Top UTV Riding Spots in America

For those that own a UTV, I think we can all agree the feeling of being in the open wilderness on a trail with your family and friends and wind in your hair is an incredibly freeing feeling.  Oftentimes while planning an adventure many people don’t know where to start, or where to ride.  We have compiled a list of some of the most popular UTV and Side-by-Side trails across the United States.  These are in no particular order, and definitely not all of the trails offered to us.  These are simply to give you a rough idea of what’s out there in a region you may be visiting. 

Before setting out on your adventures we at KWT Filters wouldn't be doing our jobs as voices in the industry if we didn't remind you of a few safety tips to consider.  Even the shortest slowest ride could result in a possible disaster.  You may not think it can happen to you, but we’ve seen more times than we’d like to remember, that it can. 

In No Particular Order:

1.  Moab, Utah

Moab is a beautiful place to ride! There are hundreds of popular trails and thousands of miles of unpaved roads around Moab that are perfect for UTV/SXS enthusiasts. The red rock trails, canyons, Arches and Canyonlands National Parks have graced pages in magazines, movies, postcards, and many other mediums.  Moab has always offered great challenges, fun activities, and incredible views.

Note: Riding within the parks is strictly prohibited, however, the land surrounding the parks is permissible to ride.  

(Image Source: UTV Action Magazine)

2. The Paiute ATV Trail, Utah

The Paiute Trail is the largest trail system in the country!  Offering over 2,000 miles of designated trails in central Utah, it features rock formations, lakes, wild forests, and diverse wildlife. The main loop is to some, a rider's absolute dream.  Made up of nearly 300 miles of primary trails that stretch over four Utah counties and takes nearly 25 hours to complete, be ready for an adventure.  Due to cold and heat, the best time to visit is August through October—and due to the large size, you should plan on spending at least a couple days or even weeks riding out there.

(Image Source: UTV Reviews)

3. Hatfield-McCoy Trail System, West Virginia

The Hatfield-McCoy Trail System is one of the most famous riding trails in the country. Also known as “Trails Heaven,” it features over 600 miles of professionally managed trails ranging from scenic mountain views to twisting turns throughout the forest. The trail system is open year-round, so enjoy—rain, snow, or shine.

(Image Source: UTV Reviews)

4. Imperial Sand Dunes, California (Glamis)

Ah yes, Glamis.  The sight of many movies (Like Star Wars), motorsport films, and social media craziness!  It can also be a very enjoyable family spot, and always has been.  This will definitely depend on the weekend you choose, and where you choose to ride.   If you haven’t taken your UTV/SXS through the dunes, what are you waiting for?  The Imperial Sand Dunes are located in the southernmost section of California.  With more than 20,000 acres open to off-roaders, they are not only the largest mass of sand dunes in California, but they are also the largest recreation area for sand dunes in the U.S.! Some dunes even reach heights of 300 feet above the desert floor which can result in some beautiful photos. The riding season usually begins in late September and runs through April. The park is open year-round, but the summer months are often too hot to ride in southern California with temperatures reaching well over 110 degrees.  Many people who have never visited CA don't realize the state is predominantly a desert, at least most of the Southern region is. 

Not to be forgotten, located several hours North in Central CA, the Oceano Dunes/Pismo Beach offers beautiful coastal riding along the CA coast. The dunes might not be as large as Glamis, but they will surely test your skill while you’re having a blast at the same time. 

5. Brimstone Recreation Area, Tennessee

Brimstone Recreation Area in Tennessee offers over 300 miles of off-road trails. Located throughout over 19,000 acres in northeastern Tennessee.  A huge draw for riders are the riverside views, scenic overlooks, and numerous mountain trails. Test your skills with significant elevation changes, submerse yourself in nature, and ride the Brimstone Recreation Trails.

(Image Source: Dirt Wheels Mag)

6. Ride Royal Blue Resort, Tennessee

For the rider that is looking for privately owned trails, The Ride Royal Blue Resort in Tennessee is the place for you. Sometimes people choose the private route for safety concerns.  Renowned as one of the best UTV destinations in the country, enjoy thrilling rides on over 600 miles of trails featuring waterfalls and wildlife. There is also a wide range of trail difficulty—from easy and leisurely to the most technically challenging. Suitable for all skill levels, this is a fantastic place to take your family to try out the UTV lifestyle.

 

(Image Source: Rover Pass)

7. Maine

There you have it, Maine.  Yep just Maine.  The state is said to be an UTV/SXS adventurer’s heaven. With over 6,000 miles of legal UTV trails, it certainly does indeed sound like a riders dream.  Land Managers and officials continue to add more legal riding as well.  Terrain difficulty ranges throughout the state and riders can expect wooded areas, mud, dirt, and even snow depending on where and when they ride.

(Image Source: Progressive)

8. Joe State Park, Missouri

St. Joe State Park offers 2,000 acres of trails, hills, play areas and flatlands open to off-roaders. Wooded trails and sand flats are perfect for UTV/SXS riders. Unlike many trails in the U.S. Joe State park also allows dirt bikes, 4WD vehicles, and dune buggies so be careful and keep that head on a swivel. Ride through the dirt, mud, gravel rocks, trees, sand, inclines, and water crossings at St. Joe! The park also features two campgrounds so you can stay and explore on foot on the many hikes offered to adventurers.  

(Image Source: SXS Stuff)

9. Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Oregon

The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is the largest stretch of coastal sand dunes in the country. Located on the southern Oregon coast, it extends over 40 miles along the mouth of the Suislaw River to Cape Blanco at Coos Bay. Perfect for thrill-seekers, the dunes can reach as high as 500 feet in some places and extend 2.5 miles inland!  Not exactly what many people would think of when you think of Oregan, so it’s definitely a sight to see.  

(Image Source: Steve's ATV Rentals)

Note: The largest riding area stretches between Spinreel Campground and Horsfall Road and the highest dunes are in the Umpqua riding area.    

10. Ocala National Forest, Florida

Located in central Florida just north of Orlando, the Ocala National Forest offers more than 200 miles of recreational trails and over 80 miles of off-road trails for larger vehicles.

With well over 600 lakes, rivers, and springs there is so much to do and see! The best part? It’s Florida, so you can ride year-round and go to the beach after you’re done.  (Similar to many CA riding spots.)

(Image Source: Rider Planet USA)

There are thousands of off-road trails and parks for ATV and UTVs—this list features a small handful of the best and most diverse terrain. Whether you’re looking to take a riding vacation or hoping to check something off your bucket list, there are so many great places to ride around the U.S. Most of these parks and trails are also great for other outdoor recreational activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, and more.

Don’t have your own UTV/SXS? More and more companies are now offering UTVs available for rent at pretty reasonable prices.  We love seeing the sport grow at a rapid pace, if you do own your own and drive in dusty areas our KWT Particle Separator is surely a must have.