The spectacular scenery and ghost towns of the San Juan Mountains offer a variety of recreation opportunities for visitors to the Lake City area. All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are one of the many ways visitors travel to enjoy these opportunities. Since ATVs are not street legal, Hinsdale County has passed special resolutions to allow visitors to legally ride their ATVs on designated county roads.

The Hinsdale County Resolution requires that:

• All ATV operators on County roads must have a valid valid motor vehicle license in their possession. No underage drivers are allowed!
• All ATV operators are strongly encouraged to wear a helmet.
• All Colorado residents must have their ATVs registered with the Colorado Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation (Registration Unit, 13787 South Highway 85, Littleton, CO 80125)
  • State Registration Permits are valid April 1 through March 31. The cost is $15.25 annually.
• If you are not a resident of Colorado, your ATV should be registered with Colorado as above whether it is registered in your home state or not. Non-residents must possess proof of non-residency when riding their ATV.

In Lake City you can register your ATV at:

Sportsman's Texaco Station & Garage Highway 149 South (Wade's Addition) Lake City, CO 81235 (970) 944-2525

Lake City Auto Sports Center Highway 149 North Lake City, CO 81235 (970) 944-2311

Federal Lands in Hinsdale County

Ninety-six percent of Hinsdale County is located on National Forests and BLM administered lands.  Ride responsibly -- have the proper maps and be aware of restrictions on ATV use.

For More Information & Travel Maps:

Guidelines for Safe and Responsible Use:

Take Care of yourself !

• We encourage you to enroll in an approved ATV riders course.
• Always wear a helmet and other appropriate safety gear.
• Ride within posted speed limit or slower if conditions warrant.
• ATVs operated between sunset and sunrise must have at least one operating headlight and one red tail light.
• Roads are also used by full sized vehicles and motorcycles. Stay alert and be aware of other traffic.
• Stay on your side of the road especially on blind curves.
• Use hand signals to indicate you intentions for other motorists.
• Take adequate food, water, rain gear, sun screen, and emergency supplies.

Take Care of the Land !

• Stay on designated roads.
• Do Not harass wildlife.
• Wilderness areas are CLOSED to all motorized travel - year round.

More links 

• Tread Lightly! on your ATV
• ATV Ethics
• Lake City ATV Trail Map
• Lake City ATV Trails
• Lake City ATV Brochure (requires Acrobat Reader)