Wherever you are and whatever your off-roading skill level happens to be, there are incredible adventures to be found.
No one knows that better than Rivian’s vehicle testing team. They drive all kinds of trails to conduct real-world testing that validates the performance, reliability and functionality of our vehicles.
Meet Lilly Macaruso, Rivian Staff Mechanical Design Engineer. We caught up with her coming off weeks of exploring the Wasatch mountains around Park City, Utah in R2. We asked for her top recommendations for a little off-road fun.
Wasatch Range, Utah
The R2 media drives earlier this year took place in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah, centered around Park City, Midway and Salt Lake City. I think this area really brings the spirit of R2 to life across every terrain: everyday highway commuting, winding mountain roads, and of course the off-road trails that invited the adventurer in all of us to come out.
Level
The route was originally classified as an ATV trail. We accessed the ATV trails for scouting only after coordinating with local rangers and relevant authorities and receiving permission to use them. OnX rates some sections of the route as Green 3/10, while other sections are unrated. Drivers should use caution in those areas, particularly if retracing our tire tracks.
The route includes several fantastic stops and trail sections:
Upper Cascade Springs Trailhead — A great starting point with vault toilets off the highway.
Little Deer Creek Campground — A scenic campground nestled in an aspen grove, perfect for a lunch break.
Narnia — The climb from Deer Creek Camp Road to Upper Cummings Parkway Road, earned its nickname due to the lush, surrounding green Aspens.
Vista View — The peak climb offering 360-degree views of the valley, Mount Timpanogos, and the glittering lights of Midway at dusk.
Nearby Bonus Detours — When conditions allow, Cascade Springs Drive carries you deeper into the Timpanogos Wilderness for hiking, camping or mountain biking.
Trail tips
A stock R2 on 20" wheels with our custom BF Goodrich all-terrain tires will handle the entire route with ease — just throw a cooler in the back with a packed meal for a great day trip! If you're focusing on highway driving, 21" Liquid Tungsten wheels with Pirelli all-season tires are ideal.
For drive modes, we used a full spectrum across the trip:
All-Purpose — For commuting on Highway 189.
Sport — For carving up Cascade Springs Drive.
All-Terrain — For Deer Creek Campground Road, Cummings Parkway Road, and climbing to Vista View.
Rally — For every stretch of dirt road where we felt like having fun.
Underbody Protection:
No additional protection required beyond stock protective shields on R1 or R2. There is low risk of body panel contact, though vegetation growth poses slight risk of trail pinstriping.
Charging
There are plentiful overnight L2 charging spots in different parking garages, as well as local Rivian Adventure Network and other DC fast chargers, around Park City, Midway and Salt Lake City. and other DC fast chargers.
Know before you go:
Weather & Conditions Be prepared for intense solar exposure, snow/ice, rain, fog, and temperature swings. Check weather forecasts, as elevation traction varies significantly.
Safety Protocol Share your planned route and estimated return time with a contact outside the group (cell service is limited). Pack extra food/water, carry tire prep gear (spare tire, tire plug kit, gauge, compressor), and use proper sun protection/clothing.
Land Management & Wildlife The area spans Wasatch Mountain State Park and Uinta National Forest. Wildlife encountered included moose families, mule deer, black bear, foxes, coyotes, small game, and birds of prey (bald/golden eagles, red-tailed hawks).
Final thought from Lilly
“The responsibility of adventure is to care for the places you explore, the people you encounter, and the communities that make those experiences possible. Planning matters, but adventure is closer and more attainable than it may seem. Begin where you are — with your local trails, parks, and resources — and let each experience lead to the next."
Rivian is committed to upholding Tread Lightly! best practices to put trail stewardship at the center of every off-road adventure. Wherever you go, travel responsibly, respect the rights of others, educate yourself before you go, avoid sensitive areas, and do your part to leave the trail better than you found it.
Informational purposes only.
The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute professional advice or expert guidance. Operate your vehicle responsibly, and only in areas and under conditions that match your experience. In addition to consulting your Rivian Owner's Guide before engaging in this activity, always check local weather and other conditions, such as trail closures, fire restrictions, or other hazards, and where appropriate, seek professional assistance. While we strive to ensure accuracy, we do not assume any responsibility or liability for any inaccuracies, omissions or errors in this content, nor for any adverse outcomes resulting from your failure to assess and respond to real-world conditions.
