The Utah Arapeen ATV Trail System is a great place to ride a four wheeler if riders want to avoid the crowded canyons closer to the city. Exciting ATV trails can be found up every canyon in Sanpete. Trails are side-by-side (UTV) friendly with hundreds of miles of OHV riding. Although only 350 miles of trail have been designated as the Arapeen Trail System, there are more than 1,000 miles of forest trail in the central Utah area.

ATV trail system ascends from 6,000 to 10,000 feet (1,829 to 3,048 meters) through aspen and pine forests of the Manti-LaSal National Forest and includes the “Skyline Drive” and trails branching off from it. Skyline Drive is a mountain road that winds for 87 miles along the spine of the Wasatch Plateau and is perhaps one of the highest roads in the nation. From the Skyline riders can often see both sides of the mountain.

Some routes are passable only by ATVs, UTVs, or dirt bikes; others can be traveled in a high-clearance four-wheel drive vehicle. The National Forest is also a great place to camp, fish, hunt and rock climb.

All ATV and OHV trails are open to hikers, bikers and horseback riders. On the ride look for deer, elk, and other mountain wildlife. Be sure not to miss the colorful summer wildflowers. Primitive backcountry camping is allowed, so find a nice location in a grove of trees and set up camp. Motor vehicle use off designated roads and trails for the purpose of dispersed camping is permitted for up to 150 feet from the centerline of the road or trail.

Log, Maple and Wales Canyons

The road to Log Canyon is located approximately 1.7 miles north of Fountain Green City on Highway 132. Maple Canyon is located Northwest of Moroni City. Look for road signs to Maple Canyon on the west end of Moroni or on the south end of Fountain Green.

To ATV the Big Hollow area, head east in Fountain Green on 100 North. The Water Hollow ATV trail leaves Highway 132 approximately 3.5 miles north of Fountain Green. The Big Hollow/Water Hollow loop is a low altitude ride (6,300-7,400 feet) that can be done when snow covers higher elevations.

Non-resident OHV Permits

Owners of OHVs, brought into Utah by non-residents, may need a non-resident permit for their machine. Many states offer reciprocity, meaning there is a mutual agreement between states not to charge non-residents fees.

Utah has reciprocity with most western states, with the exception of Colorado, Nevada and Wyoming. To see if a permit is needed, visit the Utah State Parks web page. Permits can be purchased locally at Maverik County Store, 89 North Main Street, Ephraim; call (435) 283-6057: or Palisade State Park, 2200 Palisade Road, Sterling; (435) 835-6676.

Rules and regulations

To drive an ATV on public lands in Utah riders must be at least eight years-of-age. Riders between the age of eight and 15 must obtain an OHV Education Certificate issued by the Utah State Parks and Recreation or comparable from their home state. Riders 16 years-of-age or older must have either a driver’s license or an approved education certificate.

Online Education Course.

All riders younger than 18, riding on a public highway not limited to OHV use, must be under the direct supervision of someone 18 years-of-age or older. Supervisors must be within 300 feet, have visual contact and be able to advise or assist the rider.

A properly fastened helmet having a DOT approved safety rating is required for all OHV operators and passengers under the age of 18. Travel only on designated roads and trails. Do no travel cross-country.

It is illegal for anyone to operate an OHV in a way that damages the environment, including, air, land, water, watershed, plant or animal life.

Riding on local streets

People can ride an ATV right from a motel up the canyon on city streets. There are two rules, however, First, keep the speed to 15 MPH or less and do not ride down Main Street. It is illegal to ride on a state highway unless a machine is street legal. Also, all roads owned, maintained, or operated by Sanpete County are open to general off-highway vehicle use.

Renting a machine

Visitors may rent a machine at Big Pine Sports, 340 North Milburn Road, Fairview; call (435)427-3338; or Skyline Recreation, 88 North Main, Sterling; (435) 851-2288 or (801) 598-8060.