BC Trails That Allow Side-by-Sides
A side-by-side can open up a lot of backcountry riding in British Columbia, but finding a trail that genuinely fits your machine takes more than spotting an ATV route on a map. Width limits, gates, active logging, seasonal closures and local rules can all affect access. This guide explains how to identify suitable riding areas and check a route before loading up.
What makes a BC trail suitable for a side-by-side
A trail being open to ATVs does not guarantee UTV access
Side-by-sides are wider and often heavier than quads, so a route that works for a single-rider ATV may not work for your UTV. A narrow bridge, tight switchback, steep sidehill or trail barrier can turn an apparently straightforward route into a problem. Some trails are designed around narrower machines, while others may have enough room for wider vehicles but still restrict them through local rules or signs.
Start by looking for information that specifically mentions side-by-sides, UTVs or width limits. Don’t rely only on a general “ATV trail” label. Check the width of your machine against posted restrictions and consider whether accessories such as a roof, mirrors, tires or a spare-tire carrier add to its overall width. A vehicle that fits the stated limit on paper can still be awkward to manoeuvre through a narrow gate or around a sharp corner.
It also helps to separate a managed recreation trail from an informal route, resource road or track on Crown land. Different areas may have different access rules, and permission to ride one kind of route does not mean every connecting route is open. For the broader picture, see [BC Crown Land Riding Explained] and [BC Forest Service Road Requirements].
Confirm access for the route, not just the riding area
A riding area can contain a mix of roads and trails with different conditions. One section might be wide enough for a side-by-side, while a nearby spur is narrow, gated or closed to motorized use. Before heading out, identify the exact trail or loop you plan to ride and check how you’ll reach it from the staging area. This is especially important if your route crosses a bridge, creek, private land, a provincial park boundary or an active work zone.
Look for recent notices from the organization or agency that manages the area. A map app can help you understand the layout, but a mapped line alone does not establish that a route is open or suitable for your machine. The onX Offroad app can be useful for exploring mapped routes and planning around terrain, but confirm access and closures with local signage and the relevant land or trail manager before you ride.
If you’re comparing options, use a simple checklist rather than choosing a trail based only on distance or scenery:
| What to check | Why it matters for a side-by-side |
|---|---|
| Explicit UTV or side-by-side access | An ATV label may not cover every vehicle size |
| Width limits and barriers | Gates, posts and narrow bridges can block access |
| Current closures | Fire restrictions, maintenance or industrial activity can change access |
| Trail surface and grade | Loose, wet or steep sections can be harder in a heavier machine |
| Staging and parking | Your truck and trailer need a safe place to unload |
| Pass or permit requirements | Managed sites may have their own access process |
| Cell coverage | You may need an offline map and a backup communication plan |
For more background on trail access and closures, read [BC Motor Vehicle Closures and How to Find Them] and [BC Trail Difficulty Ratings].
BC riding areas to investigate
Bear Creek near Kelowna
Bear Creek is a well-known managed riding area in the Okanagan, and it is one place side-by-side riders may want to investigate when planning a trip. Don’t assume that every route in a large riding area is suitable for every UTV, though. The practical question is which trails are currently open to your machine’s width and type, and whether any restrictions affect your intended loop.
Before travelling to the staging area, check the site’s current trail information, access requirements and any notices about closures or conditions. If you’re going with a group, compare the dimensions of everyone’s vehicles. A route that is manageable for a compact two-seat machine may be a poor fit for a wider four-seat model. The ride can become stressful if one vehicle cannot pass a barrier or turn around safely.
Plan for the basics at the trailhead, too. Confirm where you can park and unload, what pass or proof you need to carry, and whether the route has enough suitable places to stop without blocking other users. The Bear Creek-specific guide, [Bear Creek OHV: BC's Largest Recreation Site], can help you investigate the area, while [Bear Creek Trail Passes in BC] covers the separate question of managed-site access.
Tabor Mountain near Prince George
Tabor Mountain is another area worth researching if you’re planning a ride in the Prince George region. As with any large trail network, don’t treat a single trail map as blanket permission for every vehicle or every route. Check the specific route, current trail information and any posted restrictions that could affect a side-by-side.
Think about the character of your group’s ride before choosing a loop. A longer route may sound appealing, but a wide machine can be less nimble on tight trails, and a group that includes different vehicle sizes may need to choose routes that work for the largest vehicle. If you’re unfamiliar with the area, ask a local club or trail contact which routes are appropriate for UTVs and where the trail conditions or access points have changed.
For regional planning, [Prince George Riding on Tabor Mountain] provides a useful starting point. You can also explore [BC Trails With Camping] if you’re planning a multi-day trip, but verify that the particular campground or recreation site allows your vehicle and that access roads are suitable for your trailer.
How to check a route before you ride
Use maps as planning tools, then verify access
A good route-planning routine uses more than one source. Start with a map to understand distances, intersections, elevation and possible turnaround points. Then check the trail manager’s information, local club updates and signs at the trailhead. If sources disagree, treat the route as uncertain and get clarification before riding it.
The onX Offroad app can help you review mapped routes and save information for offline use where supported. That can be handy in backcountry areas where cell service is limited. Still, an app cannot replace a closure notice, a gate, or a posted restriction. Download the map before leaving reliable service, and don’t assume that a line shown on-screen is legal, maintained or passable for your vehicle.
If the map shows a route crossing a road or connecting to another trail system, check each section separately. A route may leave a managed recreation area and enter a road with different operating rules. For example, resource roads can have industrial traffic, changing conditions and specific safety expectations. Review [BC Resource Roads With Active Hauling] before riding in areas where logging or other work may be underway.
Assess the machine and the group honestly
Before the ride, measure your side-by-side’s overall width and compare it with any posted limit. Include attachments that affect clearance. Then think about turning radius, ground clearance, tire setup and the experience of the driver. A trail that is technically wide enough can still be a poor choice if a narrow corner, steep drop or exposed sidehill leaves no room for a correction.
Match the route to the least-experienced driver in the group, not just the most confident one. If you’re bringing a new passenger or travelling with children, plan frequent stops and avoid routes where turning around would be difficult. Make sure passengers are seated and secured as intended by the manufacturer, and follow the relevant rules for side-by-side passengers in BC. [BC Rules for Riding a Side-by-Side] is a helpful companion read.
It’s also sensible to agree on a turnaround point before you begin. If you reach a gate, washout, bridge or slope that looks unsuitable, don’t let the pressure to “just see what’s around the bend” make the decision for you. Leave enough daylight and fuel to return to the staging area without rushing.
Preparation, access and trail etiquette
Handle paperwork and access requirements before departure
Check that your machine is properly registered for the riding you plan to do and that you have the required documents with you. If you’re unsure what applies to your vehicle, start with [How to Register an ATV in BC]. Your route may also involve a managed site with its own pass requirements, separate from general vehicle registration. Confirm the pass rules in advance, and keep proof available even if you expect to have limited cell service.
If a trail connects to a Forest Service road, don’t assume the rules are the same as on a designated recreation trail. Road access, insurance expectations and traffic conditions can differ. Review the relevant road requirements, follow posted signs and give industrial vehicles plenty of space. A loaded logging truck may not be able to stop or move aside quickly, so slow down, stay alert and follow local radio practices where they apply.
Bring a paper or offline backup for important route information. Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return. Pack water, basic tools, a first-aid kit and a way to communicate if your phone loses service. These steps may feel like extra work when you’re eager to ride, but they matter when a mechanical issue or unexpected closure changes the day’s plan.
Ride in a way that keeps the route open for others
Stay on routes that are open to your machine and avoid widening trails by driving around muddy sections or barriers. In a wide UTV, it can be tempting to pick a line around ruts or puddles, but riding off the established trail can damage vegetation and create new tracks that other riders then follow. If conditions are poor, turning around is often the better choice.
Be considerate at narrow sections. Slow down when meeting other riders, choose a safe place to pass and avoid blocking junctions or trailheads while your group regroups. Keep noise in mind, particularly near homes, campsites and wildlife. If you encounter a closure sign, active work or a newly installed gate, respect it rather than looking for a way around.
A little local research goes a long way. Ask a nearby club or trail contact about current access, suitable UTV routes and any seasonal conditions that could affect your plans. Pair that advice with official notices and on-the-ground signs, and you’ll be better prepared to choose a route that suits both your machine and the area.
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.
