The Ultimate Guide to Off-Roading in National Parks

Updated on Dec 12, 2024

Since 1916, the United States National Park Service has managed and operated a massive expanse of this country’s land. National parks currently cover 85 million acres, or 13 percent of all land in the United States. This land is maintained and protected by the federal government, preserving the natural beauty and wildlife for future generations.

With such care taken to preserve this land, it’s no wonder that most national parks restrict OHV use and those that don't require motorists to follow stringent rules and regulations. Adhering to these guidelines helps to avoid damage to trails, disruption of ecosystems, and impacts on wildlife populations. In this RealSource feature, we cover some tips, tricks, and rules to follow while wheeling through OHV trails in national parks. If you’re considering an off-road trek to a national park, read on for the dos and don’ts of wheeling on federal land.

Table of Contents:

Pick a Suitable National Park

Come Prepared

Leave Your Ego at the Parking Lot

Keep It on the Trail

Obey All Posted Signs and Rules

Leave it Cleaner

Respect the Rangers

Drive Courteously

Respect the Wildlife

Soak It Up and Soak It In

1. Pick a Suitable National Park

Not every national park permits off-road driving, which makes selecting the right park crucial. Trekking off-road in a national park that doesn’t allow OHV use can lead to sizable fines and legal trouble—you also risk undoing decades of preservation. When planning your trip, select a national park that explicitly allows OHV use. Additionally, be sure to snag a permit, if required, before hitting the trails.

Some national parks that allow OHV use include:

Rocky Mountain National Park: Old Fall River Road
Joshua Tree National Park: Berdoo Canyon
Capitol Reef National Park: Cathedral Valley
Big Bend National Park: Old Ore Road
Death Valley: Echo Pass

2. Come Prepared

Before tackling a trail, know what you’re getting into and pack accordingly. That means taking a capable vehicle sporting the proper suspension, body armor, and other off-road accessories to handle the terrain. Additionally, we recommend packing a well-stocked toolbox, recovery gear, snacks, water, and anything else you may want or need.

3. Leave Your Ego at the Parking Lot

National parks are a treasure for all and a privilege no one should take lightly. When wheeling in a national park, remember to check your ego at the trailhead. You aren’t the only one on the trail, so if you get stuck, ask for help. If you can’t conquer an obstacle, turn around rather than hopelessly attempt to power through it. Failing to do so often leads to torn-up trails, damaged vehicles, and hurt egos.

4. Keep It On the Trail

When wheeling in a national park, stick to trails and routes designated for OHV use. The main purpose of a national park is to preserve natural beauty and protect wildlife, so don’t do anything to jeopardize this delicate balance. Failing to do so can result in massive fines and legal trouble.

5. Obey All Posted Signs and Rules

Follow directions—they’re posted for a reason. Failing to do so can lead to injury, getting stuck, damaging ecosystems, and hefty fines. Remember, this isn’t a privately owned trail where owners may demonstrate leniency, but federally-owned lands with federal-sized repercussions.

6. Leave the Land Cleaner than When You Arrived

One of the most significant threats to continued OHV access within national parks is motorist's lack of care and consideration. Don’t contribute to the already poor reputation of motorsports—instead, leave trails as clean, if not cleaner, than how you found them. If time permits, consider bringing trash bags and performing a quick trail cleanup before, during, or after your trail time.

7. Respect the Rangers

Park rangers have dedicated their lives to preserving the nation’s natural beauty for others to enjoy—if you enjoy visits to national parks and desire to continue visiting, show them the respect they deserve. Don’t forget, park rangers are peace officers, just like police officers. They have the same authority as police officers, with the ability to fine, issue citations, and arrest. Respect their commands, guidelines, and rules.

8. Drive Courteously

While you may feel like you’re in your own little world while immersed in the beauty of the National Park System, you aren’t the only person on the trail. Drive respectfully and courteously and, most of all, treat others how you’d like to be treated.

9. Respect the Wildlife

You’ll likely come across a wild animal or two on your trek. Whether a bird or a bear, be sure to show respect. Each year, countless horror stories emerge about visitor injuries and deaths via bucks, bears, mountain lions, and other animals in national parks. After all, you’re in their neck of the woods—not the other way around.

10. Soak It Up and Soak It In

Rules aside, be sure to enjoy the views, sights, and fresh air. At the end of the day, you’re there for the wilderness, and an OHV is merely a vessel that gets you to places you otherwise wouldn't be able to experience.

Before heading out to your local national park, check out the official National Park Service website to ensure your favorite trails are open to visitors. As always, check out our parts and accessories to ensure your rig is up to any challenge, even the toughest OHV trails national parks have to offer!