Rico Area Trail Access
Rico sits along Colorado 145 between Dolores and Telluride, with forest roads and riding areas scattered through the surrounding mountains. That sounds simple until you’re trying to work out which routes are open to motorized travel, where to stage a trailer, and whether a road crosses into a closed area. This guide explains how to plan access around Rico and avoid common map and route mistakes.
How to reach riding areas near Rico
Start with Rico and the Dolores Ranger District
Rico is a practical starting point for exploring the surrounding San Juan National Forest, but it is not a single, clearly marked OHV trailhead with every route branching from town. Riding opportunities are spread across a large area, and getting from a motel, campground, or roadside parking spot to a legal motorized route may involve driving your machine on a trailer first.
Colorado 145 is the main paved route through Rico. It connects the area with Dolores to the southwest and Telluride to the northeast. Before setting out, identify the specific forest road or staging area you want to reach, then check whether the route is open to your type and width of machine. A forest road on a map is not automatically open to ATVs or side-by-sides, and a road that is legal for a registered vehicle may not be legal for an OHV.
For local planning, look at the San Juan National Forest motor vehicle information for the relevant part of the forest and confirm the route on the official motor vehicle use map, or MVUM. A general road map, GPS app, or sign at a junction can be useful, but the MVUM is the key document for designated motorized routes and seasonal restrictions. The article [Reading a Colorado Motor Vehicle Use Map] explains how to interpret route markings and dates.
Choose your base and staging plan before you arrive
The best place to stay depends on what you want from the trip. Rico can be a quieter base than larger trail towns, while staying elsewhere in the region may make sense if your plans include several different riding areas. Either way, don’t assume lodging is directly connected to an open OHV route. You may need to tow your machine to a trailhead or staging location rather than ride from your door.
If you are bringing a trailer, check parking arrangements before departure. A narrow mountain-town street, small lodging lot, or crowded roadside pullout can be awkward for a truck and trailer, especially when other visitors are arriving. Confirm that your lodging can accommodate your setup, and identify a suitable public staging area if you need to unload elsewhere. The guide to [Colorado Trailhead Parking and Staging] covers the details worth checking.
A little advance planning also helps avoid a frustrating first morning. Save the trailhead location, note the route you intend to use to get there, and have a backup plan if the lot is full or a road is closed. If you are still comparing nearby riding options, [Where to Ride an OHV in Colorado] can help put the Rico area in the context of other Colorado destinations.
Confirm that the route is open and legal
Use the map, then check for seasonal closures
Mountain access changes with snow, mud, maintenance, fire conditions, and resource-protection closures. A route that appears on an older map may be closed for a season or may have a restriction that is easy to miss when you are focused on reaching a particular destination. This matters around Rico, where elevation and weather can change quickly and a sunny town morning does not guarantee dry conditions higher up.
Check the current forest travel information before loading the machine. Look for official closure notices, seasonal opening dates, and any restrictions on vehicle width or type. If dates on the MVUM are easy to misread, compare them with the forest’s current notices rather than assuming that a route is open because it was open on a previous trip. For a useful planning reference, see [Colorado Trail Conditions Reports].
Map apps can make route planning easier, but treat them as a planning aid rather than proof that you may ride a road. onX Offroad can help you review route lines and terrain before you leave home; compare what you see in the app with the applicable MVUM and current closure notices. Download maps for offline use if you expect weak cell service, and keep a paper map as a backup. The article [onX Offroad for Colorado Trails] offers more detail on using digital mapping for trail planning.
Watch for wilderness boundaries and nonmotorized routes
The Rico area is surrounded by rugged public land, but not every nearby destination is open to motorized travel. Wilderness boundaries are especially important: motor vehicles are not permitted in designated wilderness, and a trail that continues beyond a motorized route may become nonmotorized. Do not ride past a closure sign or assume that a route stays open simply because it is visible on a screen.
At junctions, slow down enough to read signs and confirm the route number or destination. A wrong turn can take you onto a nonmotorized trail, a private road, or a route with a different vehicle restriction. If the map, sign, and your intended route do not appear to agree, stop somewhere safe and resolve the question before continuing. [Colorado Wilderness Areas Closed to OHVs] explains why checking boundaries is a necessary part of route planning.
A good rule is to plan a legal route from the trailhead to the turnaround point, not just to a scenic spot. That includes checking every connecting segment. The forest-road portion of a trip may have different rules from the trail beyond it, so review [Colorado OHV Rules on Forest Service Roads] before treating a road connection as a rideable route.
| Planning question | What to check before you ride |
|---|---|
| Is the route open? | Current forest notices, seasonal dates, and the applicable MVUM |
| Is my machine allowed? | Route designation, vehicle type, and any width restriction |
| Can I ride there from town? | Whether the connecting roads are legal for your machine |
| Is the route near wilderness? | Boundary maps, signs, and route restrictions |
| Where can I unload? | Staging location, parking rules, and trailer space |
| Will I have navigation? | Offline maps, a backup map, and a planned turnaround point |
Prepare your ATV or UTV for the Rico area
Match the machine to the route
The word “OHV” covers machines with very different sizes and capabilities. A narrow ATV may fit routes that are unsuitable for a wide side-by-side, while a full-size UTV may be restricted on narrower trails. Check the width limit for each route you plan to use rather than relying on a general assumption about what is allowed in the area.
Terrain adds another consideration. A machine that handles a familiar local trail comfortably may feel different on a mountain route with steep grades, loose rock, tight turns, or exposed sections. Be honest about your group’s experience, and avoid choosing a route solely because a photo or online description makes it look manageable. For background on matching a machine to a trail, see [Colorado Trails That Suit Beginners].
Before leaving, inspect tires, brakes, steering, lights, fuel, and recovery equipment. Bring enough water, warm layers, basic first-aid supplies, and tools for the machine you are riding. Mountain weather can shift quickly, and a minor mechanical issue becomes harder to manage when you are far from the trailhead. Plan fuel conservatively, particularly if your route includes climbing or a long return. [Fuel Planning for a Colorado Trail Day] has additional practical tips.
Carry the right permit and paperwork
Colorado’s OHV requirements depend on where the machine is registered and where it will be used. Colorado residents generally need the appropriate state registration for an OHV used on designated public routes. Visitors bringing a machine from another state should confirm whether they need a Colorado nonresident permit; an out-of-state registration or sticker does not necessarily replace Colorado’s requirements.
Keep the required proof with you and make sure the registration or permit is valid for the riding you plan to do. If you are riding a borrowed machine or traveling with several vehicles, check that each machine has the required documentation rather than assuming one permit covers the whole group. The article [Colorado OHV Permits for Out-of-State Riders] explains the visitor-permit issue, while [Colorado Permits for a Second Machine] addresses the common question of riding with more than one OHV.
Do not confuse an OHV registration or permit with permission to ride on a public road. Route access and street use are separate questions. A machine may have the correct permit and still be prohibited from using a particular road. Check signs and local rules at every connection, and trailer the machine when you are uncertain about a paved-road segment.
Make a safer and more enjoyable ride plan
Build a realistic day around mountain conditions
Rico’s mountain setting makes it tempting to pack a long route into one day. But distance alone does not tell you how long a ride will take. A rough surface, slow-moving group, photo stops, weather, and unexpected route choices can all stretch the day. Set a turnaround time that leaves room to get back before conditions worsen, and tell someone where you expect to ride.
Check the forecast for the elevations on your route, not only the weather in town. Bring layers even if the morning starts warm, and take extra care if clouds build or visibility drops. If the route climbs high, be alert to how elevation affects both riders and machines. Anyone feeling unwell should stop and reassess rather than push on to meet a schedule.
Cell reception may be unreliable in mountain terrain. Download navigation information beforehand and consider carrying a suitable emergency communication device if your route is remote. Make sure everyone in the group knows the route, the turnaround plan, and what to do if the group becomes separated. A brief conversation at the trailhead is much easier than trying to coordinate after someone has taken a wrong turn.
Ride considerately and leave room for changes
Public-land riding means sharing routes with other users, including hikers, cyclists, horseback riders, wildlife, and other motorized groups. Slow down when visibility is limited, give other users space, and follow posted rules for noise, speed, and route use. Stay on designated routes; creating a shortcut around a muddy patch or obstacle can damage vegetation and widen the trail.
Be willing to change your plan. A closed road, crowded trailhead, storm, or machine problem is a reason to choose another legal route or head back, not a reason to bypass a closure. If you encounter a confusing sign or an unexpected restriction, stop in a safe place and verify the route. That small pause can prevent a much bigger problem later.
For a first visit, a shorter ride with time to learn the area is often more enjoyable than trying to cover every mapped line. Keep a backup destination in mind, leave enough fuel and daylight for the return, and make the day about the ride itself rather than reaching a particular point at all costs.
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.
