By Clare Tone

Download the free U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Motor Vehicle Use Maps first!

The USFS has established official Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) for the Roosevelt and Arapaho National Forests. These National Forests include some great horseback riding trails in Western Boulder County.

The MVUM displays National Forest routes, roads and trails open to legal motorized travel (4WD, ATVs/UTVs, motorbikes, etc). Importantly, routes not shown on the MVUM are not open to motor vehicles. It’s not enough for vehicles to rely on signs to indicate where they can ride on the National Forest. It is the vehicle user’s responsibility to refer to the MVUM to ensure they are riding on legally designated routes.

What does this mean for horseback riders?

We can use the MVUM to plan our rides on USFS lands to minimize potentially dangerous run-ins with vehicles. The maps can be printed directly from the USFS website.

Even better, download the FREE map onto your smartphone from the Avenza App store. The App does not require internet/cell reception to display map features and your location in real time. Below are the  links to the areas covered by the Boulder Ranger District. You can also find other MVUM areas in the Avenza store as well!

Roosevelt National Forest: North Half
Roosevelt National Forest: South Half 

What should you do if you encounter vehicles on undesignated routes?

As always it’s best to demonstrate good trail etiquette and communication. Often it’s a chance to educate others about safe interaction between horses and vehicles. When we are riding on shared lands it’s always best to aim to be Equestrian Ambassadors to the public. However, especially egregious or irresponsible issues can be reported to the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office dispatch/non-emergency line by calling 303-441-4444.

Safe Travels!