Wyoming Trails for a Wide Side-by-Side
A wide side-by-side can turn a Wyoming ride into a frustrating series of dead ends if a route is narrower than your machine or closed to your vehicle class. The key is to check route designations before unloading, distinguish roads from width-restricted trails, and plan for changing conditions. This guide explains how to choose suitable areas and verify access.
How to tell whether a Wyoming route fits your side-by-side
Check the route designation, not just the map line
A line on a recreation map does not automatically mean every off-road vehicle can use it. On public land, roads and trails may have different vehicle restrictions, and an open route may still be limited by width, season, vehicle type, or another land-management rule. A route that looks wide on a screen can narrow at a gate, between trees, or on a rocky section.
Start with the official travel management information for the specific land unit. For National Forest routes, check the Motor Vehicle Use Map, often called an MVUM, along with current closure notices. For Bureau of Land Management land, use the applicable travel map and check for local restrictions. Field signs matter too: if a sign says a route is closed or restricted, do not assume an older map overrides it. For a closer look at interpreting these materials, see [Wyoming Trail Maps and MVUMs] and [Reading a Wyoming Travel Management Map].
Width is only one part of the decision. Some trails have a maximum vehicle width; other routes may be open to motorized travel but have seasonal closures or vehicle-class restrictions. A side-by-side that fits a trail’s width limit may still be unsuitable because of steep grades, tight turns, deep ruts, or surface conditions.
Measure your machine and allow for accessories
Use your machine’s actual specifications as a starting point, but measure the machine as it will be ridden. Wider tires, wheel spacers, aftermarket suspension, doors, mirrors, or other additions can change the overall width. If you are close to a route’s stated limit, confirm how the land manager defines and measures width rather than relying on a brochure figure.
A tape measure can help avoid an unpleasant surprise at the trailhead. Measure across the widest part of the vehicle, including tires or accessories if the applicable rule includes them. Keep the figure with your trip notes, and compare it with the route’s posted limit before you haul the machine to the area. The guide [Measuring Your Machine Tire to Tire] offers more detail on this practical check.
Do not treat a route’s width as a challenge to squeeze through. Forcing a wide machine past trees, rocks, or barriers can damage the vehicle, harm the trail, or put other riders at risk. If the limit is unclear, choose a different route until you have confirmed what is allowed.
Wyoming areas to consider with a wide side-by-side
Look for suitable roads as well as trails
A wide side-by-side may have more options on designated roads than on narrow, width-limited trails. This does not mean every forest road or BLM road is open to your machine. The route must be designated for your vehicle and open during your planned visit. Confirm the rules for the exact segment, especially where a route changes land managers or connects to a narrower trail network.
The Medicine Bow National Forest and Bighorn National Forest both offer extensive motorized route systems, but access varies by route and season. A wide machine might fit a forest road while being barred from nearby trails. Snow, spring conditions, wildlife protections, and maintenance can also affect access. Review the relevant land manager’s route information before planning a loop, and check again close to departure.
For background on route access and changing restrictions, read [Wyoming's Enrolled Roads and Trails] and [Wyoming Rules for Riding a National Forest]. Treat broad descriptions of an area as a starting point, not proof that a particular road is open to your machine.
Consider open riding areas and sand carefully
Killpecker Sand Dunes near Rock Springs are a different kind of ride from a narrow forest trail. Open sand can feel more accommodating to a larger vehicle, but the dunes still require careful route planning, attention to signs, and awareness of other riders. Sand conditions change with wind and weather, and a wide vehicle can behave differently on soft slopes than it does on packed roads.
Poison Spider OHV Park near Casper is another place riders may investigate, but do not assume that an entire riding area is suitable for every side-by-side. Terrain, route width, obstacles, and current local rules can vary within the same area. A wider machine may be more comfortable on some sections and poorly suited to others. Check the park’s current access information and choose routes that match both the vehicle and the skill level of the driver.
For more area-specific planning, see [Riding the Open Play Area at Killpecker Dunes] and [Poison Spider for an Afternoon]. These can help you think through terrain and logistics, but confirm the current designation and conditions before riding.
| Riding option | Why it may suit a wide side-by-side | What to verify before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Designated forest road | Often less constrained than a narrow single-track trail | Vehicle eligibility, closures, seasonal access, and road conditions |
| Designated BLM road | May connect larger areas or provide a route-oriented ride | Exact route designation, land boundaries, and local restrictions |
| Open sand riding area | More open terrain may offer room to maneuver | Boundary rules, current conditions, signage, and traffic |
| Narrow forest trail | May offer scenic riding but can be difficult for a wide machine | Posted width limit, turning room, obstacles, and vehicle class |
Plan a ride around the machine you have
Build a route with a reliable backup
Begin with a specific trailhead or staging area, then identify a primary route that is confirmed open to your machine. Mark the route’s turnarounds and possible exit points before leaving. A wide side-by-side can reach a place where turning around is awkward, so avoid relying on an unverified spur as your escape route.
Use official maps as the authority for restrictions. A digital navigation tool such as onX Offroad can help you review route options and keep your position visible, but treat it as a planning aid rather than a substitute for land-manager notices, signs, or closures. Download maps for offline use where the app supports it; cell service can be unreliable in remote parts of Wyoming.
Make a second plan in case a gate is closed, a road is muddy, or a trail proves narrower than expected. The backup might be a nearby designated road or another staging area with confirmed access. Share your plan with someone who is not riding, especially if you will be traveling far from towns or paved roads.
Match terrain and conditions to your vehicle
Width does not tell the whole story. A long-wheelbase side-by-side can struggle with tight switchbacks, while a heavy machine may sink into soft sand or churn up wet soil. Rocky shelves, washouts, steep grades, and narrow bridges can be difficult even when there is no posted width restriction. Look for route descriptions and recent land-manager updates, but be ready to turn around if conditions do not match your experience or equipment.
Weather can change a route quickly. Rain may make clay or bentonite surfaces slick and difficult to cross; snowmelt can raise creeks or leave soft shoulders. In forest areas, a road that appears dry near the highway may be muddy at higher elevation. Do not widen a route by driving around a muddy patch or obstacle—doing so can damage vegetation and create new tracks.
For local planning ideas, [Wyoming Trails for Beginners] can help you think about route difficulty, while [Wyoming Trail Closures to Check First] is a useful reminder to verify access before setting out. Use those resources alongside official maps, current signs, and your own assessment of conditions.
Common mistakes to avoid with a wide side-by-side
Assuming all public routes are open to all machines
Wyoming has many miles of roads and trails, but a large network does not mean universal access. Routes may be designated for certain vehicle types or limited by width. A trail that is open to a dirt bike or a narrower quad may not be appropriate or legal for a side-by-side. Likewise, a road shown on a map may cross private or restricted land, or may be closed for a season.
Avoid copying a route from a social-media post without checking its details. The rider may have used a narrower machine, visited under different conditions, or traveled a route that has since changed. Confirm the exact route name and land-management unit, not just the general area. When a map and a sign disagree, take the sign seriously and seek clarification from the responsible land manager.
Treating a permit as permission for every trail
A required off-road permit and route access are separate questions. Having the required decal does not make a closed road open, override a width restriction, or grant permission to cross private property. Before riding, confirm both the machine’s permit requirements and the route’s current designation. For an overview, see [Wyoming ORV Permits Explained].
It also helps to prepare the machine before the trip. Check tire condition, brakes, steering, recovery gear, fuel range, and any required safety equipment. Carry water, warm layers, and a way to communicate if you are traveling beyond reliable cell coverage. Those basics matter even on an easy route: a puncture or mechanical problem can become a much bigger issue when the nearest help is far away.
A little research before you load the trailer can save hours of backtracking. Measure the machine, verify the route, check conditions, and choose a backup that is genuinely open to your vehicle. The best ride for a wide side-by-side is not necessarily the most famous trail; it is a route that fits the machine, the rules, and the day’s conditions.
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.
