Forest Service Proposed Off-Road Vehicle Access Shift
The Trump administration has moved to open federal roads and trails to off-road vehicles by default.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in National Parks
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The U.S. Forest Service has proposed a policy change that would allow off-road vehicles on federal roads and trails by default. This marks a reversal of current rules, which prohibit such vehicles unless specific exceptions are in place.
Why it matters
The administration aims to expand access for all-terrain vehicles across federal lands. Under the proposed rule, protections to restrict vehicle access would need to be carved out through individual negotiations and legal actions.
Federal roads and trails are currently closed to off-road vehicles by default. The proposed policy seeks to change this, requiring active intervention to restrict vehicle access.
The players
United States Forest Service
This federal agency manages 193 million acres of public land and oversees the regulation of roads and trails within national forests.
Donald Trump
He serves as the current President of the United States.
The details
The Forest Service intends to flip the default access rules for all-terrain vehicles across the national forest system. This shift means that areas like federal trails in Colorado, which were previously protected from such traffic by default, may now require specific legal challenges to limit use.
Timeline
September 24, 2026: The proposal for this federal policy shift was announced.
Roadmap
This proposal updates the long-standing interpretation of public land access rights established under the National Forest Management Act. It signals a departure from conservation-first land management toward a model prioritized by expanded recreational access.
Visitors to federal forests should monitor for new signage indicating where off-road vehicle access is now permitted. Those seeking quiet recreation may need to verify whether specific trails have been designated as open to motorized traffic under the new default rules.
The takeaway
The move represents a major change in how public land is categorized for motorized versus non-motorized recreation. Outdoor enthusiasts should stay informed on local trail status, as protections previously guaranteed by default may soon require local advocacy to maintain.
Further reading
Learn more about federal land management trends at National Parks.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Montrose Daily Press.
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