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The theme of simple etiquette is a common one within many outdoor pursuits, especially those where groups of people will be sharing similar areas. A great example here is the world of ATVing, whether we’re talking about privately-owned vehicles, group tours or anything in between.
At Mild to Wild Rhino Tours, etiquette is a big part of all of our ATV and UTV tours, which we run to Zion National Park and several other beautiful parts of Utah. From simple safety to several other areas, we provide direct guidelines to all of our clients, including both drivers (must be 18 or older) and passengers. While our tour guides and experts will give you a full rundown of expected behaviors and rules ahead of any ride, this two-part blog series will go over some of the general ATV etiquette themes that are considered standard within this world so you can become familiar with them ahead of time.
Respecting Wildlife
While encountering wildlife isn’t exactly common on trails that include motorized vehicles, it’s still important to be respectful of any creatures you do come across. Many times, they will be more startled by the sight and sound of an ATV than you are of them, so avoid making any sudden movements or noises.
If you see a wild animal while on the trail, slowly and carefully back away while maintaining visual contact until the animal feels comfortable enough to move on. Remember, you’re invading their territory, so it’s important to be respectful and give them space.
Stay on Designated Trails
Especially while on public land, it’s important to stay on marked and designated trails. Not only does this help to protect the environment, but it also reduces the chances of you or your ATV getting lost. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and stick to marked trails.
This is especially important around national parks and other protected areas. Not only is veering off the trail illegal in many cases, but it can also cause serious damage to sensitive ecosystems.
Pick Up After Yourself
Like any other kind of outdoor activity, it’s important to practice Leave No Trace principles when ATVing. This means packing out any trash you bring in, being careful with fires, and respecting all plant and wildlife.
In fact, we strongly recommend taking a proactive approach and picking up after others who may not have been as considerate. Not only does this help to keep trails and wilderness areas clean, but it also sets a good example for others who may not be familiar with Leave No Trace principles.
ATV and other outdoor etiquette themes are important for any rider to be familiar with, whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been riding for years. In our next blog post, we’ll go over some more specific tips to help you enjoy your time on the trails while respecting both the environment and those around you.
For more on this, or to learn about any of our ATV tours in Utah, speak to the staff at Mild to Wild Rhino Tours today.
