Trail Etiquette

Mind the Widths!

Different trails are designed for different types of OHVs. Often the width of the trail contributes to the challenge of riding it. For example, dirt bike enthusiasts prefer tight single track trails to double track trails because they are more challenging. By only riding your vehicle on trails wider than your vehicle, you preserve the challenge and difficulty of trails for future riders.

Side-By-Sides and UTVs

A relatively new development is the side-by-side or utility terrain vehicle (UTV). This vehicle looks like an ATV but accomodates two riders sitting side by side. Most of these vehicles are wider than a normal ATV and are also too wide for standard ATV trails. Side-by-sides or UTVs that are 50" or less in width are allowed on ATV trails. Most side-by-sides or UTVs, however, are over 50" in width and are limited to designated full-size 4WD routes only.

Marketing Versus Reality

Keep in mind that it is the actual width of your vehicle that counts when determining if it is allowed on ATV trails or not. If you buy an ATV that is under 50" in width but later add new wheels and tires that put it over 50" in width, it can no longer be used on ATV trails.

Keep Your Wheels Where They Belong!^®

And finally, remember:

• Drive on designated motorized routes where such designations have been made.
• Where no designations have been made, drive only on existing routes until designations are made.
• On public lands managed by the Forest Service, use motor vehicle use maps (MVUMs) to determine which trails and roads are open to your vehicle.
• On public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), follow on-the-ground signs to determine which trails and roads are open to your vehicle.