A Guide To Finding the Right UTV Trails for Beginners
Tackling the wilderness in a utility task vehicle (UTV) isn’t just for the seasoned off-road warrior. UTVs, also known as side-by-sides (SXS), have surged in popularity among beginners and adventure-seekers alike. Known for their robustness, performance, and the fun they bring to the great outdoors, UTVs offer an array of fulfilling experiences when paired with the proper landscapes.
Whether you’re yearning for that off-the-grid expedition or looking to kick-start a new, adrenaline-filled hobby, we can provide a guide to finding the right UTV trails for beginners.
Choosing the Right UTV for Beginners
Ensure you have the right vehicle before searching for the perfect trail. Given the plethora of makes and models, navigating this market as a newbie can be daunting. However, it becomes easier when you break down the necessary qualities to select the best ride for your first foray.
Size Matters
UTVs come in various sizes, from 2-seaters to 4-seaters to 6-seaters, with a rare few able to accommodate even more. When selecting a vehicle, consider how many riders you’ll typically have, the gear you’ll carry, and the type of trails you’ll be riding. But the proportions aren’t solely pertinent to the passenger load.
The capacity is a crucial element for towing or hauling. Just as its physical dimensions play a part in handling. The length of the wheelbase can also affect performance in certain kinds of terrain, offering more stability in some cases and maneuverability in others. Understanding your intentions will help you make a better selection.
Engine Power
Power is a tool. You can use it to your advantage, but a tool of this magnitude requires experience and, if nothing else, caution. For newer or timid riders, bigger isn’t always better. And its relevance is also determined by the types of landscape you choose to tackle.
Choosing a vehicle with an engine size suited to your comfort and the trail at hand is another key to a smooth run—a key you can control. With lightweight builds and balanced displacement, even smaller engines can provide more than enough oomph for those just starting out.
Accessories, Accessories, Accessories
From the manufacturer catalogs to aftermarket brands (like DRT Motorsports), you can find a broad range of UTV accessories to enhance your vehicle’s performance, comfort, and aesthetic. Basics like winches and auxiliary lighting can be worthwhile upgrades, though more advanced add-ons may be better left until you’ve logged some time behind the wheel.
Finding Desirable UTV Trails
The key to an enriching adventure is finding a SXS trail that’s challenging but not too dangerous. And this isn’t merely serving “beginner-friendly” needs. Even a seasoned driver likes to take it easy and look at the sights occasionally. So researching rides and reading terrain are valuable skills at any level.
Some paths are the obstacle itself, while others are just segways to the destination. Furthermore, many are a visceral experience that goes beyond the boundaries of the cage. Luckily, there are innumerable resources to assist in locating appropriate routes, from mellow to beyond.
Many resources you can find online will properly label each route with a category and provide descriptions or even photos of the trail itself. OHV parks have a network of well-documented rides, and locals generously share locations, warnings, advice, and visuals.
If you don’t know of some in your area, browse social media, UTV, off-road, and Overlanding (think Jeep) forums or sites like Reddit to seek out information or groups. Search using applicable keywords like “UTV trails,” “Off-Road Rides for UTVs,” “4x4 Trails,” and so on.
Features of Beginner-Friendly UTV Trails
Look for well-marked paths, minimal obstacles, and limited steep elevation changes. Off-road parks or well-known backroads are usually safe bets, often preceded by information and user-provided notes. Look for ones graded with a “beginner” or “easy” to try first. Then, you can gradually increase the difficulty.
Pro tip: Easy to moderate routes for Jeeps can be excellent and approachable rides for UTVs.
Top UTV Trails for Beginners
Some beloved trails for beginners include:
- Bearwallow Hatfield Mccoy Trails, West Virginia
- Black Bear Pass in Ouray, Colorado
- Paiute Trail System in Marysvale, Utah
- Jawbone Canyon OHV Area in Rancho Seco, California
- Bloody Basin Road in Arizona
- Doe Mountain Recreation Center in Mountain City, Tennessee
These trails offer beautiful scenery and a range of terrain types, perfect for novices.
Preparing for Your UTV Adventure
An unprepared escapade, while exciting at the outset, can swiftly transform into a misadventure if not approached with caution. Cover all the bases by engaging in the essential prep work to avoid such pitfalls.
This involves planning your routes, obtaining the right protective gear, and bringing other applicable equipment. But the tangible items aren’t all that need to be ready. Just as important is your mindset.
It’s crucial to be mentally prepared for the unexpected. Consider an exit strategy, let loved ones know where you’ll be riding, and understand that with any motorized activity comes risks. But taking these steps can be the difference between a memorable journey and one you’d rather forget.
As you develop a rhythm, gathering your essentials, packing, and searching for epic rides will become simpler and more fluid. You’ll already have a routine, making this process efficient and painless.
By following these guidelines, newer riders can contribute to a safer and more enjoyable experience for themselves and others. They can also protect the outdoor spaces we all cherish. Respect for fellow adventurers and the environment lays the foundation for a responsible and sustainable approach to off-roading.
Your first UTV trail ride awaits, and a world of discovery is just around the corner. With this guide to finding the perfect off-road trail for beginners, your experience off the beaten path will be memorable. Go out there, take on the trails, and revel in the connection you’ll forge with your UTV and the expansive landscapes that beckon you to explore.
With time, you’ll quickly find the need (or desire) to upgrade your vehicle and, subsequently, your trips. When you’re ready to travel far and wide and need some SXS parts and accessories to enhance your UTV experience, don’t forget to check out DRT Motorsports!
UTVs provide an accessible adventure unlike any other, unlocking a world of excitement. Knowing the trails to ride gives you the master key to diverse and boundless expeditions—a hero in your own side-by-side epoch.
