Ride Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs)

The new Lombard ATV Trail runs near the Land of the Yankee Fork Visitor Center, outside Challis.  A YouTube video lets you experience the trail for yourself. 

The Idaho Off-Highway Vechicle Recreation Guide is a partnership between BLM, Idaho Fish and Game, Idaho Department of Lands, Idaho Parks and Recreation, US Forest Service and Tread Lightly.

As of 2008, about 135,000 OHVs were registered in Idaho and 10,000 additional OHVs are being registered each year.  Please consult the information below to learn about various riding opportunities across Idaho and responsible OHV use.

• OHV Public Outreach Campaign Website - On this website, catch up on the latest OHV issues on the blog, learn about registering your OHV, using your OHV during hunting season, practicing responsible riding, and finding OHV trail opportunities throughout Idaho. 
• OHV Travel Management Planning - The BLM encourages OHV recreation on designated or established systems of roads and trails.  On this site, you can learn how the BLM manages off-highway vehicle use to provide opportunities for OHV recreation, while protecting important resource values and sustaining the overall health of public lands.
• State of Idaho Parks and Recreation OHV Information | Education

OHV Opportunities in Idaho BLM

Wilson Creek Travel Management Area

Steck Park

St. Anthony Sand Dunes

Chinese Peak - Black Rock Canyon Trail System

Challis Bridge Rider Education Trail 

WHERE TO RIDE, camp and recreate in the Challis Field Office:Travel Maps in detail
Ellis - North Pahsimeroi | Challis South | Pahsimeroi South | Herd Lake Area | Mackay Area

Regional Travel Maps Challis North and Challis South

Challis Area Trail Ideas:

Jimmy Smith (ATV): East Fork Salmon River Area
This short 1/4-mile trail accesses Jimmy Smith Lake.  Much of the trail to the lake is under jurisdiction of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG).  Beyond the lake, trails are managed by the IDFG and the United States Forest Service.  As of 2008, there is no motorized access around or beyond the lake. 

Pennal Gulch (ATV): Round Valley (Challis) Area
This 6-mile (one way) winding old jeep trail takes you along the foothills of the Pahsimeroi range on the east side of the Salmon River and is a great trail for ATVs, motorcycles and mountain bikes.  You might even see mule deer, antelope and big horn sheep along this trail. 

Bayhorse Mine Area (multiple trails): Salmon River, Southwest of Challis
These old mining roads provide the perfect place to ride an ATV.  More designated trails will be added in the future. 

Snake Ridge ATV Trail (begins near East Fork of Salmon River)

OHV Route Designations in the Four Rivers Field Office (Southwest Idaho)

Tips for Safe and Responsible OHV Riding Don’t ride cross-country - Stay on established trails. Cross-country travel can increase soil erosion, ignite wildfire, spread noxious weeds and damage wildlife habitat. Always ride in control. Ride within your abilities and your machine's capabilities. Never attempt anything that is beyond your skill level. Always wear the appropriate safety gear. At a minimum, this should include a helmet, shatter resistant eye protection, long sleeves, long pants, gloves, and boots that cover the ankle. Only carry passengers if your OHV is specifically designed to do so. ATVs and off-road motorcycles are generally designed to carry only one rider. Carrying passengers can alter the balance of the machine, causing a loss of control. Riders under the age of 16 should be supervised by a responsible adult at all times. Be prepared for an emergency. Always carry a tool kit and spare parts, a first aid kit, and survival equipment when you ride. Respect closed areas and private property. The future for OHV access is in your hands. Avoid wet areas and waterways. They are a vital resource for plants and animals. Don’t cut switchbacks.  Taking shortcuts damages trails and causes erosion. Share the trails and make friends with other trail users. Stop or slow down and lower the noise and dust levels when approaching equestrians, hikers and others.