atv use in Colorado

Manderscheid

Manderscheid

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I haven't been able to find an answer to my question, so I will ask it here.

I am in the beginning stages of planning an elk hunt in Colorado. I would like to hunt someplace where atv's and dirtbikes are not allowed. Are there any hard rules on where guys can and cannot use atv's? BLM, BLM Wilderness, Forest Service, National Forest Service Wilderness... are any of these completely off limits or does it very from one to another?
 
Wow. I'm not familiar with Colorado law. But, it is refreshing to see a question about where you CAN'T use the damn things. mtmuley
 
Typically atvs are restricted to "roads". 3 tiers of use. Open, restricted, and closed. Open sort of means you can go anywhere...provided you're not being destructive. Destructive is kind of open for interpretation so if I have one I'm staying on marked roads or 2 tracks.

Other than that on forest service maps it spells it out which areas are restricted. Never seen closed. But even in a unit one area will be listed as restricted and others not marked at all. Best bet is to pick a unit and find the appropriate forest service map. Usually have a motor vehicle use map for that specific national forest. Just looked at my unit and some trails are restricted to 50" wide or less. Not seeing anything off limits entirely... Just the age old getting away from roads or trails usually does the trick.

https://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/BLM_Programs/law_enforcement_-/ohv_use.html
 
Short answer, USFS designated Wilderness areas do not allow motorized travel, BLM Wilderness Study Areas have very restricted motorized travel.

Long answer: all USFS land in CO is "designated tracks" so if you get a Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) those are the only tracks/trails that are open for motorized useage, if you find an area of the map w.o any tracks/trails there shouldn't be any motorized use in the vicinity. Nearly all of the BLM land in Colorado is "Designated tracks" travel, meaning that motorized travel is only allowed on the tracks that appear on the official MVUM for that BLM area. In Designated Tracks areas any track you see that is *not* on the MVUM map are closed; even if there is no signage on the ground indicating a closure, if not on the map it's still closed. Most of the BLM "open travel" areas in Colorado are designated as OHV recreation areas, and are limited in size.

To understand the travel rules for a specific area you'll need to refer to the the website for the appropriate BLM field office. They used to have a bunch of maps online but on the first of the year BLM switched from GeoCommunicator to Navigator for all of their online map information. It has not been a seamless transition, getting the maps you want or need can be kind of a mess. Your best bet for the most accurate info would be to call the BLM office and ask to speak to the recreation officer (recreation specialist?). Tell them what you're looking for and they should be able to direct you to the best areas.
 
Last edited:
homerj said:
Short answer, USFS designated Wilderness areas do not allow motorized travel, BLM Wilderness Study Areas have very restricted motorized travel.

Long answer: all USFS land in CO is "designated tracks" so if you get a Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) those are the only tracks/trails that are open for motorized useage, if you find an area of the map w.o any tracks/trails there shouldn't be any motorized use in the vicinity. Nearly all of the BLM land in Colorado is "Designated tracks" travel, meaning that motorized travel is only allowed on the tracks that appear on the official MVUM for that BLM area. In Designated Tracks ares any track you see that is *not* on the MVUM map are closed; even if there is no signage on the ground indicating a closure, if not on the map it's still closed. Most of the BLM "open travel" areas in Colorado are designated as OHV recreation areas, and are limited in size.

To understand the travel rules for a specific area you'll need to refer to the the website for the appropriate BLM field office. They used to have a bunch of maps online but on the first of the year BLM switched from GeoCommunicator to Navigator for all of their online map information. It has not been a seamless transition, getting the maps you want or need can be kind of a mess. Your best bet for the most accurate info would be to call the BLM office and ask to speak to the recreation officer (recreation specialist?). Tell them what you're looking for and they should be able to direct you to the best areas.
Click to expand...


Love the handle and the avatar!
 
Thanks elkduds. I feel like an idiot. I have been using that site like crazy but didn't notice the motor vehicle maps box.
 
In addition to some of the previous comments on ATV use, most Forest Service land that allows ATV use on the trails authorized for their use, also allow you to travel directly off trail for a reasonable distance to set up camp. (can't remember how many yards that is!) So, if you're doing the "dispersed camping" thing, you can do that.
Also, where I live, the Official Motorized Use Map has XXXX markings on many areas where the cross hatching is solid on the map. This means that between noon and 5pm, you can ride an ATV to a kill for the purposes of hauling it out. No weapons can be taken on the vehicle though. Bear in mind, I've seen areas marked for ATV retrieval, and have a chuckle about trying to get an ATV over some of that terrain. Other places, it might be simple. Depends....
 
If you want a definite chance no atvs then wilderness is where you'll have to go.... Just cause the road is closed or restricted doesn't stop the lazy ass hats! Nothing is more frustrating than walking in on a closed road for two hours just to have a atv come up on you just before daylight.
 
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