Six Mountainous ATV Rides From New Mexico to Idaho and States in Between

Getting out on the properly managed ATV trails is anGrand Lake has rustic architecture, a historic
essential way for people to explore and learn toboardwalk and more than 60 shops to peruse.
appreciate our natural environment. Here are six ofHieroglyphic Mountains
the best ATV rides in our glorious mountain states.Just 35 miles northwest of Phoenix, Arizona's
Carson National ForestHieroglyphic Mountains offer a hypnotizing and
Home to some of the finest mountain scenery in thepeaceful slice of low desert ATV riding with gigantic
Southwest, the Carson National Forest in New MexicoSaguaro cactus arms reaching into the Sonora Desert
encompasses 1.5 million acres and has an elevationsky.
range from 6,000 to 13,161 feet, plus a wide rangeATV terrain includes sand washes and rocky rugged
of animal inhabitants like mountain lions, bighorn sheeptrails, hill climbs and boulder-strewn descents. A
and elk.22-mile connecting loop intersects other Off Highway
Check out the Red River area which has fabulousVehicle routes: Lake Pleasant to the east,
scenery along its many expertly maintained trailsWickenburg to the west and Prescott National Forest
designed just for ATVs. With the big changes into the north.
elevation, ATV riders should prepare for drasticIdaho Panhandle
temperature changes.Somewhere in the outskirts of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho,
Elko, Nevadais ATV paradise - tall lodgepole pine trees, sapphire
Tucked away in northeastern Nevada lies Elko, amountain lakes, clear valley streams and beautifully
lively little city with endless scenery and countlessmaintained trails that are part of the Canfield
miles of beautiful ATV trails taking riders way up intoMountain Trail System. What's great about many of
the area's rugged hills. When the riding's done, checkthe trail systems in northern Idaho is that they are
out the otherwordly Lamoille Canyon about a half anconnected to form a network. Whether it's a gravel
hour east of town to see the vanishing glaciers.road connection or by dedicated ATV trail, it's nice to
Elko County has about 300,000 miles of ATV trailsbe able to ride a wide area without having to trailer
and roads to choose from. Of particular allure are thefrom place to place.
Ruby Mountains southeast of Elko that lead to GreenPaiute Trail
Mountain, which approaches 8,000 feet in elevation.There's something about central Utah that calms the
Grand Lake, Coloradospirit. Perhaps it's the lack of people, or the
Way up in the mountains, at 8,367 feet above seabreathtaking and varied scenery in all directions, or
level, is Grand Lake, Colorado - the headwaters ofmaybe it's that you can relax knowing you're riding
the Colorado River. Located right next door to thesome of the best ATV trails around. South-central
Rocky Mountain National Park and the ArapahoUtah's Paiute Trail is part of an endless, perfectly
National Forest, Grand Lake has become a haven formaintained system that offers true high altitude ATV
outdoorsmen, summertime vacationers, campers,riding and adventure at every turn.
hikers, snowmobilers and ATV riders.Riding the Paiute is great in late summer or early fall
There are more than 100 miles of ATV trails in thewhen the valleys are still green and balmy. Spend a
Grand Lake area, all with scenic mountain views offew minutes on the trails, heading skyward, and soon
some of Colorado's highest peaks - from the Threethe leaves are turning yellow, orange and red and the
Lakes region to the Continental Divide. The town ofair is crisp - amazing.