Off-Road Parks in Utah

Confirm current requirements with the state agency before your trip. Rules and fees change every season.

• Non-Resident OHV Permit

  Non-residents operating an OHV in Utah must obtain a non-resident OHV permit. This permit helps fund trail maintenance, signage, and enforcement efforts. It is required for all off-highway vehicles, including dirt bikes, ATVs, UTVs, and snowmobiles.

• OHV Education Requirements

  Since 2023, every OHV operator on Utah public lands must hold an OHV education certificate, a youth certificate for anyone under 18 and an adult certificate for those 18 and older. Riders under 8 years old are restricted from operating OHVs on public lands, except on private property with owner permission.

• Spark Arrestor and Muffler

  All OHVs operated in Utah must be equipped with a U.S. Forest Service approved spark arrestor in good working condition. Additionally, vehicles must have a muffler that keeps exhaust noise within legal decibel limits to prevent environmental disturbance and comply with state law.

• Operator Age and Safety Gear

  Operators under 18 years of age are required to wear an approved helmet when riding an OHV. Eye protection is also highly recommended for all riders. Specific age restrictions apply to different classes of OHVs, so verify the requirements for your machine type.

1. 01

   1. Research Your Destination

   Pick a region or trail system that fits your ability and the terrain you want: slickrock, dunes, or mountain two-track. Trail maps, local guides, and online resources will tell you what the routes actually demand.

2. 02

   2. Obtain Necessary Permits and Registration

   Non-residents need a Utah non-resident OHV permit before riding, get it sorted in advance. Confirm your machine is properly registered in your home state and carries all required safety equipment.

3. 03

   3. Prepare Your Machine and Gear

   Go through the OHV front to back: tires, fluids, brakes, safety equipment. Pack tools, spare parts, a first-aid kit, and enough water and food for the trip plus a margin; Utah's backcountry doesn't forgive light packing.

4. 04

   4. Understand and Adhere to Regulations

   Know the state's rules on spark arrestors, sound limits, age restrictions, and designated-trail riding before you turn a wheel. Honor seasonal closures and fire restrictions, they exist for reasons that become obvious out there.

5. 05

   5. Inform Others of Your Plans

   Tell someone your route, your expected return, and who's in your group, every trip. Much of Utah's best riding sits far outside cell coverage, so a satellite communicator is worth carrying.