Medicine Bow Designated Routes Only
A ride near Centennial or Laramie can look like one long, inviting forest road on the ground, yet only certain routes may be open to motorized travel. In Medicine Bow National Forest, the key is to follow routes designated for your machine, not simply tracks you can see. This guide explains how to check route status, plan around closures, and avoid riding where it is not allowed.
What designated routes only means in Medicine Bow
A visible track is not automatically an open route
“Designated routes only” means you may operate a motor vehicle only on routes the land manager has opened for that type of use. A two-track through the trees, a path around a muddy section, or an old logging road may look established, but its appearance does not establish that it is open to ATVs or UTVs. A route can be closed to motorized travel, open only to certain vehicle types, or subject to seasonal limits.
This distinction matters because forests contain many marks left by different users and activities. Some routes were made by vehicles but are no longer open for public riding. Others may serve administrative, private, or permitted uses. If riders create a new path around a closure or ride around an obstacle, they can widen the impact and make it harder for everyone to understand which route is legal.
The practical rule is simple: identify the route on the current official motor vehicle map, confirm that the route permits your kind of machine, and follow signs on the ground. For a broader overview of route rules across the state, see [Wyoming Rules for Riding a National Forest]. The same careful approach applies when exploring [Wyoming's Enrolled Roads and Trails], where access depends on the route’s specific designation rather than the fact that it appears on a map.
Route permission can depend on the vehicle
A route open to one kind of motorized travel may not be appropriate for every ATV or UTV. A narrow trail might have a width restriction, while a wider road could allow larger machines. Some routes may be open to motorcycles but not wider vehicles, or may have other restrictions shown on the map or posted at the trailhead. Don’t assume that a route marked as open to motor vehicles is suitable for every machine.
Before leaving home, check the width and operating requirements for your machine against the route information. If you ride a side-by-side, the exact width can matter; accessories such as mirrors, tires, or other additions may change the overall measurement. A route’s stated limit is not a suggestion to squeeze through if the machine is too wide. For more on evaluating route-width restrictions, see [Wyoming's 50-Inch Trail Limit] and [Measuring Your Machine Tire to Tire].
This check can save a frustrating discovery at a junction. Imagine arriving with a wide UTV after towing it several hours, only to find that the trail you planned around is too narrow or is not open to that machine. A map review at home, followed by a quick check of posted signs, is far easier than trying to improvise at the trailhead.
How to check Medicine Bow routes before you ride
Start with the Motor Vehicle Use Map
The Motor Vehicle Use Map, often called the MVUM, is the key document for understanding which routes are open to motorized use in a national forest area. It identifies designated roads and trails and may show limitations such as vehicle type, seasonal access, or width. Check the map that covers the exact part of Medicine Bow you plan to visit; a map for another district or nearby area may not answer the question.
Use the official map as your foundation rather than relying on a general recreation map alone. A recreational map can be useful for orientation, but it may not show the motorized-use rules you need. Check the map legend carefully: line styles, symbols, and notes are meaningful, and a route that looks similar to another may have a different designation. If you’re unsure how to interpret route information, [Reading a Wyoming Travel Management Map] offers a useful starting point.
Digital tools can make planning easier, especially when you want to compare the official route information with your location. Apps such as onX Offroad can help you review terrain and routes while planning, but they should complement—not replace—the official MVUM and signs. Confirm that the map layer or information you are viewing applies to the area and route you intend to ride. Save or download relevant information before heading out, since mobile coverage can be unreliable in forest and mountain terrain.
Check signs and conditions when you arrive
A route plan is not complete until you compare it with what you find on the ground. Look for closure notices, seasonal signs, barriers, and instructions at the trailhead or junction. A gate or sign may communicate a restriction that you need to follow even if you expected the route to be open. If the map and a posted sign seem to conflict, don’t treat the uncertainty as permission to continue. Stop and check with the responsible land manager before riding farther.
Conditions can also change after you have made your plan. A route may be affected by weather, maintenance, fire activity, wildlife concerns, or another temporary management decision. That is one reason it is wise to check for current local notices before making a long drive. This is especially helpful when travelling from places such as Laramie, Saratoga, or Cheyenne, where a trailhead may be a substantial distance from town and options for changing plans can be limited.
A navigation app can help you stay oriented at a junction, but it cannot decide whether you have permission to use a route. If you use onX Offroad or another navigation tool, compare what it shows with official route information and signs. Keep your attention on the route itself; don’t let a phone screen distract you from gates, closures, other trail users, or changing terrain.
| Planning item | What to verify | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Official MVUM | The map covers your intended part of Medicine Bow | Nearby areas can have different route designations |
| Route designation | The route is open to motorized use | A visible track may be closed or unofficial |
| Vehicle type and width | Your ATV or UTV meets the route’s limits | Some routes are not suitable for wider machines |
| Seasonal or temporary notices | The route is open on your planned travel date | Access can change with season or conditions |
| Trailhead and junction signs | No posted closure or restriction conflicts with your plan | Signs may provide important local instructions |
| Offline navigation | You can orient yourself without cellular service | Coverage may be limited in remote areas |
Planning an ATV or UTV ride around open routes
Build your trip around confirmed access
Start by choosing a staging area and identifying routes you can confirm are open for your machine. Then plan a realistic loop or out-and-back ride using those routes. Don’t make your itinerary depend on cutting across an unverified spur to connect two mapped roads. A small gap on a screen can represent a closed segment, private land, or a route that is not open to the vehicle you are riding.
It helps to mark decision points in advance: trailhead exits, major intersections, planned turnarounds, and places where you may need to stop and check the map. If a route becomes impassable or is posted closed, use an authorized alternative rather than creating a new line around it. In a group, discuss the plan before starting so everyone understands which route to follow and what to do if the group becomes separated.
Consider where you can safely park and unload, how much fuel you need, and how long the ride may take at a comfortable pace. Mountain roads can be rougher or slower than they look on a screen, and weather can make travel more difficult. For broader area-planning ideas, [Wyoming Trail Maps and MVUMs] and [Wyoming Trail Closures to Check First] can help you build a habit of checking maps and access conditions before setting out.
Match the route to your machine and group
A route that is legally open may still be a poor fit for a particular rider or vehicle. A newer rider may be more comfortable on a less technical road than on a narrow, rocky trail. A wide UTV may need a route with adequate width and room to turn around. Consider ground clearance, tire condition, braking, passenger comfort, and the experience of the least confident rider in the group—not just the capability of the most experienced driver.
Families and mixed groups should agree on simple riding expectations before leaving the staging area. Keep a manageable distance between machines, stop where the group can gather safely, and agree on what to do if someone misses a turn. If you’re riding with children or new riders, choose a plan that includes easy places to pause or turn back. A trail that feels manageable at the start can become tiring when the group is cold, dusty, or running behind schedule.
Leave room in the day for delays. A slow vehicle, a mechanical issue, an unexpected closure, or a weather change can all affect your timing. Avoid planning so tightly that turning around feels like failure. On a designated-route system, the safest and most responsible choice may be to head back rather than press on toward a route you cannot verify.
Closures, private land, and common route mistakes
Don’t ride around a closure
When a road or trail is blocked, don’t assume the restriction applies only to the barrier itself. Riding around a gate, cutting through vegetation, or using a faint bypass can still take you into a closed area and can damage land outside the authorized route. A closure may protect habitat, address unsafe conditions, allow maintenance, or manage seasonal use. Whatever the reason, the route remains closed unless the land manager indicates otherwise.
The same caution applies when a route becomes muddy, rutted, or difficult to pass. Driving around the damaged section can create multiple tracks and widen the disturbance. If the route is unsafe or impassable, turn back when you can do so safely. Don’t treat a tire track left by someone else as proof that a detour is permitted.
It is also worth understanding that a road shown on a map does not automatically mean every adjacent route is open. At a junction, pause and check the route designation before choosing a spur. [When a Map and a Sign Disagree] explains why it is important to take conflicting information seriously rather than guessing. When uncertain, stop and get clarification before moving on.
Respect land boundaries and other users
Medicine Bow routes may pass through areas where public access, private property, and different land-management responsibilities meet. Keep to the designated route and don’t cross a fence or enter a side road simply because it appears to connect to the route you want. A route can approach private ground without granting access across it. If the map or signage leaves you unsure where public access ends, use the official information and ask the appropriate land manager before proceeding.
Riders also share roads and trails with hikers, cyclists, horseback riders, wildlife, and work crews. Slow down where visibility is limited, give other users room, and yield courteously. Dust can reduce visibility behind a group, and a sudden stop on a narrow section can surprise the next rider. Keep noise and speed considerate, particularly near trailheads, campsites, and places where people may be walking or handling horses.
Close gates behind you when the route instructions require it, and never leave a gate open because the group plans to return. On a working landscape, a careless gate mistake can have consequences for livestock and landowners. For related guidance on access and responsible riding, see [Wyoming Landowner Permission Rules] and [Wyoming Trail Etiquette With Ranchers].
Preparing for a safer, lower-impact ride
Carry the essentials and have a turnaround plan
Before heading out, check your machine, tires, brakes, fuel, and basic controls. Bring water, weather-appropriate clothing, a first-aid kit, food, and the tools or supplies that make sense for your vehicle and route. A repair kit cannot fix every problem, but basics such as a tire repair option, gloves, and a way to contact someone can make a manageable delay less stressful. Let someone know where you plan to ride and when you expect to return.
Mountain weather can shift quickly, and a sunny departure from town does not guarantee comfortable conditions at elevation. Pack an extra layer even if the forecast looks mild. Keep an eye on clouds, wind, temperature, and the condition of the route. If conditions worsen, turn around early rather than waiting until the ride becomes difficult or unsafe.
Plan for limited mobile service. Downloading map information in advance and carrying an offline backup can be useful, but the most important part is knowing how to use it before you are at a confusing junction. If your group uses onX Offroad for navigation, make sure the relevant map area is available offline and that riders know the planned route. Keep a paper or other backup option if appropriate, and don’t rely on a single phone with a low battery.
Leave the route as you found it
Staying on designated routes is one of the simplest ways to reduce damage and preserve access. Repeated off-route travel can crush vegetation, disturb soil, and create tracks that other riders may mistakenly follow. It can also make future management decisions harder by blurring the difference between authorized routes and informal paths.
Pack out everything you bring in, including food wrappers, broken straps, and small repair debris. Avoid spinning tires or accelerating aggressively on loose surfaces, especially near trailheads or areas where a route is already eroding. If you encounter a damaged sign or a hazard that affects safe passage, note the location and report it through the appropriate land-management channel rather than attempting unauthorized repairs.
The most reliable habit is to make route verification part of every trip, not a one-time task. Check the official map, review relevant notices, confirm the route suits your vehicle, and follow signs as you ride. For a wider look at where motorized access is available, [Riding the Medicine Bow National Forest] and [Medicine Bow Designated Routes Only] connect this route-focused approach with trip planning across the area.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
