QUESTIONS / SAFETY
Certain questions about the Jamboree and the Paiute ATV Trail are common in the minds of those planning a trip. The following is information relating to questions often asked as well as some general safety and etiquette suggestions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are there any places to Dry Camp?
There are no official areas to dry camp during Jamboree. However, once local RV camping sites are full, the Sevier County Fairgrounds may open for dry camping. Please contact Yvonne at 435-979-9142 for information about the Fairgrounds.
Do I have to wear a helmet?
Each year, lives are saved during the Jamboree because individuals wear helmets. We urge all riders to use helmets properly while on rides during the Jamboree. Utah State Law, however, does not require helmets for individuals over the age of 18. In other words, please wear a helmet.
How does the Poker Card Draw work?
Every Thursday ride will be a poker run. Your guide will have poker cards available along the ride for riders to try and scratch and win. Guides will also be given the information necessary to judge the winners of the poker card game. Certificates for prizes will be given to the top two cards on each ride. Prizes may be picked up at the Sevier Valley Center information booth during the week.
Can I bring my dog?
There are no state laws that prohibit taking your dog along with you on your rides. We strongly recommend, however, that riders with dogs only take “Beginner” rides. Also, please be courteous by picking up after your animal and keeping it on a leash. Please note that while there are veterinary facilities that do board dogs, they are not open prior to rides leaving town and generally close before the ride returns.
Can I bring my Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) on the rides?
Any ATV or UTV that is 50 inches or less at the maximum width of the machine (including tires and aftermarket items) is allowed on any ride listed as part of the Jamboree. There are a number of rides where ATVs or UTVs that are wider than 50 inches will be allowed. The ride descriptions section of this packet indicates those rides that can accommodate wider vehicles with the term “more than 50 inches wide allowed”. No machine that is wider than 50 inches will be allowed on rides other than those designated as “more than 50 inches wide allowed”.
What if I can’t come to the Jamboree after I have registered? Do I get a refund?
We understand that life happens and it may not always be possible to join us for the Jamboree, even after you have registered. Under the refund policy, all refund requests must be in writing with refund amounts as follows: requests postmarked prior to September 1st will receive a $120.00 refund, requests postmarked on or after September 1st will receive a $75.00 refund.
What is the weather like during the Jamboree?
It is important to be prepared for any and all weather types. In most years, riders experience some rain and even snow while on the trail. Regardless of precipitation, the elevation changes over most of the rides results in a dramatic decrease in temperature during each ride. Please ride prepared!
Where do I go to get my credentials at the opening of the Jamboree?
All riders will meet at the Sevier Valley Center on the Monday morning of the Jamboree. Credentials and T-shirts for all riders can be picked up at the Center. Additional questions or concerns should be taken to the information station inside the lobby of the Sevier Valley Center.
What do I do if one of my rides is cancelled prior to or during the Jamboree?
On occasion, because of either a low number of riders or trail conditions a ride will be cancelled or combined with another ride. The Jamboree will make efforts to notify those riders whose rides have been cancelled or combined with another ride prior to the Jamboree so as to allow riders to make the necessary adjustments.
Can I ride in town during the Jamboree?
There are a number of streets in each town in central Utah that are considered “ATV Friendly”. Because of the number of riders in Richfield during the week of the Jamboree, local law enforcement is somewhat more lenient as to riding in town. It is our recommendation, however, that riders do their best to stay on the generally approved routes as much as possible.
Can I ride double on the Jamboree?
Utah State Law does not prohibit riding double. However, on advanced rides, the guide may not allow riding double because of the difficulty of the ride. Please trust their judgment. On longer rides, we have found cases where individuals have simply not been prepared for the length of the rides while riding double on their machine. Please be sure to have the necessary equipment that will make double riding both safe and enjoyable, and know your own limitations.
Can I switch rides after registration?
Anytime prior to September 1st rides can be switched by calling our office at 1-877-47-EVENT. After September 1st, rides may be switched the day of the ride by simply checking in with the guide of the ride you want to take. If there is room on the ride, the guide will allow you to participate. It is suggested that you check the ride list at the information booth for rides that listed as “full” prior to making any last minute changes.
STATE AND LOCAL ORDINANCES
Do not drink alcohol or use drugs while riding. As with autos, riding an ATV while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can lead to serious accidents involving you and/or other members of your group. Utah State law prohibits the use of drugs or alcohol while operating an ATV or any other motor vehicle.
Please observe the following safety tips, State and Local ATV ordinances:
Observe the same traffic laws as other normal vehicles. Courtesy goes a long way in avoiding and preventing problems with other users.
ATV’s shall yield right-of-way to automobiles at all times. Parts of the trail are also used for larger vehicles so be cautious and yield right-of-way to them always while riding. ATV’s shall also yield to horseback riders who may be using the same trail. When meeting horseback riders please pull off the trail and turn off your engine, allowing the horse to pass without being spooked by your machine.
All ATV trails and roads are subject to two-way traffic. Please use extreme caution when riding to avoid head-on collisions. Be courteous when allowing other riders to pass.
ATV use in cities and towns is restricted to designated routes except to directly access motels, gas stations and other related services and activities, and for direct access to the trail. Each city and town has certain streets designated as ATV routes. Maps can be made available upon request. Please use and respect these designated streets and other users and yield to normal vehicle traffic.
The Paiute ATV Trail and approved side trails have mostly been signed for your convenience. Please stay on a designated trails and prevent the disturbance and misuse of public lands. Riding on public lands is a privilege. Please help us to preserve it.
Utah State law requires that operators of ATV’s be 8 years of age or older. Operators between 8 and 16 years of age must be State certified in order to ride on public lands. Any rider between the ages of 8 and 16 who is certified or otherwise legal in his or her home state can legally ride in the State of Utah for a period of 14 days. Parents or guardians of younger riders are required to provide close supervision while riding.
Thanks for observing our community and State ATV laws and ordinances. Your strict conformance to these laws will help ensure and preserve your right to use ATV’s on public lands in the future and will enhance your safety and enjoyment of Jamboree activities.
WILDLIFE
Some visitors are astonished at the massive nature of the trail system and the remoteness of some of the areas. Because of this some have expressed real concern about encountering wildlife along the trail. Though there are some wild animals, they are extremely wary of humans, unless they are protecting their young.
Some species of wildlife are fairly common and encountering these can significantly enhance the experience of the Paiute Trail. Mule deer are common to the area and can be seen on any part of the trail, particularly at dusk. The Fishlake National Forest is also home to large herds of elk. At times the deer will stand and watch you long enough for you to get your camera out for pictures. Elk are more wary, so when you spot them it’s best to already have the camera ready. To view or photograph these animals, stop your ATV but leave the engine running and remain on the vehicle. Changes in sound or sudden movement will startle the animals. Chasing wildlife is illegal because it stresses them and could lead to their death.
The area around the Paiute ATV Trail is a popular wintering area for both golden and bald eagles. Some remain year long, so you may see one of these majestic birds as you travel along the trail. There is a herd of moose in the Fishlake Basin. These animals wander quite widely so you might get a rare chance to see one on the northeast part of the trail. Some lucky riders may catch a glimpse of the mountain goats as they traverse the Tushar Mountains, near the top. Other animals often seen along the trail include coyotes, ground squirrels, chipmunks and numerous species of song birds. The best way to shoot them is with a camera. Above all, do not harass the wildlife.
Skunks, rattlesnakes and badgers are also present in the area. If you encounter one in the middle of the trail, common sense should tell you to stay your distance until it decides to leave or you can find a safe route around. Then you can use the encounter to spice up the description of the trip to the folks back home.
Most of the trail system is on public lands where ranchers have permits to graze cattle. Consequently, you may see cattle on any part of the trail. They are completely harmless. When encountering cows on the trail, simply reduce your speed and continue driving. They will get out of your way. Remember that these cows belong to someone so do not harass them unnecessarily. There are gates along the trail separating pastures or land ownerships. Always leave these gates as you find them; open if you find them so, or closed if they were closed when you arrived.
PRIVATE LANDS
At places the Paiute Trail passes through private land. All of the main loop and some of the side trails follows legal rights-of-way across these parcels of private lands. Some areas of the Forest are closed or restricted to motorized travel to protect wildlife habitat, watershed conditions or other recreational opportunities. When riding remember not to trespass on private property and stay on designated trails. Remember that riding on trails on public lands is a privilege that is already being closely scrutinized by environmentalists, politicians and land managers. If you stay on designated trails, ‘tread lightly,’ carry out any garbage and generally leave the land as you found it, you will help to preserve your right to ride on public lands.
ELEVATION AND EQUIPMENT
There are several factors that should be considered due to the high elevation of the trails. Elevations along the trail range from 5,000 to 12,000 feet above sea level. Because of the elevation and low oxygen levels, people with respiratory problems or heart conditions should consult a doctor before leaving home. Also, people coming directly from near sea level must be aware that physical stamina until they become acclimatized.
Another result of the trail’s high elevations is temperature fluctuations. First, with over a mile of relief between high and low points, there can be a 20 to 30 degree temperature difference along the trail. Second, it is common to have a 40 degree temperature change from morning to night. This fluctuation in temperature should be considered by those planning to camp along the trail. Along with these temperature fluctuations is the fact that it never really gets too warm at 11,000 feet. As a result you should always carry warm clothing even if the weather appears mild at the start of a ride. You should also make sure your ATV is jetted properly for this altitude.
Prep-planning is the key to a successful trip. Once you embark on the trail, you are in a different world with few support services. It is important that you have everything you might need. This includes having enough fuel to get from one filling station to the next.
SAFETY
The following suggested are intended to make your ATV ride safe and enjoyable. Your focus on safety should start before you leave home and continue until all the equipment is put away.
All Jamboree events will be led by competent guides who are familiar with the trails to be used and the conditions to be met. For your own safety and peace of mind, and that of the entire group, we require that every rider stay with the group and follow the assigned guide. Those who prefer to travel faster than the group and who decide to strike out on their own are generally the ones who have troubles. All Jamboree rides are classified as to the difficulty of the trail and necessary rider skill and experience.
Ride Difficulty Definitions:
Beginner:These rides are almost wholly on dirt roads in the Paiute system. Some of the beginner rides may include short moderately steep sections or switchbacks.
Intermediate:Intermediate rides generally include some road and ATV trail portions with some steep, rough or challenging trails. A ride may also be intermediate in nature due to its length.
Advanced:Advanced rides will generally include portions that are steep, rough, and otherwise difficult to maneuver. In some cases, rides are listed as advanced because of the length of the ride.
Please note that Beginner riders who place themselves in an advanced group may become a problem to the entire group. We require that each rider, regardless of age or experience, wear a helmet, gloves, over-the-ankle boots, shatter-resistant eye protection, long pants and a long sleeved shirt or jacket while riding. Eye protection is necessary because branches out over the trail, flying dirt, dust, rocks and insects can get into unprotected eyes. The other safety clothing is for sudden spills that can be caused by ruts, rocks or roots that can throw an ATV and its rider off course and into a spill. This is especially true if a ride is traveling too fast for trail conditions or personal ability.
Don’t push yourself beyond your limits either in the speed or distance you plan to travel. Exceeding either limit leads to fatigue and loss of control which can cause accidents. The Paiute ATV and the Great Western Trails are meant for leisurely travel, not for speed. Most ATV accidents can be attributed to excessive speed; traveling too fast for conditions. Accidents may also be caused by excessive dust and limited visibility.
You can minimize dust and increase your riding safety and enjoyment if you allow 15 to 30 seconds between yourself and the rider ahead of you. We suggest this spacing as a critical safety tip.
You should plan to carry plenty of water or other non-alcoholic liquid. Unless you are used to the aridity of Utah you can lose more body fluids than you realize, leading to dehydration and exhaustion. Do not drink water from steams. Giardia, a water-borne disease, is found in all surface waters and can ruin a good vacation.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
Sevier County and its sponsors and supporters, have tried to take every possible precaution to assist you in having a safe and enjoyable adventure while you are here. Because of the nature of this particular sport, it must be understood by every participant that there are inherent dangers in riding ATV’s. The Jamboree, its sponsors and supporters and public land management agencies cannot be responsible or liable for any accidents or mishaps, or personal or property damage which occurs during Jamboree events. By registering for the Jamboree, each rider takes upon himself personal responsibility for his own safety and well being, and that of others in his care. A State sponsored rider training course is offered to every rider who desires each training prior to participation in Jamboree events. This course is voluntary but is strongly recommended for new or less experienced riders (Never-Ever and Beginner riders). Refer to the Jamboree Agenda for course date, time and location.
Riders are required to stay with their groups and follow the designated guide. This will help provide for the safety and comfort of all riders. A guide will assist the group in determining and maintaining a safe and comfortable speed and will determine the routes to be followed. We must emphasize that the Paiute ATV Trail and the Great Western Trail, and associated side trails, are not built nor intended for speed. They are intended for a more leisurely pace which lends itself to the nature of the trails and the mountainous, often rough, terrain. Good judgment and responsible riding, on the part of every rider, must be exercised at all times on the trail. Each rider will be responsible for compliance with the conditions set forth herein, and for the condition and operation of his or her own ATV and related equipment, and of his or her own safety and personal protective gear, and that of those in his charge.
Utah State ATV laws indicate that where trails are located on public lands, and have been properly designated as open to ATV use, those involved in land management, and organized, permitted uses on those trails bear no responsibility or liability for accidents which may happen due to trail use or participation in events involving those trails. Again we emphasize personal responsibility for safety and well being on the trail.
Jamboree personnel have attempted to assign a rating to each event, in order to help riders determine which events will be within the scope of their experience and ability, and to avoid those that may be beyond their abilities. These ratings are not according to any established system, but have been based only on the experience and personal knowledge of the guides. A variety of rides has been selected in an effort to provide events suitable to the abilities and wants of every rider. If riders have any questions or concerns about the difficulty of any event, they should ask the guide or other Jamboree personnel prior to joining with the group. Riders are encouraged to pick the Jamboree rides and events which suit their individual experience and riding abilities.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS
Rocky Mountain ATV Jamboree is very environmentally conscientious and insists that all participants be aware of potential environmental related problems. Our policy is to be absolutely “environmentally friendly” by adhering to the following:
Keep your ATV on designated roads and trails at all times. Your ATV wheels must be absolutely in the established wheel tracks. Do not ride or even park your ATV off the trail, in the grass, brush or on any vegetation. Participants must confine their riding to inventoried, mapped, signed and designated ATV routes; specifically those as outlined by the Jamboree and designated in our Special Use Permit from the Forest Service and the BLM. Trained guides will keep you on those designated trails, if you will follow them carefully.
There are a number of smaller stream crossings on the established trail systems. When crossing steams, always cross at 90N to the stream flow; this is the shortest path to the other side. Most stream beds consist of rock so your crossing will not stir up any sediment. However, this may not be the case in some of the smaller streams. Please cross slowly and carefully, trying not to stir up or damage the muddy bottom.
Please be aware of sensitive riparian areas adjacent to many streams. While the established trail will not traverse these areas, you must be careful not to cause any damage when you cross steams. Avoid running over any vegetation, including young trees, shrubs and grasses. Again, stay in the established wheel tracks and follow your guide.
Please be sensitive to the needs of wildlife, livestock, ranchers, horsemen, hunters and other users of the trail. Do not harass wildlife or livestock. Upon sighting wildlife, slow down or stop your machines, leave the engines running, and stay on your ATV. Most animals will not be alarmed by your passing or watching. However, if you stop quickly, turn off your engine and climb off your machine, the change seems to alert them and they will tend to move away from you.
If trails should be blocked or downed trees or other obstacles, please do not make your way around them. This practice establishes parallel trails, which is to be avoided at all times. Instead, with the help of the group if necessary, remove the obstacle and proceed within the established road or trail.
DO NOT pioneer any new trails.
Tread lightly! Leave no trace that you were there. Always leave the trail better than you found it.
Please help eliminate trash that may be found along the way. As for your own trash, “if you pack it in, pack it out.”
If you enjoy riding the trails, please contribute to their maintenance and upkeep.
The Paiute ATV Trail Committee reminds you that it is a privilege to use the trail, and that the user is responsible to maintain that privilege. By obeying these guidelines we can continue to enjoy this unique system of trails and the privilege of riding on public lands.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Special thanks to the Fishlake, Manti LaSal and Dixie National Forests and Richfield District of the Bureau of Land Management for allowing Jamboree use of public lands under their administration. Their land use and management policies have allowed for our controlled and careful use of ATV’s on public lands. Thanks also to the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation, which administers ATV registration, safety, rider training and certification programs in Utah.
Most of all, THANK YOU to all of the volunteers who help to guide the Jamboree rides and provide help at the Event Center. Without the help of the Southern Utah OHV club, its members and other local residents who participate, the Jamboree would not be possible.