North Dakota Trails With Width Limits
A machine can be registered, trail-ready, and still too wide for a particular North Dakota route. That’s a frustrating surprise when you’ve hauled your ATV or UTV to a trailhead and only then spot a width-limit sign. This guide explains where width restrictions matter, how to check a machine and a route before leaving home, and what to do if your rig won’t fit.
Where width limits matter in North Dakota
Pembina Gorge is the clearest place to check
Pembina Gorge OHV Trail Park, northwest of Walhalla, is a key North Dakota riding destination where width matters: trail access is subject to a 60-inch limit. That can rule out some side-by-sides, even when they’re otherwise suitable for off-highway riding. Don’t assume a machine will fit because it looks compact or because a friend rode a similar model there. Check the trail’s posted rules and your machine’s specifications before making the drive.
The limit is especially important if your UTV has wider aftermarket wheels, wheel spacers, fender extensions, or other modifications. A machine that started out near the maximum may no longer fit the trail’s requirements after upgrades. If the posted sign or official trail information doesn’t explain exactly how width is measured, ask the land manager rather than guessing at the trailhead.
For location details and a closer look at the riding area, see [Pembina Gorge: North Dakota's OHV Trail Park] and [The 60-Inch Gate at Pembina Gorge]. These are useful starting points, but treat signs at the trailhead and current information from the managing agency as the final word for access.
Don’t assume every North Dakota riding area has the same limit
North Dakota’s riding areas aren’t interchangeable. A width restriction posted at one trail system doesn’t automatically apply statewide, and the absence of a familiar 60-inch sign at another location doesn’t mean every machine is allowed. Rules can vary by property, trail segment, gate, and the type of vehicle the route is designed to accommodate.
That distinction matters when planning around areas such as Roughrider OHV Trail, Turtle Mountain, and Kimball Bottoms. They offer different riding experiences and may have different site-specific conditions. Before hauling out, check whether the particular route welcomes your vehicle class and width. [North Dakota Trails That Allow Side-by-Sides] can help you think through the difference between trails suited to ATVs and those that may accommodate UTVs.
| Riding situation | What to check before leaving | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Pembina Gorge OHV trails | The 60-inch limit, current trail rules, and your machine’s widest point | A UTV or modified ATV may exceed the posted limit |
| A different designated trail | Rules for that specific location and route | A limit at one trail system does not establish the rule everywhere |
| An open riding area | Boundaries, permitted vehicle types, closures, and surface conditions | Open riding does not mean unrestricted riding |
| A route shown in a navigation app | Official access rules and trailhead signs | A mapped route may not show every restriction or temporary change |
Think of online maps as planning aids, not permission to ride. An app such as onX Offroad can help you review an area and organize a route, but you still need to verify width restrictions and access rules with the land manager. That extra check can spare you a long detour—or an awkward turn-around after unloading.
How to check whether your machine fits
Start with the exact machine specifications
Look up the manufacturer’s listed width for your exact make, model, and trim. Model names can cover multiple versions, and a spec for a base model may not match a wider trim or a machine with different wheels. If you’ve added accessories or changed the suspension, don’t rely only on the original factory measurement.
When a limit is close, measure the machine yourself as a practical double-check. Identify the widest points from side to side, including parts that extend beyond the tires or body. If you’re not sure whether a particular accessory counts under the posted rule, ask the trail manager how they interpret the limit. A tape measure can help you understand your machine’s dimensions, but it can’t replace the agency’s definition or a posted rule.
Make a note of the measurement and keep the model information with your trip details. That sounds fussy until you’re comparing a couple of machines for a family outing, or trying to remember whether the upgraded wheels changed the fit. A quick record can prevent repeated guesswork.
Check modifications and attachments separately
Aftermarket upgrades can change a machine’s usable width. Wheel spacers and wider wheels are obvious examples, but an accessory that sticks out from the vehicle can also raise questions at a narrow gate or on a restricted trail. A plow, cargo setup, or other attachment may affect practical clearance even if the machine’s published width is within the limit.
Before departing, inspect the machine from the front and rear. Look for anything extending past the tires or bodywork, and consider whether the vehicle can pass through a gate without scraping or catching. A machine that technically meets a stated measurement may still be difficult to maneuver through a tight entrance, especially if the route narrows immediately beyond it.
If you’re planning to ride a width-restricted system regularly, it may be easier to keep one machine in a trail-appropriate configuration. That can mean removing nonessential accessories before loading, or choosing a narrower rig for that particular trip. Don’t try to solve a width problem by forcing a machine through a gate or riding around a barrier.
Verify route information close to the trip
Trail rules and access conditions can change. Check the site’s official information before you leave, then read the posted signs when you arrive. This matters particularly after storms, during maintenance, or when a trail has temporary closures. [North Dakota Trail Status by App and Phone] offers more guidance on checking conditions, while [North Dakota OHV Trail Map Downloads] is useful when you want to plan around mapped routes.
Navigation tools can make trip planning less stressful, especially in unfamiliar country, but they shouldn’t be treated as a substitute for official notices. onX Offroad may help you orient yourself and review mapped information; compare what you see in the app with the land manager’s current rules and any trailhead postings. If the information conflicts or leaves a key question unanswered, pause and contact the managing agency before unloading.
Plan the ride around the limit
Choose an area that matches your vehicle
If your side-by-side is wider than a trail’s posted maximum, the safest plan is to pick another riding area—not to hope that the rule won’t be enforced or that the trail will widen farther in. Search for a location that explicitly allows your vehicle type and width, and confirm that the specific route you intend to use is open to it. The phrase “side-by-side friendly” is a useful clue, but it isn’t a replacement for checking the actual restriction.
An ATV rider may have more options on a narrow trail, while a wider UTV may be better suited to routes with roomier access. If your group is bringing different machines, plan for the widest one. It’s disappointing to discover that a friend’s UTV can’t follow the rest of the group, but it’s much easier to sort that out at home than at a crowded trailhead.
You can also plan an outing around the type of experience you want. A dedicated trail system may offer a defined route, while an open play area has a different feel and different boundaries to understand. For trip planning beyond width, see [North Dakota Trails With Camping] and [North Dakota Trails Near Walhalla].
Consider the whole trip, not just the gate
Width is only one part of a successful riding day. Check the trailhead location, parking arrangements, route length, weather, and expected surface conditions. A machine that fits the width rule may still be a poor choice for a wet, rutted, or particularly tight route. North Dakota’s changing weather can make trail conditions less predictable than they looked from the driveway.
Give yourself a backup plan. If you arrive and find that the route is closed or your vehicle does not meet the posted restriction, don’t block the entrance while trying to decide what to do. Have another legal activity in mind, or choose a different location before you start the drive. [North Dakota Trail Closures After Rain] and [North Dakota Trailhead Parking Limits] are helpful topics to review when building that plan.
For a map-based overview, onX Offroad can be one tool in your planning kit, especially when you’re unfamiliar with the area. Save the relevant details before you travel, but keep the official agency information handy too. Coverage, mapped features, and posted restrictions are not all the same thing; checking more than one source is a sensible habit.
A simple pre-ride width checklist
Before loading the machine
Use this checklist before hitching up:
- Identify the exact trail or riding area you plan to visit.
- Find the official rules for that location and look specifically for vehicle-width restrictions.
- Check the machine’s width for its exact model and trim.
- Account for aftermarket wheels, spacers, fenders, and accessories.
- Contact the land manager if the measurement method or a listed limit is unclear.
- Review current conditions and closures, then save the information for the trip.
If you’re riding with a group, ask everyone to confirm their machine dimensions. It’s easy to focus on the person who booked the campground or picked the route and forget that another rider’s upgraded UTV may be the one that can’t access the trail. A quick group text with the trail limit and a request to check machine width can prevent that headache.
At the trailhead
Read every posted sign before unloading or entering the route. Look for restrictions on width, vehicle type, direction of travel, closures, and any other conditions that apply. If the sign contradicts what you expected from an app or an older trip report, follow the posted rule and seek clarification from the managing agency.
Don’t bypass a gate, ride around a closure, or leave the designated route to get past a restriction. Those workarounds can damage the trail and create safety or access problems for everyone. If your machine doesn’t fit, turn around and use a legal alternative.
Width checks may seem like one more chore in a hobby that already involves loading, strapping down, checking fuel, and planning around the weather. But they’re quick compared with hauling a machine across the state only to find out it can’t enter the trail. A little measuring and route research helps make sure the ride starts where it should: on a trail your machine is allowed to use.
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.
