Green River via Tenmile Wash Trail(edit)

Trail Length: 14.71 miles Low-End Rating: 6 High-End Rating: 7 This is a very unique trail, especially in the area. It follows the narrow Tenmile Canyon from its start at the Crystal Geyser trail all the way to the Green River. Compared to the trail's surroundings, the area is lush and filled with trees. It also features one very difficult obstacle that will prevent many people from getting all the way to the river. The trailhead is easy to spot, with a kiosk and a large area of sand next to an old corral. It is also easy to see as you approach it because the canyon is filled with cottonwood trees. There aren't many trees for miles in any direction, so these trees stand out. The trail is almost all sand with very few bumps. It starts where the canyon is wide, so it isn't very curvy for the first few miles. It still winds its way through the trees, and it is very scenic. This trail is better suited for ATVs and dirtbikes, though 4x4 vehicles can make it all the way to the river. The brush is often close to your vehicle, though, and the trail is often very narrow. Wider vehicles may have a very difficult time in spots. There is an important intersection a little over four miles from the trailhead, at the Midway Exit. This is an optional way in and out of the trail if you wish to skip the first four miles. It is also an easy way to reach the trail from the White Wash Sand Dunes. The exit is marked with signs. Continue along the trail, and the canyon walls get closer. This makes the trail wind and curve a lot more, and it also makes it a lot more scenic. Even though you can't see past the steep walls, the area is filled with cottonwood trees. They have yellow leaves in the fall, making the trail even more beautiful during that time. The trail stays sandy until you reach the obstacle about 10.5 miles in from the trailhead. This challenging section is almost 1,000 feet long and there is no bypass. However, there are many lines through it. If you do not wish to tackle the obstacle, there is plenty of room to turn around. The line you choose may depend on your mode of transportation. Some lines are too narrow for 4x4 vehicles, and some rocks are too big for ATVs. Use your best judgement. The obstacle begins by dropping down into a lower area of the canyon. You must drop down a rocky section to start. You can follow stacked rocks down a steep wall (probably best for dirtbikes) or go down a series of steps to some challenging rocks and a water crossing. You will almost always find water throughout the obstacle. After this, there is another section to finish. ATVs and dirtbikes may want to climb a wall up and out of the lower section by following the black marks on the rock. The top of this is too narrow for 4x4 vehicles, who must stay in the lower section a bit longer. There is a series of rocks that can either be climbed or worked around, and this is the most challenging section. There is almost always water here, as well. There are a few lines, but none of them is easy. This obstacle turns many people away, which means that the trail after it is not nearly as well-traveled. It is much tighter, with lots of brush close to the trail. It can be difficult to get through, especially in a 4x4 vehicle. Near the river, the sand turns to dirt. If this area is muddy, it may be impassable. It shouldn't be too far to walk to the river from here, however. If it is not muddy, this area is easy and it isn't long until you're at the end. Park in the large turnaround at the big berm, and walk over the berm to view the river. Return the way you came, exiting at the Midway Exit or back at the trailhead.