Description

While McCoy Flats might be the most expansive trail system in the Vernal area, Red Fleet is hands-down the highest quality trail in the region.

Compared to McCoy flats, the quality of the dirt here is radically better, the trail design and construction is more interesting, the rocks are more impressive to look at and climb over, the views are better… really, it’s almost all better.

If you only visit McCoy and don’t get out to Red Fleet, you’re doing yourself a great disservice. The first section of this loop as mapped follows the smoothest trail in the Red Fleet network: Jazz Chrome Molly.

The swoop and flow of this trail provides a delightful kinesthetic running experience, but of you’re looking for a more visually-stimulating run that covers less mileage, you could skip Jazz Chrome Molly and instead run the next portion of the loop. Soon, you will connect to Handsome Cabin Boy, and eventually J-Boy.

These trails comprise the rockier side of the network, with ledges and rocks to leap up and down.

One iconic portion of trail climbs up to an exposed rock rim, following the ledge up to a high point.

This vantage point provides breathtaking views of the valley below! Take a moment to enjoy the beauty of the unique rock formations around you, and glimpses of the Red Fleet Reservoir beyond. The trail then winds its way off the rock ledge, down through an intriguing rocky wash on its way back to the trailhead.

After running in the wide-open windswept desert of McCoy flats, the cover provided by the trees and rocks at Red Fleet, coupled with the more engaging surroundings, provides a welcome relief!