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)).
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