ATV/UTV Riding

Valley County offers hundreds of miles of off-highway riding, ranging from dirt roads to remote singletrack. Riding off-road is immense fun and comes with responsibilities. ATVs/UTVs operated on public/state land have very specific restrictions, especially for youth riders. 

On public land, operators under the age of 16 must be supervised by an adult (within 300 ft), must wear a helmet and must have completed an ATV/UTV safety course approved by the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. All OHV operators are encouraged to complete an OHV safety education course before operating on public lands, roads or trails. Online Course Information.

Be familiar with Idaho's OHV laws and make sure you and your group has correctly registered your off-road vehicles at Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. The Valley County Sheriff’s Office takes the enforcement of off-roading laws seriously. You can reach out directly to the Sheriff's office with questions about rules and regulations. 

Always know where you are and respect motorized closures. Apps like Avenza, Gaia GPS, and OnX Off-Road show preferred routes, public land boundaries, motorized closure areas, and more, even when you don't have cell service. Remember that although these online maps aren't perfect, they go a long way towards helping you avoid trespassing or getting lost in the vast backcountry of Valley County. For questions about specific areas and trails, reach out directly to the land management agency in charge of that area. Recreation staff can help direct you to the right agency.  

Above all: Have FUN, be SAFE, and RESPECT others. 

ATV | UTV Resources:

• Idaho Parks and Recreation Interactive Trail Map
• Payette National Forest OHV Guide

 Ten Tips for Responsible and Safe Riding:

1. Don’t ride cross-country – stay on established trails. Cross-country travel causes soil erosion, can ignite wildfires, spread noxious weeds, and damage fish and wildlife habitat.
2. Always ride in control. Ride within your abilities and your machine’s capabilities.
3. Always wear the appropriate safety gear. At a minimum, this should include a helmet, shatter resistant eye protection, long sleeves, long pants, gloves, and boots that cover the ankle.
4. Only carry passengers if your OHV is specifically designed to do so. ATVs and off-road motorcycles are generally designed to carry only one rider. Carrying passengers can alter the balance of the machine, causing a loss of control.
5. On public land, riders under the age of 16 must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times.
6. Be prepared for an emergency. Always carry a tool kit and spare parts, a first aid kit, and survival equipment when you ride.
7. Respect closed areas and private property. The future for OHV access is in your hands.
8. Avoid wet areas and waterways. They are a vital resource for plants, animals, and agriculture. 
9. Don’t cut switchbacks. Taking shortcuts damages trails and causes erosion. 
10. Share the trails and make friends with other trail users. Stop or slow down to lower the noise and dust levels when approaching equestrians, hikers and others.