What are the rules on BLM land?

[Sombeech]

Yes, be respectful, but that saying has many interpretations. Unless there are signs posted, like "offroad travel prohibited" or "no shooting", what CAN'T you do on BLM land?

Can you ride ATV and motorcycle in the hills if there are no signs? Campfires, shooting guns... what's the best way to find out?

Other than leaving litter and wearing socks with sandals, what are the other rules for BLM that the average camper wouldn't know about?

And again, this is if there are no signs posted between the paved road and your camp site.

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[rockgremlin]

People who wear socks with sandals is the reason why Jesus hasn't come back yet...

[Udink]

Most, if not all, BLM field offices have a written travel plan for their area, though they're not always easily available to the public. Usually only designated roads (shown on the travel map) are open to travel, regardless of signage on the ground.

Camp fires are generally unrestricted, but it's best to use an existing (already disturbed) camp site and fire ring.

Shooting is also generally unrestricted, though I know some field offices have certain areas that are off-limits (e.g., areas on the west side of Utah Lake). Shooting is also subject to state laws, like you have to be a certain distance from roads and structures.

Socks with sandals are allowed, but a Subaru with current registration and insurance is required.

[rockgremlin]

^^^ Good points, Udink.

Also, I know there are restrictions on Forest Service lands, for example:

-Camping restrictions (many USFS lands restrict to 14 days within a 31 day period).
-Wood gathering (in many locations special use permits are required to gather wood).


Not sure if the USFS rules and regs transfer over to BLM lands. I suspect not.

[Sombeech]

Thanks Dennis, so where would I look to see if an area would allow dirt bikes and atvs to ride around the hills surrounding a disturbed camp site?

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[rockgremlin]

Google is your friend: https://stateparks.utah.gov/activities/off-highway-vehicles/ohv-laws-rules/


Although, this listing applies to State Parks within Utah. Those BLM regs are elusive.

[2065toyota]

Thanks Dennis, so where would I look to see if an area would allow dirt bikes and atvs to ride around the hills surrounding a disturbed camp site?

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There are very few areas that are open OHV travel. You can go to your local BLM office and they will have maps that show where it is open OHV and where it designated roads only.

If your looking in southern utah I can help you.

[Sombeech]

Thanks guys, I've basically heard, as I assume you have too, the phrase "it's BLM land, anything goes".

I just wanted to clarify, OHV or ATV or motorcycle riding off road is only allowed on established trails, even on BLM land? So aside from unloading the bike at the camp site, you can't ride around, test out how it's running, ride up the nearby hill, etc? You must stay on the road?

I guess it just adds confusion then when there are signs posted in some areas prohibiting it. This suggests it is allowed otherwise.

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[Udink]

Thanks Dennis, so where would I look to see if an area would allow dirt bikes and atvs to ride around the hills surrounding a disturbed camp site?
Figure out which field office is responsible for the area you're looking to camp at, then dig through the BLM website (which is absolutely horrible, BTW) trying to find travel maps for that field office. It's usually difficult to find any maps online since the BLM redesigned their website a couple of years ago.

Or, do like 2065toyota says, go to the actual local office and ask for a map. You'll likely just be given the opinion of a BLM employee about which routes are open/closed, though, rather than an official map.

So, yeah, the BLM isn't very friendly or informative when it comes to letting you know what you can or can't do on their land.

[rockgremlin]

Figure out which field office is responsible for the area you're looking to camp at, then dig through the BLM website (which is absolutely horrible, BTW) trying to find travel maps for that field office. It's usually difficult to find any maps online since the BLM redesigned their website a couple of years ago.

Or, do like 2065toyota says, go to the actual local office and ask for a map. You'll likely just be given the opinion of a BLM employee about which routes are open/closed, though, rather than an official map.

So, yeah, the BLM isn't very friendly or informative when it comes to letting you know what you can or can't do on their land.


Yes -- this is what I ran into when trying to Google-fu for BLM rules on OHV use. A bunch of dead ends and arbitrary sites that define nothing. Best bet is to visit a local branch in person.

[Sombeech]

Ugh, terrible design. This info would make the difference for traveling to that area at all, and they expect us to travel to the area in person just to see if we should spend our vacation time traveling there again.

I'd hate to pack a bunch of gear and vehicles on a 5 hour drive just to find out from the local branch that it's prohibited.

This right here is why people who otherwise obey the rules get frustrated and slip on the regulations.

I've looked at the map and the area in question has the green line indicating "open routes " but this is different than "OHV open area".

I wonder if there's a foot trail leading up the ridge if it allows a dirt bike.



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[rockgremlin]

Ugh, terrible design. This info would make the difference for traveling to that area at all, and they expect us to travel to the area in person just to see if we should spend our vacation time traveling there again.

I'd hate to pack a bunch of gear and vehicles on a 5 hour drive just to find out from the local branch that it's prohibited.

This right here is why people who otherwise obey the rules get frustrated and slip on the regulations.

I've looked at the map and the area in question has the green line indicating "open routes " but this is different than "OHV open area".

I wonder if there's a foot trail leading up the ridge if it allows a dirt bike.



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Maybe in lieu of making a personal visit, give the local field office who manages the lands where you want to visit a call. Here's a handy dandy site with all of the phone #'s for the local BLM field offices in Utah:


https://www.blm.gov/contact/utah

[double moo]

Forest Service Travel Management Plans.

https://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/ohv/ohv_maps.shtml

I didn't find a similar version for the BLM - it probably exists out there somewhere.

[kiwi_outdoors]

Most, if not all, BLM field offices have a written travel plan for their area, though they're not always easily available to the public. Usually only designated roads (shown on the travel map) are open to travel, regardless of signage on the ground.

Camp fires are generally unrestricted, but it's best to use an existing (already disturbed) camp site and fire ring.

Shooting is also generally unrestricted, though I know some field offices have certain areas that are off-limits (e.g., areas on the west side of Utah Lake). Shooting is also subject to state laws, like you have to be a certain distance from roads and structures.

Socks with sandals are allowed, but a Subaru with current registration and insurance is required.

Yes - I recently found the pages of Travel Plans for Cedar Mesa - and they even direct their own staff to not take shortcuts on the old 2-track roads.!

[kiwi_outdoors]

And remember - not all the local rangers etc get out much -- you can be given advise that is flat out wrong.

[Sombeech]

So I did call the Henry Mountains office, he says no offroad travel, no leaving the road.

I think having signs in certain areas only gives people an excuse to ride offroad when there's not a sign. This is a cause for confusion. I understand that can't litter the land with signs, but they've given the impression that if there's not a sign, there are no restrictions.

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[rockgremlin]

So I did call the Henry Mountains office, he says no offroad travel, no leaving the road.


HUH?!!

What's the point in going out to ride Off Road Vehicles (ORVs) if you can't leave the road? Or was he referring to a dirt road? And if that's the case, any ole game trail could be interpreted as a dirt road.

[middlefork]

Last spring we did a trip to the Henries. The BLM office in Hanksville had a digital version of the travel map for the Henries and printed it off for us while we waited for a price. I believe the lady at the counter said it was available online.

That being said most the roads were well signed as to trail / road numbers and there were several that looked to be infrequently used.
All in all it appeared that most people abide by the travel restrictions as there is little sign of off trail travel.

[middlefork]

10 second Google search. You should be able to burn some fuel down there.

https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/uploads/BLMUtahHenryMountainsMap.pdf

[2065toyota]

Very few areas are open OHV. Most all are considered stay on existing roads and existing trails. Not saying I support or am against, but we I've been in the offroad world my whole life and that is generally the case.

Dry wash beds are fair game in my opinion as every time it rains all sign of anyone every being there goes away

[accadacca]

Thanks guys, I've basically heard, as I assume you have too, the phrase "it's BLM land, anything goes".
Unless it’s cryptobiotic soil. Anything else goes! [emoji23]

[twotimer]

I recently rode Klondike and some ATVs tore up the potholes on the south end of UFO. Meaning...I saw that and a lot of other damage where ATVs shouldn't go in my 10 days riding all around on my bike. Dudes tearin' off into the desert. But then again, they've been doing that around Moab for a long time. I just bums me out to see it.

[Sombeech]

10 second Google search. You should be able to burn some fuel down there.

https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/uploads/BLMUtahHenryMountainsMap.pdf

Yeah I saw that same map, a different version though but the same legend and key with the green lines marking the routes, basically only the paved and dirt roads. I guess I just had this crazy idea from somewhere that if there wasn't a sign posted saying "No offroad travel" or "must say on designated roads", then you are free to travel across country on a dirt bike.

Hiking trails get started on those dirt ridges all the time. Why wouldn't a motorcycle be able to ride on one of those singletrack trails? Or would an ebike be better? :lol8:

[rockgremlin]

Hiking trails get started on those dirt ridges all the time. Why wouldn't a motorcycle be able to ride on one of those singletrack trails?


The amount of resultant disturbance from foot travel is exponentially less than what is generated by motorcycles?

Just a guess...

[oldno7]

The amount of resultant disturbance from foot travel is exponentially less than what is generated by motorcycles?

Just a guess...


That may all be true--BUT-- e bikes(such as beech covets) are environmentally friendly and I believe as such, beech can go anywhere when he gets one.:mrgreen:

[Sandstone Addiction]

The days of (legally) ripping across the San Rafael Desert chasing wild horses on a CR500 are history.

But there is still a very tiny portion of public land in Utah that you can tear up whatever you want with whatever you have.

Off the top of my head, the few remaining OPEN OHV areas left in the state are:


Knolls OHV Recreation Area
5 Mile Pass
Little Sahara Sand Dunes (is this a Utah State Park now?)
Swing Arm City--aka, Factory Butte
Sand Hollow--Utah State Park
Coral Pink Sand Dunes--Utah State Park
Lone Rock--GCNRA
Beach near Bullfrog Bay--GCNRA (check on this one)


I believe that's it...please add to or take away from the list if not correct.

Some of the areas allow dispursed camping, so you could set up a tent/trailer and people could ride around camp all they want.

[rockgremlin]

The days of (legally) ripping across the San Rafael Desert chasing wild horses on a CR500 are history.

But there is still a very tiny portion of public land in Utah that you can tear up whatever you want with whatever you have.

Off the top of my head, the few remaining OPEN OHV areas left in the state are:


Knolls OHV Recreation Area
5 Mile Pass
Little Sahara Sand Dunes (is this a Utah State Park now?)
Swing Arm City--aka, Factory Butte
Sand Hollow--Utah State Park
Coral Pink Sand Dunes--Utah State Park
Lone Rock--GCNRA
Beach near Bullfrog Bay--GCNRA (check on this one)


I believe that's it...please add to or take away from the list if not correct.

Some of the areas allow dispursed camping, so you could set up a tent/trailer and people could ride around camp all they want.


What about Delle? Right, accadacca? :lol8:

[accadacca]

What about Delle? Right, accadacca? :lol8:

Dang right!

[Sandstone Addiction]

What about Delle? Right, @accadacca (http://www.bogley.com/forum/member.php?u=3)? :lol8:


Is there a story here? :ne_nau:

[rockgremlin]

Is there a story here? :ne_nau:


During our high school years, Acca and I would go out to the West Desert and camp out together sometimes. Delle is a spot we frequented.

With Acca's motorcycles in tow, we loaded for bear and tore up the West Desert. During the daylight hours, Acca would take his motorcycle off sweet jumps, and I'd position myself on my back with a camera just underneath Acca's flight path as he flew off the jumps. Some pretty good pictures came from those trips. I wish we still had them - they were quite impressive, especially considering I was shooting with a little Fred Meyer 35mm film camera.

At night around the campfire, Acca would roast hot dogs on a stick while I busied myself with trying to saw into a can of clam chowder with a pocket knife because somebody forgot a can opener. You never can tell if that grit in your campfire warmed clam chowder is bits of shells, bits of the can from hacking it to pieces with a dull pocketknife, or just wind-blown desert sand.


Here's a picture of what we drove on those trips. Now picture this baby peppered with rust spots, and red and blue pinstripes applied to the sides. Not sure what we were thinking putting red and blue stripes on a brown car, but hey...

Keep in mind, this gem of a car is also what towed a makeshift homemade wood paneled trailer loaded with motorcycles, coolers, and sleeping bags through the sand dunes.


Good times...


http://www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/comment-image/490075.jpg

[accadacca]

Great memories! We need to go camping out there again.

Here is one of the pictures you took. I have some others somewhere. Now I ride out there with my boys.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180412/31e9d90884a3b002e03df90954269fb6.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180412/d19d2326db7b15075e8e17264f0ba29f.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180412/1e49b7e83c6aaa0b1a1cc5f352e03a8c.jpg

[rockgremlin]

Great memories! We need to go camping out there again.

Here is one of the pictures you took. I have some others somewhere. Now I ride out there with my boys.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180412/31e9d90884a3b002e03df90954269fb6.jpg





YES!!!!

So glad you still have those!! That's such a sweet shot. :2thumbs:

[Sombeech]

Some of the areas allow dispursed camping, so you could set up a tent/trailer and people could ride around camp all they want.

This is among the key questions, how can you tell they allow riding around camp in these areas? I mean within a hundred yards or so of camp.

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[Sandstone Addiction]

They are all designated open to off road, cross country, hill climbing, roost slinging OHV travel.

On the BLM managed Open OHV areas, there are flat, open areas where campers assemble and ride anywhere they want. I'm thinking anytime as well, but they could have "quiet time" restrictions that I'm not aware of.

On the State Park Open OHV areas, I believe all have a designated campground that you can ride to and from the OHV riding area. Although, I don't think they like kids or adults just riding up and down the roads in the campground.

For Lone Rock Beach in the GCNRA (again, check on the Bullfrog area), there is a designated "quiet time" and the area is quite small, but fun none the less.

Obviously, Acca and Rock could give a better description of Knolls (which I think is the same as Delle). Loved the story BTW.



Now, I personally avoid the Open OHV areas as I'm more of a trail rider these days. When we go camping, we try to find a place that's not busy and has a very large place to camp. One of my favorite places is the very large dispersed camping areas near Little Egypt (not the graveled parking area). Kids can spend hours riding in the very large camp sites or can venture up and down the road as far as they are allowed to go. My boys can't just tear up the hill sides and flatten the sagebrush, but they seem to have a great time nonetheless.

There are places like that all over, just takes time to find them.

So to try and answer your question, I think it comes down to common sense as I don't think there is a cut and dry answer. If an area looks like it has been used for camping with a large parking area you are probably fine to ride anywhere there are already tire prints. If you end up in a spot that's tiny, riding around flattening the sagebrush will probably not go over well.

If you are interested in a full on Open OHV riding area, check out the youtube videos on all the areas and I'm sure you will be able to see where people are camping and riding.


Near Little Egypt

89293

Sandtrax can be fun as well, but can only ride around the camping area

89294

[Udink]

Off the top of my head, the few remaining OPEN OHV areas left in the state are:


Knolls OHV Recreation Area
5 Mile Pass
Little Sahara Sand Dunes (is this a Utah State Park now?)
Swing Arm City--aka, Factory Butte
Sand Hollow--Utah State Park
Coral Pink Sand Dunes--Utah State Park
Lone Rock--GCNRA
Beach near Bullfrog Bay--GCNRA (check on this one)


I believe that's it...please add to or take away from the list if not correct.
White Wash Sand Dunes south of Green River: http://destinationgreenriver.com/white-wash-sand-dunes/

[Sandstone Addiction]

White Wash Sand Dunes south of Green River: http://destinationgreenriver.com/white-wash-sand-dunes/Last time I was at the White Wash Sand Dunes they were fenced off with more fences restricting travel to existing trails only. We rode our ATVS up Dead Cow and had multiple dirt bikers pissed because it was apparently now designated as dirt bike only. That has been a few years ago so hopefully things have changed back. Such a fun area to ride and would love to go back.

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