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Ultimate Guide to Preparing for an ATV Ride: Tips, Gear, and Safety

Updated: Aug 2, 2023

Get ready for the adrenaline-fueled adventure of an ATV ride with our comprehensive guide. Learn essential tips, gear recommendations, and safety measures to make your off-road experience unforgettable.

Here at Backbone, we have so many different ATVs and UTVs available for rentals in half and full day increments. We have varying sizes for what you desire, single seaters, 2 seaters, 4 seaters, and even 6 seaters for large groups or families. Preparing for an ATV ride can be fun and exciting, and this blog should help soothe any potential nerves.



Choosing the Right ATV When choosing your ATV always consider group size, comfort level, accommodations and such. If you want a fully controlled ride many opt for a single-seater, but on the other end, many enjoy the large options for the family groups that way everyone can see the sights together.

Essential Gear for ATV Riding

  1. Helmet: We make everyone leave with a properly fitting helmet. Helmets are the best way to keep your head safe from any impact and plus, our mouth covering ones keeps your face dry from the mud and dirt out of your teeth.

  2. Goggles: We have goggles one can rent per ride and we always recommend eye wear for personal protection and comfort. The trails can get dusty, muddy, windy and more where eyes are sensitive and having protection makes your ride more fun.

  3. Gloves: We do have gloves to purchase for rides and we do want them to fit properly and cover well. This adds some grip and protection from the weather when riding.

  4. Riding Boots: We require everyone driving to wear close-toed shoes of their liking, tennis shoes, boots, etc. We recommend these due to the better coverage and safety for the feet and keeping them clean of debris and mud that can get caked into the gears.

  5. Protective Clothing: we want people to come dressed how they want but we suggest wearing comfortable full coverage pants and long sleeves or to bring layers due to the unpredictable weather in Colorado. Plus, it can get very muddy and windy on trail and many prefer to stay covered in those conditions.


Preparing Yourself for the Ride


  1. Physical Readiness: Here at high elevations, we recommend preparing for at least a full day before riding. That can include walking, kayaking, yoga and more to just acclimate better to Colorado’s climate and high elevation.

  2. Familiarize Yourself with the ATV: At Backbone we go through a walk-through before you head on your adventure. This is done with one of our seasoned professionals who will tell you the ins and outs of our vehicles and give you tips, tricks and obvious safety rules.

  3. Check our Rules: We always go over maps and regulations before you hit the trail. We want you to be as informed and safe as possible, so we provide paper maps, electronic maps and all the knowledge of our trails and current conditions.

  4. Plan Your Route: Our trails vary in what someone may want to ride, see and tackle. It is good advice to research your level of comfort on trail and decide on how much time you want behind the wheel before getting on trail.


Maintenance and Inspection Having an updated and clean vehicle is essential to making your ride safe and fun. We take the greatest pride in maintaining new vehicles and always doing regular inspections and updates after each ride.


  1. During our walkthrough we go over all the warnings, instructions and how to’s for the vehicle, and not just for the driver. We want everyone to be comfortable and safe renting with us and ensure that all questions are answered, and everyone feels secure.

  2. Tire Inspection: we go through how to place your tires on trail for best experience and safety to make sure that you stay on trail and can still have plenty of fun.

  3. Brakes and Lights: All lights are inspected before each ride and all brakes and pads are checked as well. We go over how to use them and best tips for maneuvering the vehicle.

  4. Suspension and Steering: we want people to feel comfortable and do a comprehensive check and instruction guide on how to steer and see where the vehicle lands with the tires and directions.


Safety Tips for ATV Riding


  1. Ride with a Buddy: Occasionally riding with friends or families can be challenging but a good thing in case of emergencies or morale. This is great tip when wanting great photos, a spotter on trail, support when driving and more. As always, this may not be the case for everyone, and we want people to decide on their own.

  2. Stick to Designated Trails: We have clearly laid out maps to ensure everyone feels safe and clear on directions. The trails are marked by the forest service, and we advise people to always be safe and stay on designated trails in case of emergencies or new regulations.

  3. Maintain a Safe Speed: Speed limit on trail is 10mph and there can be times on trail where any speed above that can become dicey due to washouts, burnouts, donuts and more.

  4. Stay Alert and Vigilant: It’s always best to have someone else take pictures or videos and keep the driver clear of distractions. It is always best to stay alert for wildlife and other drivers as well.

  5. Respect Nature and Wildlife: On top of being alert we always adhere to “leave no trace” policies and want our customers to adhere to it too. This means no littering, shooting, off-trail hiking and more. Pack in, pack out what you bring essentially.

  6. Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: On top of our recommendations, we want people to know their personal limits. This can include where to sit, weight limit including coolers and more.


Conclusion

At Backbone we take great pride in the conditions of our rentals and want to help you have the best and safest ride possible. With these tips and tricks we hope you can prepare accordingly and have the best time on trails exploring the beautiful landscapes of the Rocky Mountains.

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