How to plan an ATV/UTV trip
Are you searching for information on how to plan an ATV/UTV trip and can’t find it anywhere?
Whether it’s your first ever ATV or UTV trip on the trails or you’re an avid rider but have always been on small excursions, planning your trip the right way is a must when exploring the trails.
When planning your trip, you might be wondering how to prepare for an ATV or UTV ride. It isn’t far different from planning a vacation in a different country or even a small getaway closer to home. You need a bit of preparation to have everything you need while on the trails.
Riding an ATV or UTV is a great way to see something different. You’ll be exploring the area you’ve chosen through beautiful scenic trails that you definitely wouldn’t see any of if you were travelling by car or air.
Take for example Quebec, or even in the United States, there are so many different trails to take an adventure! You can probably plan you’re adventure by choosing trails that start near your area or you can also bring your ATV to a completely new place.
Since I spend a lot of time at our cabin, we do have an ATV and a UTV. We usually take a ride every other weekend. Some shorter rides and some weekend-long ones. Since there are four of us, we usually ride both machines on the trails. I can say that I have plenty of experience riding the trails and planning a quad adventure to help you out!
So let’s get this how to plan an ATV/UTV trip guide on the way so you can’t plan your next ride!
How to plan an ATV/UTV trip: Plan ahead
Where will you go
The first thing you’ll have to consider when planning your ATV/UTV trip is the final destination or what you want to see while riding. If you want to leave directly from your area, check out the trails that are close to you and start building from there.
You can also bring your ATV on a trailer to the trails you would like to try out. It is really up to you and what you want to see.
The trail network is usually really well-developed. You can access many beautiful landscapes that you probably won’t be able to see from anywhere other than the trails. The trails have plenty of observatories and some places also have relays you can stop to use the washrooms, eat and have a picnic.
Choosing the destination or the trails you want to use is the first step in planning the trip. Take into consideration the type of terrain, how many days will your trip last, how much fuel will you need, are there gas stations along the way, where can you stay overnight, and where will you eat.
You’ll also need to think about the trail pass you might need. You’ll need to know which trail you’re allowed to ride and what type of pass you’ll need for them.
Planning is really important while you’re preparing your ATV/UTV trip. You won’t have a ton of things to prepare but since you’ll be riding trails, it can sometimes be harder to have access to a store or garage to help with your maintenance.
Planning Your Route
Once you’ve established your final destination or your sightseeing stops along the way, you’ll be able to plan the route to take.
If you plan a weekend getaway, start by trying to find your accommodation. Some establishments offer ATV/UTV pricing. That can include accommodation, supper and breakfast and a safe parking spot for your quad. This is the best accommodation for you if you plan your trip.
Some accommodations will accept your ATV/UTV but they might not have a secure area to park them. So you’ll want to be careful in this instance with your machine at night.
Pinpoint your route and check how long you want to ride every day or how many kilometres you want to ride every single day. It’ll be easier this way to check where you’ll need to book accommodations.
Think about your fuel as well. Map out the gas stations on your trip and bring a gas can with you in case you need it.
Once you’re all done, make sure to send your itinerary to a friend or family member and let them know about your plans. This is an extra safety precaution in case something were to happen.
Have your cell phone with you but know that someplace, cell phones don’t work. So it’s good to have someone know where you are supposed to be. You can always do a check-in with that person at the end of the day when you get to your accommodation.
How to plan an ATV/UTV trip: How to prepare your ATV/UTV
What to keep in an ATV tool kit
While going on an ATV adventure, it’s important to keep a couple of tools with you. If something mechanical happens, you’ll have tools to help you fix it.
Bring a couple of spare parts such as a drive belt, spark plugs, ball joint, extra nuts and bolts, and an extra can of fuel.
Have a couple of tire accessories with you as well. Bring a tire plug kit, a tire pressure gauge, and an air compressor.
On top of that, carry your dealer-provided tool kit, a winch if you don’t already have one, a wrench set, pliers, a changeable screwdriver, a small multi-tool, a headlamp can come in handy, and zip ties.
Bringing all of this might seem a bit much but if something happens, you’ll be happy to have this tool kit with you. Being on the trail means sometimes being away from a city. You might not have access to a garage that can sell you parts. So you’ll have to make do with what you have.
Having that small tool kit with you and knowing how to use these tools can save you a whole bunch of money instead of getting yourself towed in the middle of the woods where there is nothing around.
Maintenance and checks
Before leaving on your trip, you’ll want to send your ATV or UTV to the shop to get it checked. This is a good way to avoid breaking down while riding the trails.
Preventing a mechanical issue is a good way to start your trip. This way, you’ll also prevent breaking down while having fun on the trail.
Just like any big road trip, you should get your car checked beforehand. It is the same thing with your machine.
How to plan an ATV/UTV trip: What to bring
How to pack your gear
When you’ll consider your ATV trip packing list, you’ll want to make sure to have everything you need but also extremely compact.
There isn’t much packing space in an ATV. If you’re going on a UTV trip, you might have a bit more space depending on the type of UTV you have.
Don’t worry! You’re still going to be able to pack extra fuel, your clothing and your tool kit. You just have to consider bringing the basics and forget about your ‘’maybe I will need it’’ items.
Make sure you have a waterproof bag to put your clothes in. This way, you can easily strap it anywhere on your ATV and it will prevent from your clothes getting wet if it rains or if the trails are muddy.
Make sure to utilize every compartment and every nook you can to pack your stuff. This way you’ll avoid losing any space.
Tips for packing your ATV
It’s important to have an ATV/UTV trip checklist. Especially when packing the things you’ll need. You want to have everything necessary but you also want to avoid bringing too much.
You have to be able to pack everything in small compartments inside the ATV or UTV and space is limited.
Before leaving, check what the weather will be while you are on your adventure. You’ll need to pack the appropriate clothing. Unfortunately, Mother Nature isn’t always on your side. You can always delay your trip if the weather is really bad.
If it is supposed to rain while riding, make sure to bring some rain pants and a rain jacket. Trust me, the trails will get muddier and the water on the ground will go in the air and come back on you while driving.
Pack a GPS or use your phone. Make sure you have a GPS holder or phone holder on your ride because holding it in your hands won’t be safe for anyone.
There are great apps you can download that has all the useful information you’ll need, such as gas stations, food, accommodations and of course the trails. If you’re riding in Quebec, you can get the Quebec ATV trail map on the FQCQ website.
Bring some snacks. You might be planning to stop in relays for your dinner and suppers but you might get a little hungry in between. Have a small lunchbox with plenty of snacks and maybe drinks. You’ll also want to pack some water to stay hydrated.
On top of that, don’t forget to pack your ATV tool kit and your clothes. Bring some warm clothes as it might be colder when you leave early in the morning. Bring the clothes you’ll need for your trip but don’t bring too many because you’ll have to find a place inside the ATV for it.
Have a small toiletry bag as well. But keep in mind riding the trails can get messy. You might get rain, mud, and dust. You probably won’t need your full makeup bag to do this type of activity.
Don’t pack your most beautiful or white shoes for this trip either. Have an older pair of shoes you don’t mind getting dirty.
Take a small first aid kit with you as well.
How to plan an ATV/UTV trip: Typical Rules and Regulations
Navigating the trails
Check before you go if you’ll need a park pass for the trails you’ll be adventuring. Some might need a permit and some might need a pass.
If you’re riding in the Quebec area, you’ll need the trail pass to access the trails. Quebec’s ATV trail pass prices vary depending on the packages you want. You can purchase your pass online on FQCQ for 1-day, 3-days, the summer or the year.
Make sure you have the appropriate documentation while riding. You’ll want to have your driver’s license, your insurance papers and your trail pass at all times in your ATV.
If you need to go through a village, make sure you are allowed to travel with your ATV in that said village.
If you’re new to riding an ATV or a UTV, take the time to plan your trip. Don’t rush it. If you’re wondering how to plan an ATV trip for beginners, just follow all these steps and you’ll be fine.
Take the trails at your own pace. Make sure you feel comfortable. If someone is driving faster than you and you are not comfortable going faster than you already are, let them pass and then keep on going.
Riding an ATV or a UTV isn’t about going fast. Maybe if that is your thing then go ahead. But keep in mind that not everyone is an expert rider on the trails. Some people might have just purchased their first ATV and it’s their first time on the trails.
Riding your ATV is about having fun. So go at your own pace within your limits. Enjoy your ride for yourself and your passenger and don’t put yourself under any pressure. Take your time, explore and have fun!
How to have a safe and fun ride without any troubles
Wherever you go, whatever trail you go on, there are rules and regulations that you need to adhere to. These will typically be the same everywhere. Always make sure to check the area rules on top of this. Some places have more rules in place so make sure to stick to them.
- Wear your helmet
- Have your trail pass handy
- Be aware of trail closures
- Stay on the trails at all times
- Stay within the speed limit
- Have your driver’s license with you
- Check that your headlights are working
- Know the rules for riding on public roads
Know the ride area’s rules and regulations
Before you go, make sure you know the rules and regulations of the region you’ll be going to. This way, you’ll be riding safely, responsibly and responsibly.
You can find all the rules and regulations on these websites so you can be familiar with what you’ll need to adhere to while riding the trails.
Canada
British-Columbia: Off-Road Vehicles
Alberta: Off-Highway Vehicle
Saskatchewan: ATV and Snowmobile Riders
Manitoba: Off-Road Vehicle Safety
Ontario: Driving an Off-Road Vehicle
Quebec: Rules for Off-Road Vehicles
New Brunswick: Off-Road Vehicle Requirements
Nova-Scotia: Off-Highway Vehicles
Prince Edward Island: Off-Highway Vehicle Operation
Newfoundland and Labrador: Off-Road Vehicle Safety
Yukon: Off-Road Vehicle
Northwest Territories: ATV Safety
Nunavut: ATV Act
United States
For rules and regulations in the United States, you will have to check every state individually. You can also head to this website, to have a breakdown of each state. Make sure you check this website before you go but also check the government website of the state you are going to ride the trails to make sure you have up-to-date information.
How to plan an ATV/UTV trip: Riding safely
Wearing appropriate gear and staying within your limits
Wearing the appropriate gear is important while taking the trails. Most importantly, you’ll need a helmet, boots, gloves and goggles.
As I mentioned earlier, check the weather before your trip. Pack some rain gear if you need to. Even if it isn’t supposed to rain, pack your rain gear anyway. The weather is changing and you might need it.
If you are wondering how hard is riding an ATV, it’s a little different from driving a car. It isn’t too difficult but to be safe, you need to stay within your limits. You don’t want to stress out during the whole ride because you are not comfortable with the way you are riding.
Go at your own pace so you can fully enjoy your adventure.
How to plan an ATV/UTV trip: Selecting your campsite
While considering how to plan an ATV/UTV trip, you’ll also have to think about the distance you are travelling. You can do a day trip but you can also do multiple day trips.
If this is the case, you’ll have to consider accommodations while planning the whole thing. You can stay in motels, hotels and campsites too. It all depends on where your ride will take you and what type of accommodation accepts your ATV.
If you end up booking a campground, make sure to pack all your camping essentials on your ATV for the journey. You’ll need basics such as your tent, sleeping bags, a portable stove, cookware, and food and water supplies.
Selecting the campsite for your journey is crucial. This way you can be comfortable and enjoy this adventure even more. Forums and websites dedicated to ATVs are a great resource to start your search for the perfect campsite in the area you’ll be at.
Select a campsite that is ATV-friendly. Not all campsites do. It would be a shame to get there and they won’t let you in because you have an ATV instead of a car.
If you don’t plan on staying at a campground but instead camp in the wilderness, check out this guide on how to find free campsites in North America. If you do so, make sure you are super respectful of the environment but also stay where you are allowed to.
Follow the no-trace principle as well. It would be sad to ride these beautiful rugged terrains but have trash everywhere!
I hope that this guide on how to plan an ATV/UTV trip has been helpful so you can confidently plan your first or tenth ATV trip.
Going on an ATV adventure, whether for a couple of hours, a full day or even for multiple days can be daring! But it’s also a wonderful way to spend some time outdoors exploring areas that are not accessible by any other means!
This is a great way to explore wilderness and resting in a campground after the ride is even better! You’ll get to relax by the campfire after a beautiful ATV ride.
I believe you won’t be disappointed in taking the leap and heading out on your ATV adventure!
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. I would never recommend anything I don’t personally love and use!
Avid for more adventure, road trips, or travel inspiration? I’ve got a lot more where this post came from! Here are only a couple of ideas for you but feel free to navigate the blog for SO much more!
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