Forest Service News Release - Illegal Motor Vehicle Operation

SODA SPRINGS, Idaho, November 1, 2024—The Soda Springs Ranger District has received numerous complaints throughout the 2024 hunting season of illegal ATV, UTV, and motorcycle use on the district.

Legal motorized routes are designated by the Motorized Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) which is published annually, and is available at district offices, online at Caribou-Targhee National Forest - Maps & Publications, and via Avenza which is a downloadable app allowing users to have a GPS enabled version of the MVUM.

Specific complaints regarding motorcycles operating off designated trails in the Johnson Meadows and Sulphur Peak areas South of Wood Canyon have been numerous. Illegal motor vehicle operation in areas outside of legal trails causes resource damage and is extremely disruptive to those recreationalists and hunters seeking a non-motorized environment.

Like other off-highway vehicles, dirt bikes are required to stay on trails and roads. The district does have motorized trails designated specifically for dirt bikes and the 50 inch or less trail system (also accessible to dirt-bikes) is extensive in the Trail Canyon / Wood Canyon area.

Identifying those individuals responsible for this activity is difficult due to the nature of the riding gear utilized by motorcyclists. The district is asking that riders please adhere to the legal trail system and that the recreating public assists us in educating riders. Recreational vehicle operators, be it dirt-bike, snowmobile, ATV or UTV, often share their passion for their sport with family, friends and occasionally even clubs. Please work within your groups to encourage responsible use.

Please contact the Soda Springs Ranger district if you have any questions about how to access MVUM’s or if you have any information about illegal motorized vehicle use on the district. 208-547-2235.