Utah ranked second best off-roading destination in the U.S.

SALT LAKE CITY — Extreme Terrain Off-Road Outfitters ranked Utah as the second best state for off-roading. 

According to Extreme Terrain, several factors determined the rankings; including the number of trails and their difficulty. 

The Beehive State follows behind Arizona in the rankings. Additionally, Utah ranked number one in some categories. 

Extreme Terrain said that Utah is the best state for summer off-roading and placed second in every other season.

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The Beehive State is also home to the most easy-level off-roading trails. Per the website, Utah has 726 trails that are considered easy. 

Preparing for a Utah off-roading trip

According to AllTrails, there are off-roading trails located across the Beehive State. Regardless of the season, there are ways for participants of any level to join in on the fun. 

Before you head out, make sure you and anyone else who will operate an off-highway vehicle has successfully completed the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation’s OHV training course. It is required by the state. 

Make sure your vehicle is registered and displays a current sticker. According to Visit Utah, anyone who is not a resident of Utah will usually be required to purchase an OHV permit for each of their vehicles. 

Consult with local agencies and maps to learn if the area you are planning on visiting allows OHV use. 

Additionally, Tread Lightly!’s website provides some tips to recreate responsibly. 

Do not travel outside of designated off-roading areas. Doing so can pose safety risks and cause unnecessary damage to the landscapes that Utah is known for. 

When crossing streams, only do so at designated places, or where the road has been built up to cross it. Avoid mud if you can. If it is unavoidable, keep a light foot on the gas. Less wheel spin means less road rutting. 

Finally, travel in a group with at least two other vehicles, in case an emergency or breakdown occurs. It is recommended that your group designate meet-up locations in case you are separated. 

A full list of tips can be found on Tread Lightly!’s website. 

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