North Dakota Trails That Allow Side-by-Sides
A side-by-side can turn a North Dakota ride into a comfortable day out, but a machine that fits one trail may be too wide for the next. That uncertainty is frustrating when you’re towing from Bismarck, Fargo, or farther away. This guide explains which riding areas to investigate, how to check width and access rules, and what to confirm before unloading.
North Dakota riding areas to check for side-by-side access
North Dakota has several places where off-highway vehicle riding is possible, but “OHV trail” does not automatically mean every side-by-side can use every route. Width limits, trail conditions, seasonal closures, and local rules can all affect whether your machine is a good fit.
Before planning a trip, identify the exact riding area and its current restrictions. Then compare those rules with your vehicle’s dimensions and the kind of riding you want to do. For an overview of the state’s main destinations, start with [North Dakota OHV Trails: All Four Riding Areas].
Pembina Gorge
Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area, northwest of Walhalla, is one of the first places many side-by-side riders consider. It has designated motorized routes, and its 60-inch width restriction is a key planning detail. Check your machine’s actual width against the posted limit before you travel; don’t assume that a vehicle marketed as a “narrow” or “trail” model will fit.
The riding experience here is more structured than an open riding area. That can make Pembina Gorge a sensible choice if you prefer marked routes and want to plan around a specific trail network. It also means you should not treat every visible track or access road as an authorized OHV route. Follow signs and barriers, and confirm which routes are open before setting off.
If you’re hauling a wider four-seat UTV, or your vehicle’s width is close to the limit, do the homework before committing to the trip. Check the machine specifications, account for accessories that add width, and contact the park if a measurement is unclear. These details are especially important when a gate or narrow trail entrance is part of the restriction. You can read more about the area in [Pembina Gorge: North Dakota's OHV Trail Park] and [North Dakota's 60-Inch Trail Width Cap].
Roughrider OHV Trail
The Roughrider OHV Trail runs along the Missouri River corridor between the Fort Abraham Lincoln area and Fort Rice. It’s a designated route worth investigating for UTV riders who want a point-to-point outing rather than an open-play day. Its trailhead locations and connections can shape the whole trip, so plan where you’ll start, where you expect to finish, and how you’ll retrieve your truck and trailer.
Don’t assume the trail is suitable for your side-by-side based only on its name or on a general description of the route. Confirm the current vehicle-width rules and access details with the managing agencies before you go. Conditions and access can change, and a route that works for a compact machine may not accommodate a wider model or accessories.
If you are new to the area, a little logistics planning can prevent a frustrating end to the ride. Check whether your chosen staging point has enough room for your trailer, whether your group plans to ride the same direction, and how everyone will get back to their vehicles. The dedicated route guide, [Roughrider OHV Trail Links Fort Abraham Lincoln and Fort Rice], is a useful starting point, along with [North Dakota Trails That Allow Side-by-Sides] for comparing other possible destinations.
Turtle Mountain and Kimball Bottoms
Turtle Mountain near Bottineau is another area to research, especially if you’re looking for a wooded setting rather than a wide-open prairie ride. It has designated OHV riding opportunities, but you should confirm which routes allow your particular side-by-side. Narrower trail segments, shared-use areas, gates, and seasonal conditions can affect what is practical for a larger vehicle.
Kimball Bottoms, south of Bismarck near the Missouri River, offers a different kind of outing. It is known as an open play area rather than a single, tightly defined trail loop, so riders should pay close attention to boundaries, access conditions, and any posted restrictions. River conditions can also affect access. Before towing there, check whether the area is open and whether recent water or weather has changed the ground conditions.
The best fit depends on your group and machine, not simply on which area is closest. Turtle Mountain may suit riders looking for a wooded trail experience, while Kimball Bottoms may appeal to people who want room to ride in an open setting. For practical details, see [Turtle Mountain Riding in North Dakota] and [Kimball Bottoms: North Dakota's Open Play Area]. For broader route-planning context, [North Dakota Trails With Width Limits] is also relevant.
| Riding area | What to investigate | Best planning question |
|---|---|---|
| Pembina Gorge | Designated routes and the 60-inch width restriction | Does your side-by-side fit the posted limit, including any accessories? |
| Roughrider OHV Trail | Current route access, width rules, and trailhead logistics | Can your vehicle use the route, and how will your group return to its vehicles? |
| Turtle Mountain | Which routes are open to your vehicle and any shared-use rules | Is your machine suitable for the routes you intend to ride? |
| Kimball Bottoms | Current access, boundaries, and ground conditions | Is the area open and firm enough for your planned ride? |
How to tell whether your side-by-side fits
A place can allow side-by-sides generally while still restricting some models or routes. Width is often the most important compatibility question, but it isn’t the only one. Vehicle class, posted signs, trail layout, current conditions, and equipment can all influence whether a ride is appropriate.
The safest approach is to verify the riding area’s rules first and compare them with your vehicle second. Don’t rely on a friend’s memory of a trip from a previous season, a dealership description, or an app listing by itself.
Measure your vehicle carefully
Start with the manufacturer’s listed width, then look at the machine as it is actually equipped. Tires, wheel offsets, fender additions, mirrors, and other installed accessories may change the overall dimensions or make a tight passage more difficult. If the riding area has a strict maximum width, ask the manager how width is measured and whether the posted limit applies to the vehicle’s widest point.
This matters most when you’re close to a limit. A few inches can be the difference between a machine that fits comfortably and one that cannot safely pass a gate or narrow section. Don’t plan to squeeze through, remove safety equipment, or push past a barrier just because the vehicle nearly fits.
If a measurement is uncertain, contact the area manager before leaving home. A clear answer by phone can save you from arriving with a loaded trailer only to discover that your machine cannot use the route. For more on the measurements that can shape trail access, see [North Dakota Registration for a Machine Over 65 Inches]. Registration classification and trail access are separate questions, so check each one independently.
Confirm the route and current conditions
Check official park or land-manager information for closures, access changes, and weather-related conditions. A trail can be open to your type of machine in general but temporarily unsuitable after heavy rain, flooding, or other damage. Wet clay and gumbo can be especially difficult on a heavy side-by-side; tires can lose traction, and repeated traffic can worsen ruts.
A mapping tool such as onX Offroad can help you explore possible routes and orient yourself, but use it as a planning aid rather than proof that a route is currently open or legal. Cross-check mapped information against official signs and the land manager’s updates. Even a clear line on a digital map does not override a gate, closure notice, or posted restriction.
Bring an offline map or another way to navigate if you expect limited cell service. Before riding, make sure everyone in your group knows the route plan, likely turnaround points, and where to regroup if riders get separated. For help thinking through changing surface conditions, see [North Dakota Trails Closed by Wet Weather] and [North Dakota Trail Status by App and Phone].
Planning a side-by-side trip from arrival to ride
Choosing a trail is only part of the day. Side-by-sides need room to unload, a suitable place to park the tow vehicle and trailer, and a plan for fuel, weather, and the return trip. A little preparation is particularly valuable if your group is traveling several hours to reach the riding area.
Plan for the real machine and the real group you’re bringing. A roomy four-seat UTV with a long trailer calls for different staging and route decisions than a compact two-seat model.
Check logistics before towing
Find out where you are allowed to park and unload. Trailhead parking areas can be limited, and a long trailer may need more room to maneuver than you expect. Don’t block access roads, gates, or spaces used by other visitors. If you are meeting friends, agree on a specific staging point and arrival time rather than relying on everyone to find each other once they reach the area.
Think through the trip as a round trip, even when the route itself is point-to-point. On a trail such as Roughrider, confirm how your group will handle vehicles at either end. For an open area such as Kimball Bottoms, agree on a boundary and regrouping point so the group doesn’t spread out farther than intended.
Fuel planning matters, too. A side-by-side used for slow, technical riding may consume fuel differently than one driven steadily on a route. Start with a full tank where practical, know where nearby fuel is available, and leave room in your plan for delays. Wind, dust, changing weather, and a slow vehicle in the group can all stretch a ride longer than expected.
Ride within the area’s rules and your group’s ability
Before moving away from the trailhead, review the posted rules with everyone in the group. Keep to authorized routes, respect closures, and avoid making new tracks around mud or obstacles. Going around a wet section can damage vegetation and turn a manageable problem into a larger closure.
Match the pace to the least experienced rider and the least capable machine in the group. A side-by-side can feel stable and comfortable, but it is still possible to get stuck, tip, or damage the vehicle on uneven ground. Give other users room, slow down near people and animals, and avoid kicking up unnecessary dust near trailheads or other riders.
If the weather changes or the ground becomes difficult, turning around is a sensible choice—not a failed ride. Have a basic recovery plan, carry suitable recovery equipment, and know how to contact help if a vehicle becomes disabled. For more trip-planning ideas, [North Dakota Group Ride Planning] can help you organize riders before you arrive.
Choosing the right North Dakota side-by-side ride
The right destination depends on your machine’s width, your comfort with trail conditions, and whether you prefer designated routes or open riding. There isn’t one best answer for every UTV owner. A compact side-by-side may have more options at width-restricted sites, while a wider family model may need a destination with more generous access.
A careful check before departure can prevent the most common disappointment: arriving with a machine that does not fit the route or discovering that conditions have changed. Verify the rules, confirm the trail status, and make sure your group understands the plan. If you want to compare destinations before choosing, [North Dakota Trail Difficulty Ratings] can help you think about the kind of ride that suits your group.
A simple pre-trip checklist
Before loading the trailer, confirm:
- The riding area is open and the specific route is available.
- Your side-by-side meets the applicable width and vehicle restrictions.
- Any accessories that affect width or clearance have been considered.
- Your trailer can park and unload at the chosen staging area.
- You have an updated route plan and a backup way to navigate.
- Everyone knows the regrouping point, ride pace, and turnaround plan.
- You have considered fuel, weather, recovery needs, and changing ground conditions.
Use onX Offroad or another mapping tool to help organize your route, then verify the details with official land-manager information. If posted signs differ from what you expected, follow the signs and stop to clarify access rather than riding ahead. A little caution before the ride usually costs less time than a long tow home after an avoidable access problem.
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.
