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In part one of this two-part series, we looked at some basics on etiquette for any kind of ATV or UTV ride you might be taking. Whether you’re driving the vehicle or riding as a passenger, and whether alone or in a group of vehicles, there are some basic areas of common courtesy that are expected for any trail you’ll be on.
At Mild to Wild Rhino Tours, we proudly observe all proper trail etiquette during our ATV and UTV tours to locations like Zion National Park and others. We covered respecting wildlife, staying on trails and cleaning up after ourselves in part one of our series — today’s part two will look at a few other themes.
Right of Way Considerations
Another vital theme for any ATV or UTV trail is right of way, and it’s important to know the basic rules here. Some scenarios to keep in mind:
- When encountering non-motorized entities: Anytime you happen upon hikers, cyclists, horseback riders or other non-motorized travelers, you should always give them the right of way. It’s the law in some areas, and it’s just good manners everywhere.
- When approaching a blind corner: In this case, it’s common for whoever is last in line to take the lead around the corner. That way, if there’s anyone coming the other way, they’ll have the right of way.
- When passing: As a general rule, it’s best to pass on the left. But if visibility is limited or the terrain is treacherous, passing on the right might make more sense. Use your best judgement and always use caution. If in doubt, err on the side of caution.
Keep the Noise Down
Sure, it’s fun to rev up your ATV’s engine every now and then. But when you’re out on the trails, it’s important to be respectful of others and keep the noise to a minimum. This is especially important when you’re passing through areas where there might be wildlife or other hikers who are trying to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature.
Respect Private Property
When you’re out on the trails, it’s important to respect private property. This means not trespassing and being careful not to damage any crops, fences or other property you might come across. If you’re unsure whether an area is private property, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and avoid it.
Identify Group Numbers
When passing other groups of motorized riders on trails, you’ll often see guides throw up a hand with a number of fingers. This is to indicate how many vehicles are in their group. You can do the same to let others know how many are in yours.
For more on some basic etiquette to always observe on any ATV or UTV tour, or to learn about our tours of Zion National Park or other area, speak to the team at Mild to Wild Rhino Tours today.
