Yesterday, I received some great news from the President of the Utah Public Land’s Alliance. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced it is reassessing portions of the 2023 Labyrinth Rims / Gemini Bridges Travel Management Plan (TMP), with the possibility of reopening previously closed or restricted routes to OHV (off-highway vehicle) use.
What Was Closed And Why This Reopening Matters
If you remember back in early 2024, Bronco Nation covered the 317 miles of Moab trail closures and what actions were being taken by groups like the Blue Ribbon Coalition to file lawsuits, citing violation of several laws and acts. In essence, a subjective decision was made by a non-elected official and with a sweep of the pen, trails were closed. With it were closed popular trails such as Hey Joe Canyon, Mashed Potato Trail, Deadman Point, Dead Cow Loop, Day Canyon Point, Ten Mile Canyon, Hell Roaring Canyon, Mineral Canyon, and several Green River overlooks.
The closures stirred considerable backlash not just from the off-roading community, but local businesses, and trail advocates. Critics argued the plan ignored important economic, recreational, and historic use considerations and failed to adequately incorporate public input. Also, by closing miles of trails, the sheer number of off-roaders enjoying the trails and camping during the high season are now crowded into a smaller area, risking user conflicts and trail damage.
We promised that we would provide any updates to this decision by the BLM and this update is not only a celebration but a call for action from Bronco Nation members.
The BLM is has released a preliminary plan that recommends reopening roughly half of the closed trails, a total of 148 miles, however, some popular trails like Ten Mile are still on the closed list. Here’s where you can help, the BLM is inviting public input on which closed or limited routes might be re-designated as open. We have the chance to get many of these routes back, but only if we submit our comments.
What the BLM Is Asking And How You Can Help
The public comment window is open now through October 24, 2025. During this time, the BLM will collect input regarding:
- Routes currently labeled as “OHV-limited” or “OHV-closed” that should be reconsidered
- Purpose, connectivity, and recreational value of specific routes
- Resource constraints and mitigation ideas
- Supporting evidence, maps, or user experience for why certain routes deserve reopening
You can submit your comments online via the BLM’s ePlanning site or by mail directly to the local office in Moab. Their address is:
Labyrinth / Gemini Bridges TMP
82 Dogwood Avenue
Moab, UT 84532
Let me just say that the written letter in the past has been much more powerful than a submitted comment. Flooding an office with mail that must be opened, compared to an electronic comment leaves a lasting impression.
Tips for Writing a Strong Comment
I’d like to recommend the Utah Public Land’s Alliance website where they outline exactly how you should write your comment and even offer review and coaching. On the site, they recommend:
Step #1 Go to this BLM Interactive Map to see which routes they have proposed reopening. When you get on the map, the Green lines mark the routes they have identified for reopening. If you need to see more detail on the map, click on the 4 squares at the upper right and pick a different basemap for more details on the map. When you click on a line, it will give you additional information about the trail.
Step #2 Write your detailed comments about trails you are familiar with. Include personal experiences, how you’ve used it, how often, who you’ve been there with; in other words, why it’s important that it be reopened. If you have photos, you should include those as well.
Step #3 You then have two choices on how to submit them:
- A. If you feel comfortable submitting them directly to BLM, you can do so at the BLM EPlanning Website
OR - B. If you want help formatting your comments, Email them to our Comments Coach. Rose, at UPLA will help you format them so they are ready to submit, and will return it to you to submit to the BLM.
Submit early — and respectfully
Comments submitted early in the process tend to carry more influence. Use polite tone, cite BLM planning goals if possible, and avoid confrontational language.
Another option is to use this pre-populated comment letter that’s on the Blue Ribbon Coalition site. There is space provided to list your personal message and comment. Even if you plan to submit your comment directly, this template letter can be completed as well or be used to help you with your own comments.
Why This Matters to Bronco Nation & Off-Roaders Everywhere
For Bronco Nation members the Labyrinth / Gemini area represents more than just trails and camp sites, it's part of our history, our weekend escapes, and our connection to the broader landscape of Moab. Reopening these closed routes would:
- Restore classic loops and scenic runs
- Reduce crowding on remaining open trails
- Revive access to dispersed camping overlooks
- Support local economies in Moab and surrounding areas
But none of that happens without a strong, coordinated public voice. The BLM has invited input, even if you’ve never been to Moab, trail closures need to be something that our public land managers weigh more carefully. This is our chance to make our voices heard.
My comments will list specific trails that have been important to me and that have specific memories, like leading Hey Joe Canyon during Easter Jeep Safari or spotting friends through the Gravy Bowl on Mashed Potato trail.
Please submit your comments before October 24. The trails we love may just be coming back, if we speak up.
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