Onion Creek</a>, which you will have a birdseye view of as you nest on the perch above. The challenging drive to the top, its 360° view, and the unique photo opportunity make Top of the World a story you will tell for years to come. </p>">Onion Creek</a>, which you will have a birdseye view of as you nest on the perch above. The challenging drive to the top, its 360° view, and the unique photo opportunity make Top of the World a story you will tell for years to come. </p>">

Top of the World

4.9/5 (49 reviews)
Cisco, Utah (Grand County)
Last Updated: 03/27/2023

Trail Information

Highlights

Desert
Iconic
Rock

Whenever you see the photo of an offroad-ready rig on a sandstone slab jutting out over a glorious-looking red valley, that's this trail. That is right, Top of the World is a famous trail! It is most famous for its challenge and iconic views, let alone being a Jeep Badge of Honor Trail. The inspirational view from the top is going to automatically increase your bucket list to include Onion Creek, which you will have a birdseye view of as you nest on the perch above. The challenging drive to the top, its 360° view, and the unique photo opportunity make Top of the World a story you will tell for years to come.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Top of the World is a rough and rugged rock crawling trail. It rises in elevation, climbing the Waring Mesa. The trail splits Waring Canyon to the west and Cottonwood Canyon to the east and climbs to a viewpoint overlooking the Onion Creek area. It is an out-and-back trail with a lollipop loop at the far end. As the guide is written, most people travel up the western side of the loop to reach the namesake "Top of the World" viewpoint. To reach the viewpoint, there are several non-optional undercut ledges. A spotter may be helpful your first time running the trail. After reaching the viewpoint, you have the option to take the eastern stem of the lollipop back down. This section will be the toughest and requires experience and/or a spotter. The west side of the lollipop, Waypoints 15-22, is optional. Although still a technical drive, if you avoid Waypoints 15-22, the drive will be less intense. The trail is suitable for lifted vehicles and, ideally, where the sway bars can be disconnected for travel. Airing-down is a must. Bone stock vehicles will struggle.

Note:

When you drive to the photo opportunity location, it is at a slight incline to the point where you cannot see the edge. Do not drive to this point without a spotter. Keep an eye on your children, and certainly no drinking on the trail.

Trail Reviews

4.9/5 (49)
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 03/08/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Ran it in a stock '21 JL Rubicon on 33s and '12 JKU on 37s. We were first to the trail, leaving Dewey Bridge just before 9am. Had clear trail, muddy trail, snow and a little ice. Got hung up on the rock coming off the ledge at waypoint 11 with the stock JLR and had to get a small tug off the rock. Otherwise no issues. Ran into several built jeeps on 37s/40s headed up as we were going down and the trail was getting greeeaazzzzy so they were struggled more on some of the obstacles. Otherwise it was a fantastic morning on the trail with great views from the top.
Official Crew
30350
Partially Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 02/17/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

First time I’ve ever wheeled this trail in snow. Was patchy and only an inch or two deep at the beginning, but was 6-8” deep at waypoint 7. We couldn’t make the obstacle with the snow. Turned around but still a fun day on the trail.
2200
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 11/24/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Tough trail, incredible views, amazing photo op! Make no mistake, this trail will challenge a stock rig. That being said, if you’ve got a locker or two, a reasonable lift and decent tires, you can make it. Just go slow, pick your lines and be prepared touch a few times when you mess up. We had the amazing good fortune to meet up with a bunch of highly experienced rock crawlers and that made a big difference for our success rate. (Big shout out thank you to Shane & his Rushmore Rock Crawlers family!)
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 11/23/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Some snow around the top, but not enough to cause any problems.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 11/19/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

Beautiful trail with plenty of increasingly interesting rocky terrain. Waypoint 4 is significantly dug/washed out vs the review from even two weeks ago. Similarly equipped Tacoma and we were forced to turn around - would not have kept our bumpers even with the skid. Jeeps made it on >33s, only Tacoma that even tried (success) was 35s and a short bed access cab. Attached photo is the same spot as photo #3 in previous review.

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