With the wide open spaces of Nevada there is plenty of room to take you ATV or OHV and have some fun.
However, remember that all of Nevada is under drought restrictions and always stay on trails and do not go into sagebrush or cheat grass with your vehicle.
Before you get going you must register your ATV just like a regular vehicle. All ATV's must be registered and titled within 30 days of purchase.
A vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection will have to be completed by a licensed Nevada OHV dealer or a sworn law enforcement officer if your vehicle has never been registered or titled in Nevada.
The dealer who completes the inspection may submit the application and other documents on your behalf or you may mail them yourself. Dealers may charge up to $2 for each registration and/or title application submitted. Decals are issued by mail only.
The Nevada Certificate of Title, if issued, is processed separately from the registration decal. The DMV may contact you for additional information or proof of ownership. The title will be mailed to the lender or other lienholder, if any, or to the owner if there is no lienholder.
Once you are legal to drive or ATV or OHV, you may ride on designated OHV trails.
The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest manages public land in both Nevada and California. The Humboldt-Toiyabe has completed a travel management planning across the forest, and designating roads and trails as open to OHVs and other motorized vehicles.
The Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, and the Carson, Santa Rosa, Ely, and Austin and Tonopah Ranger Districts have completed this planning. The Bridgeport, and Mountain City, Jarbidge, and Ruby Mountain's Ranger Districts are presently conducting this planning process.
For those in Winnemucca, the Blue Mountain Trail is just minutes away. This secluded area offers scattered primitive camping opportunities along with miles of easy 4x4 roads and a few hidden sections of single-track trails. Some of the trails have not been explored in some time, and there are sections of washout and vegetation overgrowth. Come prepared, the access road is long and there is no shade and no services.
The sand dunes just north of Winnemucca is a popular spot as well. Dune riding enthusiasts will like this free, open area with a series of dune 'islands' and connecting sandy trails. There are no services and no shade and the largest dunes top out at only about 100 feet, but the area does see some action on weekends and holidays, and the staging/camping area off U.S. 95 can actually get busy.
The dunes themselves however are vast and extend much farther west than it first appears. The main camping area is located right off of Hwy 95 but you can also access from Sand Pass Road.
When out enjoying the open land of Nevada, make sure to take precautions.
First prepare for your trip and let others know where you are going. Obtain a travel map of where you are going, and determine which areas are open to OHV use and if any special rules affect that area. It's a good idea to contact the managing agency for additional information, such as seasonal closures or special permit requirements. Respect private property and contact the landowners to get their permission first.
Leave the land like it was before you got there. Stay off trails when your use will leave ruts and impact the trail tread, such as during very wet or dry conditions. Roosting creates ruts, erodes soil, and increases maintenance. Pack out as much as you pack in. When you see reparable trail damage, stop and take a few minutes to fix it. It just might help to ensure that the trail will be open the next time you visit.
Avoid spooking horses, cattle and wildlife. All animals are startled by unannounced approach, sudden movement and loud noises. Do not assume all animals will move off the trail.
