Stanislaus National Forest

Recreational Activities

Off-Highway Vehicles

Calaveras | Mi-Wok

Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) recreation is just one of the many uses allowed on National Forest lands. The Stanislaus National Forest offers many opportunities for OHV recreationists.

State law requires registration of all motor vehicles before being operated on public lands. You must have either a current Green Sticker or Highway license, both issued by the State Department of Motor Vehicles. If highway licensed, the vehicle must meet all standards for operating on a public highway.

OHV ROUTE USE AND SAFETY

Many routes are open and accessible to those who enjoy recreating on OHVs. It is your responsibility to know and abide by regulations relating to motor vehicle travel. It is a violation of federal law to cause damage or rutting to roads or trails (36 CFR 261.12c). In addition, it is a violation to cause unreasonable damage to the land or resources (36 CFR 261.13h). While operating on OHV routes, avoid excessive wheel spins while attempting hill climbs or traveling over waterbars. Please restrict use during periods of wet or muddy soil conditions to reduce damage to the route surface. Trees, rocks, and other debris may pose a hazard and restrict easy access on roads and trails.

Safety Tips

• Share the roads and trails with all other users. Slow down when your sight distance ahead is limited by blind turns, weather conditions, vegetation, and when passing other 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.

Restrictions

• Off-highway travel is restricted to designated routes. Travel on designated routes only and pay attention to all signs that tell whether an area is open or closed to OHV use.
• Motorized 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.
• Occasionally, sections of roads or trails are closed temporarily to minimize impacts to wildlife and to prevent rutting and soil erosion. Extreme fire conditions may also restrict OHV access.
• Forest roads closed to motorized vehicles include roads which are gated, or blocked by berms or rocks, and old logging skid trails--the narrow trails with mounds of dirt across them to divert water.
• Your OHV must be equipped with a properly installed Forest Service approved spark arrestor in good working order.
• ATV operators must wear a helmet any time they are riding and must not carry passengers.
• Persons under age 14 must be supervised and be in possession of an ATV Certificate, or enrolled in a State Approved Course. Persons aged 14-17 must be in possession of an ATV Certificate or be enrolled in a State approved course or be under direct supervision of an adult who is in possession of a State approved certificate.