Stanislaus National Forest

Recreational Activities

Over Snow Vehicles

Calaveras | Summit

California State law defines snowmobiles as Over Snow Vehicles (OSVs). All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are not considered OSVs. Both ATVs and OSVs are considered Off-Highway Vehicles.

OVER SNOW USE AND SAFETY

Many areas are open and accessible to those who enjoy recreating on ATVs and OSVs during the winter months. Motorized over-snow travel is prohibited in some areas. Federal law (36 CFR 261.16(a)) prohibits operation of any mechanical or motorized equipment within the boundaries of a Wilderness. In addition, motor vehicles may not enter areas managed for non-motorized recreation under the Stanislaus National Forest Motor Vehicle Direction.

Safety Tips

• Share the roads and trails with all other winter users. Slow down when your sight distance ahead is limited by blind turns, weather conditions, vegetation, and when passing other winter recreationists.
• Be extra careful when parking or loading and unloading, especially along highways and other high-use areas.
• Never ride alone. Accidents happen easily and you may not be able to help yourself. Also hypothermia is easier to detect in others than in yourself.
• Be aware of frozen lakes and steams and avoid them at all cost. Falling through the ice can be fatal. Frozen ice in the Sierra is unpredictable and unsafe due to rapid temperature changes.

Restrictions

• Operate vehicles only where sufficient snow exists to prevent soil and vegetation damage (36 CFR 261.13 (h)). In soft snow, ATVs may dig down though the snow and can do serious damage to soil and vegetation.
• Operate on private land only with the owner's permission.
• Please be especially careful not to run over small trees; damage to their tops can injure the trees and limit their growth.
• ATVs are limited to designated routes, and are not allowed on groomed snowmobile trails.
• OSVs may legally ride in most areas. They may not enter Wilderness or other non-motorized areas. It is a violation to operate any mechanical equipment within the boundaries of a Wilderness (36 CFR 261.16 (a)).