The Best Places to Visit in the Southwest USA to Ride a Mini ATV
Hitting the wide open spaces has never been more rewarding than now. With the plethora of vehicles that can be used from UTVs, ATVs, mini ATVs, and even motorized scooters we’ve never been able to travel as far or as quickly.
This opens up the opportunity to explore some of the Southwest’s greatest sights without having to hike for days, branching out the appeal of these locations to people that would otherwise have a hard time such as the elderly or smaller children.
Getting out on the trail behind the handlebars also provides that rare combination of being in nature while being just above nature. ATV ownership and enthusiasm has certainly come a long way since the 70s.
For your next family outing, consider the merits of renting or buying a set of mini ATVs and exploring some of the most beautiful and must-see the terrain in the USA.
Why Ride a Mini ATV?
Classified as any ATV with an engine displacement under 350CC, a mini ATV features several advantages over larger models. The first advantage comes from the size of the vehicle itself, a smaller vehicle weighs less and digs into the ground less often.
For outdoor enthusiasts looking to hit the trails and ride the dunes, a mini ATV provides the right combination of power and control. A larger vehicle will be prone to sink in some of the same conditions.
For the family, a mini ATV gives younger teens and older tweens the ability to participate openly in the adventure. Licenses for operating a mini ATV don’t require the same age/skill limitation of cars or even motorcycles so can be a good start for a driver.
Finally, a mini ATV responds to shifting of weight faster and better. A skilled driver can keep an ATV stable in some extremely rough terrain and move without rolling over some unpredictable terrain.
The environmental impact of ATV use creates some concern for the Forest Service and Parks Service. One of the stop-gaps between outright banning vehicles is to allow lighter vehicles that will tear up landscapes less.
Places to See
The following list represents the best places to take a mini ATV. The selection process boiled down the areas that were in the region, how much they benefited from ATV use, and the spectacular sights and activities they offered.
With any destination, check the local or state rules on ATV operation so you don’t end up with transportation issues. Seasonal opening and closing are listed as available to help you plan accordingly.
Moab, Utah
Like a lot of the southern portion of Utah, Moab benefits from the iron-enriched soil in creating lustrous red vistas that resemble Mars. Coupled with shale and limestone formations that were once the bottom of a sea, the whole area provides gentle climbs and some exciting paths to fidget and ford.
The combination of sand and rock provides a solid beginners challenge level for maneuvering and making a mini ATV work for you. The area features a jamboree in the spring called Rally on the Rocks which features races and music.
Moab houses a lot of biologists that study the rare species and environments around the named city. This can make for some educational opportunities for those so inclined to see field researchers at work.
Several national Parks border the area and make the area a multipurpose destination with something new to travel to each day. It is also an ATV friendly area with plenty of stops to refuel or recharge gear. Open camp zones provide the opportunity for multi-day rides and experiences.
The Mojave Desert in Ridgecrest, California
Something of a cheat for this list, the Mojave Desert area features more than one ‘area’. This enormous sprawl of terrain contains two different cities, some small towns, some canyon systems, and some wide open sand.
The Randsburg ghost town makes for a popular destination to creep up on. A jumble of buildings appearing like an oasis.
The terrain offers a combination of challenge levels to navigate. While there is a lot of wide-open dirt, there is also tricky a reason through Jawbone canyon areas with some rocky outcroppings and jagged edges to thread through.
The area gets hot and still in the summer, so plan accordingly with extra fuel and water to prevent accidents. Of many of the areas listed here, this one has the biggest sky feel, with little overhead foliage and cliffs blocking the view.
Jacksonville, Texas
For a taste of something different, the Jacksonville, Texas area sponsors the High Lifter ATV Mud Nationals. With categories ranging from mini ATV up through UTVs, if you have ever needed to play in the mud for three days, then this is the event for you.
Unlike a lot of the Southwest, this area also provides views and trails through rolling hills and creeks that cross through woodlands. The least desert of the Southwest regions gives a more temperate feel for those with problems with dry air.
Events range between endurance races, which have rules stipulating conditions of vehicles to be maintained and speed and performance races.
Events also range from professional exhibition to amateur participation. While you might want to watch from the relatively dry comfort of the sidelines to get your wheels caked up, they accommodate both.
Nealy 5700 acres of terrain stretch through the two popular parks in the vicinity: River Run Park and Mud Creek Off-Road Park. Both offer various levels of challenge and lengths fo rides.
Both also feature exhaustive torus through the woodlands and give you a chance to practice your mudding skills navigating through terrains splashed with heavy seasonal rains.
Imperial Dunes, California
More a collection of sand dunes than any kind of structured trail, the Imperial Dunes makes vast look small. With three main riding zones situated between some fairly obvious markers, it is easy to orient yourself even despite the size.
The area has room for RVs so you can bring your home on wheels with and unload right at the dunes. Campgrounds and hotels also surround the are so accommodations shouldn’t be an issue.
The rolling dunes make for exciting climbing and some steep, but relatively safe descents. Like most of the areas on this list, all skill levels will find something to do.
The popularity of the area works to your benefit with assistance nearby in case of trouble. The small gatherings (it is hard to be crowded in an area of this size) also provide a lot of ways to learn some new skills or help out some newcomers.
Unlike the others on the list, the Imperial Dunes area remains open all year so it works equally well for a blustery summer vacation or a cool winter retreat.
Paiute ATV Trail, Utah
Though it follows a more precise route than other areas in this list, the Paiute ATV trail holds a top spot in many books. Roads running through the areas outside of Fishlake National Forest and some BLM land make a 275 miles-long loop to see some spectacular country.
Before you think that will get boring, over 1,000 further miles of side trails wander back and forth from the main loop.
Fishlake Nationa Forest is home to Pando, the world’s largest organism. So you will be seeing a lot of that while wandering around the trail and checking out the moderate high-desert forest.
The trail itself varies between narrow paths through tree laden areas and sweeping vistas and panoramic scenes across ridges and into the valley below.
The ride can be completed in as little as 25 high-speed hours, but most visitors prefer the lazy 3-day journey to really soak up the experience.
Riding season starts in the spring and goes through October. Some portions of the trail manage to get flooded or broken until late July depending on winter snowfall. Check with the official website for more information on availability before you ride.
The area has sparse, but not unworthy, accommodations and dining. Camping can be done in open areas and designated camping areas alike.
Go Now!
Excited for more? Learn more about what to expect from an outdoor recreational vehicle and what services you can get to keep them in top shape. Always remember to follow local guidelines and wear the property safety gear for your age group.
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