Photograph of Colorado Mountain Range
BLM
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
Photograph of Cliff Photograph of Wild Bird Photograph of Wild Flowers Photograph of Crane Photograph of Rafters
Colorado
BLM>Colorado>Field Offices>Uncompahgre>Recreation>Off Highway Vehicles
Print Page
Off Highway Vehicles

Off-highway vehicle (OHV) designations on BLM administered public lands are made through the land use planning process. The 3 types of OHV designations are: Open, Limited, and Closed. Be sure to check with the local BLM office to determine which areas are available for OHV use.

Open - off-road use is allowed, as long as it does not result in significant, undue damage to or disturbance of soil, wildlife, wildlife habitat, improvements, cultural, or vegetative resources, or other authorized uses of the public lands.

Limited - vehicle use is restricted as defined in the appropriate land use plan. Limitations could include such designations as "limited to existing roads and trails," "limited to designated roads and trails," or seasonal limitations such as "no vehicle use during elk calving season").

Closed - motorized vehicle use is not allowed.


Colorado Law

The use of OHVs on the public lands is subject to Colorado law.

Licensed, street-legal 4wds and motorcycles - No additional registration is required.

Unlicensed OHVs (such as motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, 4wds):

  • Colorado resident
    • the OHV must be registered with Colorado Department of Parks and Outdoor Recreation.
  • Out-of-State resident
    • if the OHV is registered in your state of residence, then no additional registration is required in Colorado.
    • if the OHV is not registered in state of residence, then you must register the vehicle with the Colorado Department of Parks and Outdoor Recreation.
    • if you will be in Colorado for 30 days or more, then you must register the vehicle with the Colorado Department of Parks and Outdoor Recreation.