Off Highway Vehicles (OHV)

OHV riders tackle motorized trails weaving through the forest, with additional rugged routes cutting across the grassland’s expanse.

OHV Trail Riding

OHV trail riding on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest and Curlew National Grassland is a thrilling way to explore rugged terrain with your off-highway vehicle! With trails cutting through forests and open plains, it’s a motorized adventure worth revving up for. Here’s what you need to know to ride right:

Where You Can Ride

Trails are set—grab the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) for free at ranger offices or download it online to find legal routes. The Caribou-Targhee boasts over 90 miles of designated OHV trails, weaving through pines and peaks, while the Curlew Grassland adds rugged paths across sagebrush flats—perfect for a dusty spin. Stay on designated trails only—going off-route is a no-go and can land you a fine. Wilderness areas like Jedediah Smith are off-limits to motors, so stick to the mapped paths.

What’s Special

The forest delivers tight trails and open bowls—think roaring through timber or climbing to epic lookouts, with summer dust or fall’s cool breeze in your face. The Curlew’s wide-open grassland vibes let you rip across plains with big-sky views—pure freedom on wheels. It’s two flavors of OHV fun: forested twists and grassland hauls, all on trails built for the ride.

Rules to Ride By

Size matters—trails are marked for specific vehicles: some are for 50-inch-wide rigs (ATVs, UTVs), others for motorcycles only, and wider roads for full-size 4x4s. Check the MVUM to match your OHV’s size to the trail—big rigs on narrow paths won’t fly. Stay on designated trails only—no shortcuts or freelancing, per Forest Service rules (36 CFR 261.13), or you’re risking a $225 ticket. Helmets, spark arrestors, and state registration Idaho or Wyoming for details. Yield to hikers and horses, and keep it safe.

Tips to Be Prepared

Bring your OHV, fuel, and a repair kit—some trails are remote with no quick help. Bear spray’s smart in the Caribou-Targhee (grizzlies don’t care about your engine!), while the Curlew’s more sun and wind. Get the MVUM—it’s your bible for legal trails; pair it with Avenza’s app for GPS vibes (no cell service needed). Check trail conditions—mud or snow can stall you—and tell someone your route.

OHV riding here is all about power and the path—grab your MVUM, size up your ride, stick to the trails, and tear through the Caribou-Targhee and Curlew’s wild tracks!