Top 5 Ways Off-Roaders Can Protect Public Lands
Across the United States, thousands of miles of trails are being closed every year. Agencies like the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) are reducing motorized access for a variety of reasons from resource damage to overcrowding to misuse by uninformed or irresponsible users.
One of the most significant closures happened in Fall 2023 when miles of trails were shut down in the Moab area, sending a powerful message:
Public lands are a privilege, and if we want to keep them open, we must be responsible stewards.
Trail closures don’t just affect our adventures they affect the future of Jeeping, overlanding, outdoor recreation, and access to the landscapes we love. Below are practical, actionable steps every off-roader can take to help keep trails open.
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| Sunset near the Grand Canyon |
Why Are Trails Closing?
Trails close due to resource damage, erosion, misuse of public lands, safety concerns, overcrowding, and political pressure from environmental groups and land management agencies.
Off-road recreation continues to grow, and with more users comes more impact. When trails are repeatedly damaged, driven illegally, widened, or littered, land managers often respond by restricting access or closing routes altogether.
Understanding why closures happen is the first step in preventing more of them.
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| Public Lands |
Tip #1 — Educate Yourself
Many trail closures stem from lack of knowledge not malice. Knowing the rules, terrain, and responsible techniques helps protect the land and preserve our reputation as off-roaders.
A great example:
Utah now requires all off-road vehicle operators (quads, SxSs, Jeeps, etc.) to complete a free online OHV education course.
The course takes about 30 minutes and covers essential information about travel management, sensitive environments, legal routes, and trail etiquette.
Education empowers you to make better decisions that protect trails for everyone.
Tip #2 — Travel Responsibly (Tread Lightly Principles)
Responsible travel, Tread Lightly Principles, is one of the strongest ways to prevent closures.
Key principles:
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Stay on designated routes. Never cut your own trail or go around obstacles.
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Use maps and apps (MVUMs, Tread Lightly, OnX, Gaia).
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Go over obstacles, not around them to avoid widening the trail.
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Understand ecosystems. Alpine vegetation above treeline is extremely fragile; cryptobiotic soil in Utah can take decades to heal.
Your tire tracks leave a legacy make sure it’s the right one.
Tip #3 — Pack It In, Pack It Out
Trash on the trail is one of the most visible and harmful problems on public lands. It damages ecosystems, attracts wildlife, and gives off-roaders a bad reputation.
Best practices:
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Take ALL your trash with you
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Pick up what others have left behind
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Use trash bags, molle-attached trash carriers, or tailgate bags
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Leave campsites cleaner than you found them
A clean trail is harder for land managers to justify closing.
Tip #4 — Research Before You Ride
Responsible recreation begins at home. Before venturing out:
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Study the area’s regulations
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Learn about closures and seasonal restrictions
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Avoid sensitive areas such as cryptobiotic soil, wetlands, or tundra
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Understand the local wildlife, habitats, and environmental concerns
Even your footsteps can damage delicate terrain in certain environments. The more you know, the more you protect.
Tip #5 — Promote Responsible Behavior
Social media plays a huge role in how the public views off-roading.
Show:
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Responsible driving
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Trail etiquette
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Clean campsites
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Proper recovery
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Environmental respect
Avoid showing:
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Donuts in meadows
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Mud-bogging through sensitive areas
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Off-route travel
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Excessive wheel spin
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Bypassing obstacles
Your content influences thousands of new off-roaders. Make sure you’re modeling stewardship, not destruction.
The Most Important Tip: Get Involved
The off-road and overland community is massive—and so is our collective voting power. To keep trails open long-term, we must be active participants, not passive bystanders.
Here’s how to get involved:
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Attend public meetings about land-use planning
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Learn where your local candidates stand on public land issues
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Comment on proposed closures
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Join off-road organizations and clubs
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Support groups like Tread Lightly, BlueRibbon Coalition, and local 4x4 associations
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Report misuse when you see it
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Encourage others to follow responsible practices
If we don’t speak up, decisions will be made without us.
For more details:
Read more ➤➤ How You Can Help Protect Our Public Lands from Closure
My Experience as a Jeeper & Trail Steward
After years of wheeling across the country from the red rock of Moab to the high passes of Colorado I’ve seen firsthand the impacts of irresponsible recreation. I’ve watched iconic trails close, communities rally to save access, and agencies respond to both good and bad user behavior.
I share these tips not just as a Jeeper, but as someone who deeply values public lands and believes it’s on every one of us to keep them accessible for future generations. My experiences on trails, in Jeep communities, and through education programs directly inform the advice I share.
FAQ: Stopping Trail Closures & Protecting Public Lands
Why are trails being closed in places like Moab?
Trails close due to resource damage, erosion, misuse, overcrowding, illegal off-trail driving, and pressure from environmental groups. Moab experienced significant closures in 2023 due to land-use planning changes.
What is the biggest cause of trail closures?
Irresponsible use of public lands such as off-trail travel, littering, damaging ecosystems, and aggressive driving behavior is one of the top contributors to closures.
How can off-roaders keep trails open?
Stay on designated routes, avoid widening trails, follow Tread Lightly principles, pick up trash, educate yourself, and get involved in land-use decision-making.
Do social media posts really affect trail access?
Yes. Sharing irresponsible behavior (spinning tires, off-route travel, damaging terrain) normalizes misuse and gives land managers justification to implement closures.
What role does education play in preventing closures?
Education teaches off-roaders how to identify legal routes, protect sensitive ecosystems, minimize damage, and safely recreate. States like Utah now require OHV education for all users.
Does joining a club or organization help?
Absolutely. Organized groups often work directly with land managers, provide volunteer trail maintenance, and amplify voices during public comment periods.
Is it true that public lands are a privilege?
Yes. Access to public lands can be restricted or removed if misuse continues. Stewardship is required to keep these lands open to motorized recreation.
What can I do if I see someone breaking the rules?
Politely educate them if it’s safe, report serious misuse to the appropriate agency, and document violations if needed. Positive peer influence goes a long way.
