OHV, SVRA & ATV Trails In Western U.S.

If you enjoy riding Dirt Bikes, ATV's, 4 Wheel Drive Vehicles, Dune Buggy's or any other type of Off Road Vehicle I have found that many of the State Parks across America have specialized Riding Trails and Parks. There are also many clubs that offer events surrounding your favorite type of Off Road Vehicle.

You can ride for a few hours, a full day or in many state parks there are campgrounds or nearby campgrounds that are available if you want to spend a weekend or more with this fun sport. Riding the trails are always fun and a whole vacation can be planned around this activity.

Not all the ATV, OHV or SVRA parks are the same, some are strictly day use only. Some have fee's, some don't. Some have picnic areas and restrooms & showers. others only offer the privacy of a nearby bush for their restroom facilities and rocks or the hard ground for their picnic area. Some of the parks have clearly marked trails and some have narrow paths that makes a person wonder if it's a trail or a foot path.

When you get the opportunity to go you'll have a blast but remember to think safety first. Always take food and water with you! Riding gear is important and in many parks required. DOT certified Helmet, goggles, gloves, boots and a long sleeve shirt are standard for any rider. I have also read about many people wearing chest protectors which is strongly recommended by many riders. Take a First Aid Kit, Trail Map, Cell Phone and Tools you might need in case of a breakdown. Also, you might want to take some common sense items such as sunscreen, bug spray, flashlight, matches or a lighter. A camera is also recommended to document the trails and the fun!

California has many SVRA (State Vehicular Recreation Area) and OHV (Off Highway Vehicle) Parks. California's official park website can be located at ohv.parks.ca . Other western states that have extensive trails systems are Arizona, Oregon & Utah. The official website for Oregon is www.orgeon.gov/oprd/atv/index.shtml. Utah State Park OHV information can be located at stateparks.utah.gov. and Arizona's website is http://www.azgfd.gov/outdoorrecreation/off_highway.shtml . These website covers, rules, fees, campgrounds, regions, etc.

In Washington, Riverside State Park, approximately 6 miles northwest of Spokane offers 600 acres of ATV and OHV Trails. There are restrooms and picnic areas, and nearby campgrounds within the park.

In Idaho The Wilson Flat ATV trail system is 11 miles of loop trails specifically designed for ATV use. These trails offer great views of Anderson Ranch Reservoir, and the surrounding area. Contact the Fairfield Ranger District for information and maps at PO Box 189, Fairfield, ID 83327 Telephone: (208) 764-3202. Garden Valley Area ATV Trails, located 20 miles north of Garden Valley in Idaho's southwest region offers many trails. Contact the Emmett Ranger District Office for maps to all these trails: 1805 Hwy. 16, Room 5, Emmett, ID 83617, Telephone: (208) 365-7000. The Bureau of Land Management manages Potacello Off Road Vehicle Area, 4350 Cliffs Dr., Pocatello, ID 83201, Telephone: (208) 478-6340.

The St. Anthony Sand Dunes in Idaho consists of more than 11,000 acres of white quartz sand dunes up to 400 feet high. The Dunes attract riders from not only the western states, visitor's come from every state. The sand dunes offers primitive campsites located along the East end of the dunes along the Red Road. A developed Campground is located at Egin Lakes Access Recreation Site. It is located on the south-central portion of the dune camping. Contact St. Anthony Sand Dunes, 1405 Hollipark Dr., Idaho Falls, ID 83401 Telephone: (208) 524-7500
If you are interested in riding in Wyoming you can order maps off the Wyoming State Park Website in the Off Road Vehicle section just by filling out an online form. http://wyotrails.state.wy.us/trails/atv.htm.

Colorado has four state parks that offers OHV trails, you can check out their website at http://parks.state.co.us/.

In South Dakota ATV’s and motorcycles are allowed on logging trails and fire roads. Most hiking trails prohibit ATV and motorcycle use. Sixty percent of the forest is open all year to off-road motorized travel and another 20 percent is open seasonally. Check the forest map for locations of closed areas, dates, and other travel information. Motorized vehicles are NOT allowed in the Black Elk Wilderness.

Nevada seems to have a few problems with their State Park - OHV Program but a good website to check out is www.nohvcc.org/contacts/nevada. This site is a great source of information for news, clubs, organizations and legal issues involving OHV activities.