From viewpoint, ride south on Hwy 40. 2 miles, to powerlines crossing highway. Make a sharp left on dirt road and follow the powerlines for 1.7 miles. Route goes over a low pass, then turns left (stay on dirt) and travels NW along the base of Asphalt Ridge. Watch for visible outcroppings of natural, black asphalt which give the ridge its name. Vernal was one of the first towns in Utah to have paved streets because of this deposit. 2.5 miles brings you back to the viewpoint. A few gates may be encountered . . . leave all gates as they are found.

Route begins at scenic viewpoint on Hwy 40, 5 miles SW of Vernal.

Loop is mostly on a good graded dirt road, 2 miles of which is paved. Trail travels partly on the base of Asphalt Ridge.