Driving 

CrossCountry

ATV’s may drive within established twotrack roads or trails that are wider than 

the vehicle. 

Vehicles may travel on existing 

routes where plants grow in obvious 

wheel depressions.

Motorcycles may drive 

on game or livestock 

trails only if they 

have had established 

and repeated use by 

motorcycles in the past. 

Motorcycles may 

travel on singletrack established 

roads and trails. 

Driving Etiquette

Providing recreational opportunities and managing the resource values for the public to enjoy 

depends on everyone’s cooperation when recreating on OHV’s. Remember to follow these tips when 

driving on public lands: 

➜ Stay on existing roads and trails.

➜Avoid riparian areas and wetlands. These 

areas provide habitat for over 70 percent of 

wildlife and aquatic species.

➜Ensure that your vehicle’s undercarriage 

and tires are not carrying weed seeds. The 

spread of noxious weeds has become a 

serious threat to wildlife habitat and rangelands. Wash vehicles before and after traveling roads and trails.

➜Many forms of human use can stress or 

harass wildlife. Do not approach or chase 

wildlife you may encounter. 

➜Protect and respect cultural resources, such as 

old cabins, historic mining sites, fossil areas, 

and traditional cultural properties. They are 

an important part of our heritage. Leave 

them for others to enjoy.

➜Your cooperation is needed to implement 

these rules and protect critical natural resources.

For More Information Contact:

Boise National Forest 208-373-4100

Cascade Ranger District 208-382-7400

Emmett Ranger District 208-365-7000

Idaho City Ranger District 208-392-6681

Lowman Ranger District 208-259-3361

Mountain Home Ranger District 208-587-7961

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. 23.316.402.08/04

in Travel Zone “E” Areas

What IS okay

United States Department of Agriculture

Forest Service

Boise National Forest

2004

O F F - R O A D

V E H I C L E U S E

GO
For more information:

www.fs.fed.us/r4/boise

What is “Driving

Cross-Country”?

Cross-country travel occurs when a motorized, 

wheeled vehicle goes off a road or trail.

The Boise National Forest has a variety of established travel zones, which permit several types of 

motorized uses on designated roads and trails. 

In Travel Zone E, motorized travel is permitted on 

designated roads or trails, and on “established” 

trails, as illustrated in this brochure’s photographs. 

In all other travel zones, motorized travel is allowed only on “designated roads and trails.” 

Obey signs, carry a Forest Service travel map, 

and inquire at the nearest ranger station to 

insure you have the latest information for your 

destination. 

The photographs show what type of travel is prohibited and permitted within Travel Zone E areas. 

Driving cross-country by 

motorized, wheeled vehicles is 

prohibited in the Boise National 

Forest. This policy is necessary 

to protect fragile soils, riparian 

areas, vegetation, and wildlife. 

ATV’s should not drive off 

roads or trails. Do not drive 

on undisturbed ground. 

Pickups should not drive on twotrack trails smaller than the width 

of the vehicle. 

ATV’s should not drive on 

single-track trails. 

Do not drive vehicles on 

livestock or game trails. 

 Vehicle travel to a temporary 

 campsite is allowed within 300 

 feet of a designated road or 

trail. Do not drive off-road to look for 

your camp spot. 

What IS NOT okay