Off Highway Vehicles (OHV)

The Salmon-Challis National Forest is home to many trails that allow motorized use. Our system of motorized trails and roads is maintained and managed to provide unique experiences, including loop opportunities and links to a larger system of long-distance opportunities.

The Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) are available at Ranger District Offices and the Public Lands Center in Salmon.

Maps and mapping applications should be squared away before leaving town, as most areas on the Salmon-Challis are far from cell phone coverage. Please see the Idaho Parks & Recreation Trail mapping application for up-to-date routes and downloadable maps.

Other info:

Learn the terminology.
- The USDA Forest Service has two main designations for motorized travel on National Forest roads:
  - “Roads Open to Highway Legal Vehicles (HLVs) Only,” and
  - “Roads Open to All Vehicles,” which includes HLVs and OHVs.
- OHVs include off-highway motorcycles (OHMs), all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs, also called side-by-sides), and 4-wheel drive trucks. The Salmon-Challis National Forest also has narrower, more rugged trails designated only for smaller vehicles. Some trails are open only to "Vehicles 50 Inches or Less in Width,” which typically includes OHMs, ATVs and some ROVs. Know the width of your vehicle - these restrictions are not merely administrative but reflect the actual drivable width of the trail. The SCNF Trail System also includes some very narrow single-track trails open only to motorcycles.
Motor vehicles on the Salmon-Challis must abide by Idaho state laws and regulations.
- On January 1 of each year, each motorbike (dirtbike), ATV, UTV, or specialty off-highway vehicle (SOHV) operated on public or private land must be registered and numbered to legally operate. Exemptions from registering an off-highway vehicle exist only if the vehicle is exclusively used for plowing snow or agriculture. The cost of the certificate of number is $12. Idaho Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) certificate of number sticker fees fund education programs, trail clearing, and maintenance projects throughout the state, as well as support valuable ATV/UTV and motorbike safety courses for all ages.
- As established by House Bill 75, on January 1, 2020, all non-resident OHV-users are now required to purchase the $12 Idaho registration sticker.
- For more information on our Idaho State partners, programs and classes visit the Idaho Parks & Recreation Website.
- Ride responsibly.
Off road use of motorized vehicles is prohibited. Stay on designated roads and trails.
Know and follow the state and federal laws regarding OHV use on public lands. When you venture off the Forest roads and onto designated OHV trails, be sure that your vehicle and equipment meet the definitions of allowed uses. They are shown on the MVUMs and trailhead signs.
Many trails are open to multiple types of motorized vehicles and may also be open to non-motorized users: hikers, bicyclists and equestrians. Respect the rights of all trail users enjoying our public lands. When riding a motorized vehicle, always yield to those riding horses. Shut off your engine, remove your helmet and talk to the rider and horse in a friendly, relaxed manner.
Ride ethically.
- As you ride, always stay on designated Forest roads and trails. They are designed using industry-best practices to be durable and environmentally sustainable. Go over, not around, obstacles to avoid widening the trails. Never ride cross-country, as it is illegal on all National Forests.
- For more information on Responsible Riding visit Tread Lightly.
Gear up for safety and fun.
- Ensure the safety of yourself and everyone on your ride. Always wear a minimum of a DOT-compliant helmet, eye protection, long sleeves, long pants, over-the-ankle boots and gloves.

OHV Road Riding

Maps and mapping applications should be squared away before leaving town as most areas on the Salmon-Challis are far from cell phone coverage. Check out the Idaho Parks & Recreation Trail mapping application for up-to-date routes and downloadable maps.

Vehicle noise
- Louder doesn’t mean faster.
- Excessive sound from dirt bikes, ATVs, and Side by Sides have become one of the biggest threats to off-highway vehicle (OHV) use. Fortunately, loud OHV’s can be fixed without losing any speed or power.
Trail signs
- Mind the signs.
- On lands managed by the Forest Service and BLM there are designated routes for each trail type.
- A red slash across a sign indicates a trail is closed to that type of vehicle.
- Know your routes. The MVUM is the official standard for legal motorized routes, not the trail markings. A non-motorized trail is still non-motorized if the sign has been removed.
Vehicle width
- Know your width.
- Some side-by-sides exceed 50 inches in width and are too wide for typical ATV trails.
- These wider vehicles are limited to designated 4×4 routes only. Observe all signs and respect trail width restrictions.
Trail width
- Different trail types are constructed for different widths of vehicles. Learn about different trails and which trails are designed for which vehicles. Remember to only ride on trails wider than and open to your vehicle.
Staging
- Don’t block access to the trail while staging.
- Pull off the road at the trail head to prepare your vehicle and group. Be mindful of trailers and stow your ramps.
Obstacles
- Ride over obstacles, not around them. Going around obstacles widens trails, impacts vegetation, and causes erosion. Use caution when going over obstacles and remember to be courteous to other trail users.
Passing other vehicles
- Slow down for your fellow riders. Care is required when passing or meeting fellow OHV enthusiasts on narrow trails. Let the other rider know your intentions. Stay on the trail so you do not flatten vegetation or widen the trail.
Non-motorized traffic
- Be an ambassador to non-motorized trail users including livestock and wildlife. Your trails are always in danger of being closed. Leave other recreation users with a good impression of your sport. Always yield the trail to non-motorized users.

OHV Trail Riding

There are numerous Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) riding and camping opportunities on our national forests and grasslands. Designated roads and trails are provided on every ranger district. Please contact your local ranger district for more information and help identifying those roads, trails, and areas designated for motor vehicle use.

Maps and mapping applications should be squared away before leaving town as most areas on the Salmon-Challis are far from cell phone coverage. Check out the Idaho Parks & Recreation Trail mapping application for up-to-date routes and downloadable maps.

Vehicle noise
- Louder doesn’t mean faster.
- Excessive sound from dirt bikes, ATVs, and Side by Sides have become one of the biggest threats to off-highway vehicle (OHV) use. Fortunately, loud OHV’s can be fixed without losing any speed or power.
Trail signs
- Mind the signs.
- On lands managed by the Forest Service and BLM there are designated routes for each trail type.
- A red slash across a sign indicates a trail is closed to that type of vehicle.
Vehicle width
- Know your width.
- Some side-by-sides exceed 50 inches in width and are too wide for typical ATV trails.
- These wider vehicles are limited to designated 4×4 routes only. Observe all signs and respect trail width restrictions.
Trail width
- Different trail types are constructed for different widths of vehicles. Learn about different trails and which trails are designed for which vehicles. Remember to only ride on trails wider than and open to your vehicle.
Staging
- Don’t block access to the trail while staging.
- Pull off the road at the trail head to prepare your vehicle and group. Be mindful of trailers and stow your ramps.
Obstacles
- Ride over obstacles, not around them. Going around obstacles widens trails, impacts vegetation, and causes erosion. Use caution when going over obstacles and remember to be courteous to other trail users.
Passing other vehicles
- Slow down for your fellow riders. Care is required when passing or meeting fellow OHV enthusiasts on narrow trails. Let the other rider know your intentions. Stay on the trail so you do not flatten vegetation or widen the trail.
Non-motorized traffic
- Be an ambassador to non-motorized trail users including livestock and wildlife. Your trails are always in danger of being closed. Leave other recreation users with a good impression of your sport. Always yield the trail to non-motorized users.

OHV Open Area Riding

Vehicle noise
- Louder doesn’t mean faster.
- Excessive sound from dirt bikes, ATVs, and Side by Sides have become one of the biggest threats to off-highway vehicle (OHV) use. Fortunately, loud OHV’s can be fixed without losing any speed or power.
Trail signs
- Mind the signs.
- On lands managed by the Forest Service and BLM there are designated routes for each trail type.
- A red slash across a sign indicates a trail is closed to that type of vehicle.
Vehicle width
- Know your width.
- Some side-by-sides exceed 50 inches in width and are too wide for typical ATV trails.
- These wider vehicles are limited to designated 4×4 routes only. Observe all signs and respect trail width restrictions.
Trail width
- Different trail types are constructed for different widths of vehicles. Learn about different trails and which trails are designed for which vehicles. Remember to only ride on trails wider than and open to your vehicle.
Staging
- Don’t block access to the trail while staging.
- Pull off the road at the trail head to prepare your vehicle and group. Be mindful of trailers and stow your ramps.
Obstacles
- Ride over obstacles, not around them. Going around obstacles widens trails, impacts vegetation, and causes erosion. Use caution when going over obstacles and remember to be courteous to other trail users.
Passing other vehicles
- Slow down for your fellow riders. Care is required when passing or meeting fellow OHV enthusiasts on narrow trails. Let the other rider know your intentions. Stay on the trail so you do not flatten vegetation or widen the trail.
Non-motorized traffic
- Be an ambassador to non-motorized trail users including livestock and wildlife. Your trails are always in danger of being closed. Leave other recreation users with a good impression of your sport. Always yield the trail to non-motorized users.

OHV Camping

There are numerous Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) riding and camping opportunities on our national forests and grasslands. Designated roads and trails are provided on every ranger district. Please contact your local ranger district for more information and help identifying those roads, trails, and areas designated for motor vehicle use.
The USDA Forest Service allows camping at designated OHV staging areas and campgrounds near OHV roads and trails. You can find OHV camping opportunities in many national forests and grasslands.
Maps and mapping applications should be squared away before leaving town as most areas on the Salmon-Challis are far from cell phone coverage. Check out the Idaho Parks & Recreation Trail mapping application for up-to-date routes and downloadable maps.
Other info:
- Permits and passes
  - You may need a Recreation Pass (Adventure Pass or Interagency Pass) for each vehicle.
  - You can get a free Motor Vehicle Use Map from the ranger district you plan to visit.
- Camping guidelines
  - Stay on designated roads and trails.
  - Respect private land.
  - Practice Leave No Trace ethics.
  - Keep your campsite free of debris and clean when you leave.
  - Don't obstruct others from using roadways or accessing trails.
  - If you camp along the trail, keep your campsite at least 100 feet off the trail.
- Safety tips
  - Wear a DOT-compliant helmet, eye protection, long sleeves, long pants, over-the-ankle boots, and gloves.
- Additional information
  - You can contact your local ranger station for more information. Check Recreation.gov for reservations at campgrounds in some national forests.