Tuesday, April 11, 2017

TRAIL HIGHLIGHT - Planning for SxS Recreation on Federal Lands

Trail 12 - Chappie-Shasta OHV Area
BLM Redding Field Office

As many of you know, Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles (ROVs) or Side-by-Sides (SxSs) are becoming increasingly popular and are the fastest growing segment of the powersports market.

Trail 4 - Black Diamond Challenge

With that increased popularity comes the responsibility for land agencies and their OHV partners to look for opportunities to designate and sign legal routes for SxS recreation in areas where that use is appropriate and sustainable.

Trail 12 - View of Shasta Dam

Recently, QWR had the privilege to tour some of the SxS-related trail program at the Chappie-Shasta Off-Highway Vehicle Area managed by the BLM’s Redding Field Office in Northern California.

Trail 12 - Rolling Dip/Soil Erosion Structure


Over the last several years, the BLM has worked to improve SxS recreation in the area with enhanced trail signing, trail improvements, and installation and/or maintenance of soil erosion structures.

Trail 12 - This Trail Climbs 2K ft. to the Ridge 

Those efforts to enhance legal SxS routes have resulted in many trails that now provide looped touring opportunities with varying degrees of challenge and scenic views.

Signing to Inform Public about Private Property

QWR encourages SxS users to consider a trip up the Chappie-Shasta OHV Area if you are looking for new trail adventures.  The unit has a very cool staging/camping area at the base of Shasta Dam.  Make sure you have current registration for any vehicles when you cross the dam.  The guards will check for a valid driver’s license and current registration.

You can also access the Copley Mountain OHV Staging area via the Iron Mountain Road from Highway 299 about 1 mile west of the Redding city limits.

Copley Mountain Staging Area - Start of Trail 4

QWR wants to commend the agency for their continued commitment to excellence and urges other federal and state land agencies to be sure and review their trail programs to assess if SxS recreation can be included on the unit.


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