ATVing
is a great sport. It allows folks who aren't inclined to get on two wheels to get out
and explore the high country without being enclosed in a vehihcle.
Some members of the CBTRA used to be into ATVing before they discovered
life on two wheels--we know how much fun it can be. Because of this,
the CBTRA wants ATV enthusiasts to understand where they can enjoy
their sport in the Crested Butte area.
Forest service roads on the Gunnison National Forest are open to ATVs at this time. Most trails are not. Please note that most trails on the Gunnison are signed with use indicators, as noted in the picture to the right.
Please obey all signs and closures on the Gunnison.
While the majority of ATVers
understand this, the rest need to also note that single track trails are not ATV legal. Trail
quality for single track users suffers when this is ignored, as single tracks quickly become
double-tracks after just a few passes from an ATV. Frankly, "pushed" double track from ATV enthusiasts is the most common complaint regarding ATVers. Sometimes the pushes occur on single track other times they can be seen at the end of logging roads. Please do not push trails in this or any manner.
This is the type of pushing (this was off the end of a dead-end logging road) that leads to gates and other, more invasive closures. Land managers feel they have no choice but to take more stringent measures when ATVs disregard the end of routes.
We've noticed that a few bad apple ATVers have gotten cute with a sticker they've been placing over the "trail closed to ATVs icon" that indicates the trail's open. This kind of disregard for travel management does nothing but give those who want ATVs out of the woods altogether more support for their argument. Perhaps those ATV enthusiasts interested in more routes on the Gunnison could spend their creative efforts getting better organized and contributing to the long-term health of ATVing on the Gunnison, rather than giving their sport a black eye.
A
better option for having a good network of trails to ride on an
ATV is to consider other near-by areas, such as Lake City, Ouray or other areas on the Western Slope.
These areas have more trails suited to ATVing.
If
you would like more information about ATVing in southern and western
Colorado, please contact the following Colorado ATV organizations: the Western Slope ATV Alliance or email the Thunder Mountain Wheelers. They'll be happy
to pass along more information. In addtion, the National Forests
in this area are revamping their forest plans (including travel
management plans) now. If you enjoy riding
in this area and would like to see your opportunities continue to
be abundant, now's the time to either organize or join a western
Colorado ATV club.
Always
wear a helmet, eye protection, gloves and heavy-duty footwear when
ATVing. Have fun!
Enjoy the beauty and adventure of the Gunnison, but please stay on established roads. Thanks!
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