Trails That Suit a 50-Inch Machine

A 50-inch side-by-side can open up more riding options than a full-size UTV, but the width number on a brochure does not guarantee every narrow Colorado trail is open to it. This guide explains how to check your machine’s real width, read route restrictions, and plan rides at places such as Rampart Range, Taylor Park, and Grand Mesa without arriving at a trailhead only to find your route won’t fit.

What a 50-inch trail means in Colorado

Width limits apply to routes, not just machines

A 50-inch trail generally refers to a route with a maximum vehicle-width limit of 50 inches. That limit is about whether a vehicle can use that specific route—not a promise that every trail in a riding area is suitable for a 50-inch machine. One trailhead may offer a mix of routes with different width limits, surfaces, and difficulty levels.

The route’s official designation matters more than the name of the recreation area, the appearance of the track, or another rider’s description. A wide-looking approach road may connect to a restricted trail, while a narrow-looking section may be part of a route authorized for your machine. Pay attention to posted signs and official route information at junctions, not just what you can see from the parking area.

This distinction is easy to overlook when you are planning from home. A rider might see that an area has ATV trails and assume a compact side-by-side can ride anywhere within its boundaries. In practice, an area can include trails for motorcycles, ATVs, vehicles within a specified width, and larger vehicles—alongside routes closed to motorized use.

Measure the vehicle you will actually ride

Start with the manufacturer’s stated width, then consider what has changed since the machine left the factory. Aftermarket wheels and tires, wheel spacers, fender extensions, mirrors, nerf bars, and other accessories can make a vehicle wider. Even if a stock model is advertised as 50 inches, the modified machine parked in your garage may measure more.

Measure across the widest part of the vehicle, including tires if they extend beyond the bodywork. Check the owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s measurement method, and use a tape measure on the machine as it is set up for the trip. If you are close to the route limit, do not assume that a small difference will go unnoticed or that a trail’s physical width gives you permission to ride it.

For example, imagine two friends planning the same ride. One has a stock machine listed at 50 inches; the other has added wider wheels and tires. They may look nearly identical in photos, but only checking the actual setup can reveal whether both meet the route restriction. A useful related read is [Narrow Trails and Machine Width], especially if you are deciding whether a particular setup is a sensible fit for Colorado’s tighter routes.

A route’s width rating is only one part of the fit

A machine can meet a width limit and still be a poor match for a trail. Consider ground clearance, wheelbase, turning room, tire condition, braking, and the driver’s experience. A narrow route may include steep pitches, loose rock, tight turns, water crossings, or exposure that makes a capable driver think twice.

Width also does not tell you whether a route is open today. Seasonal gates, closures, fire restrictions, maintenance work, or changing conditions can affect access. Before leaving, check the route’s current official information and signs on the ground. For general planning, [Trail Difficulty Ratings and What They Mean] can help you think beyond a single number and compare the kind of terrain your group is ready to handle.

How to verify that a route fits your machine

Read the map for the specific route

A recreation-area map is a starting point, not a blanket authorization for every road and trail in the area. Look for the line, route number, or trail segment you intend to ride, then check the legend for vehicle-width categories, permitted uses, and seasonal notes. Confirm that the entire route is suitable for your machine—not just the first section from the staging area.

For public land routes, a Motor Vehicle Use Map, often called an MVUM, is an important planning tool. It identifies routes designated for motorized use and may show vehicle classes, seasonal dates, and other restrictions. Learn how to use one in [Reading a Colorado Motor Vehicle Use Map]. Where a map is unclear, ask the relevant land manager or local information office rather than relying on an old screenshot or an informal trail description.

Digital mapping can be helpful when you are comparing branches and tracing a planned loop. onX Offroad is one option riders use to review route information and build a trip plan. Treat any app as a planning aid, not a substitute for official maps, posted closures, or signs at the trail junction. Save the map information you need before leaving town, since cell coverage can be unreliable in mountain areas.

Check every junction and restriction sign

At a trailhead, stop and orient yourself before unloading or riding out. Find the posted map, confirm the route number, and check for signs indicating width limits, seasonal closures, one-way travel, or other restrictions. If the route divides, repeat the check at the junction instead of assuming the next segment has the same designation as the one you just rode.

A group ride can make this step feel awkward. The lead rider may be eager to get moving, and someone in the back may say they rode the same trail last summer. Still, a quick check is better than discovering a restriction after the group has committed to a narrow section. Keep the map accessible and agree that anyone can call for a stop when a sign or route marker is unclear.

Signs and official information should guide your decision even when the trail looks wide enough. A route’s physical condition can change, and a machine squeezing through does not make travel legal or appropriate. If a marked 50-inch route feels too tight for a modified machine, or the signs are confusing, turn around and choose a route you can confirm.

Keep a backup route and an exit plan

A good plan includes more than a single destination. Choose a primary route, a shorter alternative, and a way back to the trailer or campground if weather, a closure, a mechanical problem, or the group’s energy changes your day. This matters especially in high country, where a short-looking map segment can take longer than expected because of rough surfaces, elevation, traffic, or frequent stops.

Share your intended route with someone who is not riding with you. Note the trailhead, expected return window, and any planned connection to a town or campground. Carry a charged phone, but do not depend on it for navigation or emergency contact in areas with dead zones. A downloaded map or paper backup can make a real difference when a junction is not where you expected it to be.

Before the trip, review [Colorado Trail Conditions Reports] and check the land manager’s posted information for the area. Conditions can differ across nearby routes: a lower section may be dry while a shaded high-elevation segment still has snow or mud. A flexible route plan helps you avoid forcing a ride simply because you hauled the machine a long distance.

Colorado riding areas to consider

Rampart Range near Colorado Springs

Rampart Range is a familiar option for riders along the Front Range, with access from the Colorado Springs and Denver regions. The area has a network of motorized routes and varied terrain, making it attractive for day rides. That variety is exactly why riders should check individual route designations rather than assume every track in the recreation area accepts a 50-inch machine.

Before choosing a route, identify the specific trail numbers you plan to ride and verify their width and permitted vehicle class on official maps and signs. For more focused planning, see [Rampart Range Trail Ratings]. A machine that is a good match for one route may not be allowed or comfortable on another, even if both start near the same staging area.

Rampart can also be busy, particularly on weekends and during popular riding periods. Leave room for other users, slow down near trailheads, and be ready for dust and oncoming traffic. If your group includes newer drivers, avoid choosing a route solely because it appears short on the map. Consider how much time you will need for stops, navigation, and careful travel through narrower or more technical sections.

Taylor Park and the Gunnison high country

Taylor Park, west of Gunnison, is a major base for exploring a broad network of high-country roads and trails. The area offers a range of riding experiences, but snow, mud, elevation, and seasonal access can shape which routes make sense at a given point in the season. A trail that looks straightforward on a map may feel demanding when it is wet, rocky, or exposed.

Use the official route information to confirm which segments are suitable for a 50-inch vehicle and whether they are open. The regional overview [Taylor Park and Colorado's High-Country Trail Network] is a useful starting point for thinking about the broader network, but it should not replace route-by-route checks. Keep in mind that the trip may include connectors with different restrictions or conditions.

At altitude, a relaxed pace and conservative planning are sensible. Drivers and passengers may feel the effects of elevation, and machines can behave differently on long climbs than they do at lower elevations. Bring water, warm layers, food, basic recovery supplies, and a plan for turning back if weather moves in. A smaller vehicle may fit a route, but that does not remove the need to assess the terrain and the group’s comfort level.

Grand Mesa and other areas

Grand Mesa, near towns such as Grand Junction and Delta, has a large network of forest roads and motorized routes. Its elevation, lakes, and forested terrain can make for appealing rides, but route designations vary. Use [Grand Mesa's 150 Miles of Trails] as an area overview, then confirm the specific routes you intend to ride through official maps and signs.

Conditions can change quickly across the mesa. A route may be muddy or snow-covered while a lower approach is dry, and a late-day storm can affect visibility and comfort. Check seasonal access information before setting out, and avoid treating a route as open just because it appears in a map app. A map may help you plan, but posted closures and land-manager information take priority.

The same approach applies to other Colorado riding areas: identify a specific route, confirm that it is open and authorized for your machine, and consider whether its difficulty matches your group. The broad guide [Colorado Trails Rated for Full-Size Vehicles] can help with the contrast between routes suited to larger machines and narrower options, but always verify what applies to your planned ride. An area name alone is never enough to establish that a particular trail is a fit for your vehicle.

Planning question	What to check	Why it matters
Is the machine within the limit?	Actual width with tires and accessories installed	Modifications can push a machine beyond its advertised width
Is this route authorized?	Official map, route designation, and posted signs	An area may contain routes with different vehicle restrictions
Is the route open?	Seasonal dates, closure notices, and local conditions	Snow, mud, maintenance, or restrictions can change access
Is the trail suitable for the group?	Difficulty, terrain, elevation, experience, and weather	Width alone does not indicate how challenging a route will be
Can the group return safely?	Backup route, turnaround points, fuel, and daylight	A practical exit plan reduces pressure to continue when conditions change

Choosing a route that matches your group

Match the trail to the least experienced rider

It is tempting to plan around the most confident driver in the group, especially when that person has visited the area before. A safer approach is to choose a route that the least experienced driver can handle comfortably. That does not mean everyone needs to stay on an easy road forever; it means the group should build difficulty gradually and leave room for mistakes, stops, and changing conditions.

Think about more than driving skill. A newer passenger may be uneasy on steep slopes, and a confident driver may still be unfamiliar with mountain weather or high-altitude riding. Ask the group whether they are comfortable with narrow turns, loose rock, exposure, and longer distances from the trailhead. Honest answers at the staging area are much easier to manage than a stressful conversation halfway up a difficult trail.

For a mixed group, plan shorter loops with clear turnaround options. Let the more experienced riders explore a separate route only if the group has a clear meeting point and a reliable communication plan. Do not pressure someone to continue because others have already committed to a destination. A good ride is one everyone can complete safely, not the longest route on the map.

Think about the whole day, not only the trail

A route may be a good technical fit but still make a poor day plan if it requires a long drive, a late start, or an ambitious return. Include unloading, permits or registrations that apply, trailhead parking, fuel, meals, and time to secure the machine afterward. If you are towing a trailer, confirm that there is room to stage and turn around before arriving with a large rig.

Weather deserves particular attention in Colorado’s mountains. A clear morning does not guarantee a calm afternoon, especially at higher elevations. Build in time to descend or return before conditions deteriorate, and carry clothing for temperature changes. If the sky darkens, thunder develops, or visibility drops, reassess the plan instead of trying to reach one last scenic stop.

The practical details can shape the choice of riding area. A closer location may make more sense for a half-day outing, while a high-country destination may be better suited to a full day or an overnight stay. Review [Colorado Trailhead Parking and Staging] when planning where to unload, and think through whether your intended start point has suitable space for your vehicle and trailer.

Make conservative decisions on the trail

Riding within your comfort zone is not the same as being timid. It is a way to preserve choices. Slow down before blind corners, leave room between vehicles, and stop somewhere safe if you need to check a map. On narrow routes, avoid pulling into fragile vegetation or blocking traffic while the group discusses what to do next.

Turn around if the route is not what you expected, your machine does not fit comfortably, or the group is running short on daylight. Do not squeeze past a restriction sign or continue onto a closed route because the next section looks appealing. If you encounter another user, give them space and follow the route’s posted rules. A calm pause is preferable to a rushed maneuver on uneven ground.

Finally, take care of the trail. Stay on designated routes, avoid widening the track, and respect closures intended to protect soil, vegetation, or wildlife. Keep noise and dust in mind near homes, campgrounds, and trailheads. Responsible riding helps keep access available and makes the area more enjoyable for the next group.

Common mistakes to avoid

Assuming the advertised width tells the whole story

The phrase “50-inch machine” can sound definitive, but model specifications and actual vehicle setups are not always identical. Riders may forget that accessories, tire choice, or wheel changes affect the overall width. Others rely on a seller’s description without measuring the machine themselves.

Check the machine before every trip where width restrictions matter. If the vehicle is near the limit, record the measurement and consider whether any protruding parts could affect clearance. When in doubt, choose a route with a clearly appropriate designation rather than trying to interpret a close call at the trailhead.

Also avoid treating tire marks or other vehicles on a trail as proof that your machine is permitted. Riders may have taken an unauthorized route, or the route may have changed status. Your decision should rest on current official information, not on the fact that someone else got through.

Planning from a single map or old trip report

A map app, a printed map, and a friend’s trip report can all be useful, but none should be the only source you consult. A report may describe last year’s conditions; a map layer may not show a new closure; and a paper map may cover a broader area without clarifying every junction. Cross-check the route and look for current official notices.

This is where tools such as onX Offroad can support trip preparation: use them to trace a possible route, note intersections, and save useful map data. Then compare your plan with official route designations and information at the trailhead. That extra check is especially important when your loop crosses between management areas or connects a forest road with a narrower trail.

If you cannot confirm the route’s status, do not guess. Ask the relevant land manager or choose a route with clear authorization. Spending a few minutes checking is far less frustrating than unloading, riding to a junction, and discovering that the route is unsuitable.

Underestimating travel time and mountain conditions

Distance on a map can be misleading. A short route with rough sections, steep grades, or frequent traffic may take much longer than expected. Add time for breaks, navigation, photos, and helping a less experienced driver through a difficult spot. If your return time is tight, shorten the route before you start.

At high elevation, changing weather and fatigue can affect the whole group. Keep water and warm clothing accessible, and make sure everyone knows where the group will stop and when to turn around. If a machine develops a problem or a rider feels unwell, treat that as a reason to change plans, not an inconvenience to push through.

A 50-inch machine can be an excellent way to explore Colorado’s narrower motorized routes when the route is authorized and the vehicle is a good match. The reliable routine is simple: measure the machine as equipped, verify each route, check conditions and closures, and choose a ride your group can enjoy without rushing.

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.