenities:

• Restrooms
• Shaded picnic area
• Drinking water (seasonal)
• Parking lot – trailers allowed
• Observation areas for family and instructors
• Check the state website or their “Track Etiquette” list when you get there. I’ve never used this facility but I’m sure these rules are enforced.

Note: There is no camping at Jordan River OHV State Park. It is a day-use facility only.

A Park with an Urban Past

The park itself sits in what used to be a floodplain along the Jordan River. Years ago, the land was neglected. It was used for illegal dumping, unauthorized trail riding and informal motocross.

Recognizing a need for structured off-road training, Utah’s Division of State Parks and Recreation cleaned up the area and began developing a managed OHV facility. In 2000, it became an official Utah State Park and one of the first OHV-only parks in the region.

Today, it provides a safe, legal riding spot that keeps OHVs off private land and away from sensitive areas while helping build a culture of safety and responsibility.

Final Thoughts

Before doing research for this article, I didn’t even know this park existed. The Jordan River OHV State Park may not be a remote wilderness but that is exactly its strength. It is a practical, well-maintained and welcoming place for those seeking to ride, train and build skills safely. All just minutes from home.

Whether you’re teaching your kid to ride their first 50cc or tuning your motocross bike for the weekend, this park gives you a place to go. No permit lotteries, no backcountry maps, no driving for miles to remote locations, no need for camping. Just throttle and go.

Jordan River OHV State Park
2824 North Rosepark Lane
Salt Lake City UT 84116
Website: https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/jordan-river/

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