Trails Enrolled by the BLM
BLM land can look wide open on a map, but that does not mean every two-track is legal to ride. In Wyoming, the key is confirming that your route is open to your machine and understanding which permit and access rules apply. This guide explains how to check BLM routes, plan an ATV or UTV ride, and avoid the common mistake of treating public land as unrestricted.
What BLM route enrollment means in Wyoming
The Bureau of Land Management manages a large network of roads and trails across Wyoming. Some routes are open to motorized use, some are limited by vehicle type or season, and others are closed. A route’s existence on the ground—or even on a recreational map—does not by itself establish that riding it is allowed.
In Wyoming, the term “enrolled” relates to routes included in the state’s off-road vehicle trail system. Enrollment does not make every BLM road open to every machine. You still need to check the route’s designation, any restrictions, and the applicable permit rules before riding. For a broader overview of how enrollment fits into the system, see [Trails Enrolled by the BLM] and [Wyoming's Enrolled Roads and Trails].
Enrollment is not the same as open access
Think of route enrollment as one part of the access picture—not a blanket permission slip. A BLM route may be open only to certain vehicle types, closed during a seasonal restriction, or subject to conditions that affect whether you can ride it. A nearby road may have a different status, even if the two routes look similar on a map.
This distinction matters when you reach a junction. A wide, well-used two-track can feel like the obvious continuation of your route, but it could be closed to motorized travel or lead onto land with different rules. Follow the posted signs and route designations rather than assuming that tire tracks, a gate standing open, or another rider’s presence means the route is legal.
The same caution applies to maps. A recreational app can help you understand the general layout and plan a trip, but it should not replace the current travel map or guidance from the BLM office responsible for the area. If an app and an official map appear to disagree, pause before riding and resolve the question with the land manager. [Why a Land Manager Must Mark a Route Open] explains why route status depends on more than what appears on a screen.
A BLM road is not automatically an ATV trail
BLM-managed land includes roads built or maintained for different purposes. A route may serve administrative access, connect properties, or be intended for a particular kind of vehicle use. Some roads are suitable for a street-legal vehicle but not open to an off-highway machine; others may be designated for motorized recreation subject to specific rules.
Pay attention to the exact route segment, not just the general area. A road could be open for several miles and then end at a closure, property boundary, or route junction where the rules change. Plan with those transitions in mind. If your route depends on one connector to get back to the trailhead, confirm that connector is open too.
Before riding, ask three questions: Is this route open to motorized use? Is it open to my type and width of machine? Are there seasonal, wildlife, fire, or other restrictions in effect? When any answer is unclear, check with the BLM field office or the current official map rather than relying on assumption.
How to check BLM routes before you ride
A useful pre-ride check combines official route information, current local conditions, and a realistic assessment of your machine. This takes a little time, but it is far easier than turning around at a closure—or discovering that your intended return route is not available.
| What to check | Why it matters | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Route designation | Roads and trails can have different motorized-use rules | Confirm the exact segment on an official BLM map |
| Vehicle restrictions | A route may not be open to every ATV or UTV | Check posted limits and machine-width rules |
| Seasonal closures | Access can change with weather, wildlife needs, or land conditions | Check current notices before leaving |
| Wyoming permit requirements | A home-state registration may not meet Wyoming’s rules | Review [Wyoming Rules for Riding Federal Land] |
| Land boundaries | A route can approach private or specially managed land | Confirm boundaries and obtain permission where required |
| On-the-ground signs | Signs may mark a closure or change in route status | Follow posted signs and stop if they conflict with your plan |
Start with the official map and route information
Find the BLM map or travel-management information for the specific area you plan to visit. Wyoming is large, and a general map of the state cannot tell you the status of each individual route. Identify your planned trailhead, intended route, junctions, and exit before you travel.
Read the map legend carefully. Colors, line styles, and labels may distinguish roads from trails or indicate different permitted uses. Do not assume that a line shown on a map is open to your machine. If the legend is unclear or the route status is not obvious, contact the local BLM office and ask about the exact route or segment.
Mapping apps can help with trip preparation. For example, onX Offroad can be useful for viewing route layouts and orienting yourself in the field, but treat it as a planning aid rather than final authority on legal access. Compare the app’s information with official BLM maps and posted signs. Save or download the information you need before heading into an area where cell service may be limited. [Carrying a Travel Management Map in Wyoming] offers more context on why a dependable route reference matters.
Check for closures and restrictions close to departure
An old map may show a route that has since been affected by a seasonal closure, fire restriction, maintenance work, or another management decision. Check for current notices before your trip, especially if you are visiting an unfamiliar area or riding during a period when conditions can change quickly.
Look for more than full closures. Restrictions may apply to a specific vehicle type, route segment, or time of year. Weather can also make a route unsafe or impassable without changing its legal status. For instance, a road that is technically open may be deeply rutted after rain, muddy after snowmelt, or difficult to travel in a wide side-by-side.
Build a backup plan. Mark a second route or a safe turnaround point, and let someone know where you intend to ride. A route that ends at a closure should not become an invitation to go cross-country. If the route is closed, turn around and use a legal alternative. See [Wyoming Trail Closures to Check First] for additional planning considerations.
Permits, boundaries, and responsible riding
Route access is only one part of a legal and low-stress ride. Wyoming permit requirements, land boundaries, and responsible riding practices matter too. A little preparation helps avoid confusion at a trailhead and reduces the risk of damaging a route or creating problems for future riders.
Understand the Wyoming ORV permit requirement
Wyoming’s off-road vehicle permit rules apply to qualifying machines used in covered places, and an out-of-state sticker or registration should not be assumed to replace the Wyoming requirement. Check the rule for your machine and the place you intend to ride before setting out. [Wyoming ORV Permits Explained] and [Riding Wyoming With an Out-of-State Sticker] are useful starting points.
If you are visiting from another state, do not leave permit planning until you are already parked at a remote trailhead. Find out how to buy the required permit and where the decal must be displayed. Keep any receipt or related documentation with your riding gear, but do not assume that a receipt alone substitutes for a required decal. For route planning and purchasing details, see [Buying a Wyoming Permit as a Visitor].
Permit compliance does not authorize travel on a closed or undesignated route. The permit and the route designation answer different questions: one concerns the permit requirement, while the other concerns where you may ride. You need to satisfy both. If a route is closed, having the right permit does not make it open.
Stay on the designated route and respect land boundaries
Remain on the signed or mapped route. Cutting across sagebrush, bypassing a muddy section, or making a new track around an obstacle can damage vegetation and soil, and may put you outside the area where motorized travel is allowed. If a route is blocked or unsafe, turn around rather than creating a new path.
Be especially careful where BLM land meets private property, state trust land, or another managed area. Public access to one parcel does not necessarily create a right to cross the next one. A gate, fence, or cattle guard can be a boundary clue, but it is not a substitute for checking the route and access rules. When in doubt, do not cross onto land without confirmed permission.
Close gates you open, travel at a controlled speed, and yield appropriately to other trail users. Give wildlife room and avoid disturbing livestock. If you encounter a sign, closure barrier, or landowner instruction, take it seriously even if your map still shows a route. [Wyoming Landowner Permission Rules] and [Wyoming Trail Etiquette With Ranchers] cover related issues that can affect a ride.
A practical pre-ride routine for BLM land
A short checklist can prevent the most common planning errors: choosing a route that is closed, overlooking a boundary, or reaching the trailhead without the required permit. Use it when planning a day ride, and repeat the key checks if your route changes.
Plan the route around your machine and the conditions
Start by identifying the exact BLM area and the route you want to ride. Confirm that the route is open to motorized use and appropriate for your machine. If you are taking a wide UTV, check for width restrictions rather than assuming that a route open to an ATV is also suitable for your side-by-side.
Then consider the terrain and conditions. A narrow, rocky trail may be a poor fit for a large machine, while sand, mud, steep grades, or high elevation can affect how far you can travel and how much fuel you need. Bring the essentials for the area, such as water, navigation, basic tools, and a way to contact help when cell service is unreliable. The route may be legal but still a poor choice for your group’s experience or equipment.
For example, imagine planning a loop that crosses several junctions. Before leaving, verify each segment, note where you will turn around if a route is closed, and identify a second way back to the trailhead. That is much safer than improvising at a junction with fading daylight and no service.
Use maps in the field without letting them overrule signs
Carry a map or saved route information you can access offline. Apps such as onX Offroad can make it easier to follow your planned line and understand nearby junctions, but keep the official route information available too. A phone can lose reception, run low on battery, or show details that are not sufficient to confirm a route’s current legal status.
At every junction, stop long enough to check where you are and what the signs say. Compare the sign with your planned route and the official map. If a road is marked closed, do not continue because an app still draws a line ahead. If you cannot confirm that a segment is open, choose a route you can verify or return the way you came.
Finally, share your plan with someone who is not riding with you. Include the general area, expected return time, and what they should do if you do not check in. Remote riding often means that a small mechanical problem can become a serious inconvenience, so preparation matters as much as route selection.
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.
