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Mind the Signs!
In Colorado, the Forest Service and BLM use standardized signs located at the beginning of all motorized routes. These signs use up to eight symbols in one of three different formats. A red slash through a symbol means the trail is closed to that use. If a trail has seasonal closures, the closures dates will be indicated on the sign too.
The Sign Formats
These are the three different sign formats used in Colorado:
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Road Sign
The road sign is common at trailheads as well as on wider routes. The sign above indicates the road is open to all OHV types. The sign can also have the words "CLOSED TO" or OHV symbols with red slashes through them to indicate that the road is closed to some OHV types. |
Area Sign
When first entering an area of land managed by the BLM or Forest Service, an area sign may be posted. This sign indicates what vehicles must stay on designated routes within the area. |
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Vertical Sign or Post
The vertical sign shown at left is usually formed using reflective stickers applied to a brown flexible fiberglass post. These signs are frequently encountered at the trail head and at intersections along the trail. They are the easiest to install sign type so they are also the most common sign type. | |||
The Sign Symbols
Below are the eight symbols used on route signs in Colorado. The presence of a symbol without a red slash through it or the presence of a symbol beneath the words "OPEN TO" indicates the route is open to that use.
 Hiker |
 Cross-Country Skier |
 Equestrian |
 Mountain Bike |
 Motorcycle |
 ATV |
 Snowmobile |
 High Clearance 4WD Vehicle |
If a symbol has a red slash through it or appears below the words "CLOSED TO", the trail is closed to that use. Below is an example of what a symbol looks like both without and with a slash through it.
Route is Open to Motorcycles |
 Route is Closed to Motorcycles |
Finally, remember:
- Drive on designated motorized routes where such designations have been made.
- Where no designations have been made, drive only on existing routes until designations are made.
For more information on OHV trail signs in Colorado, visit the BLM Colorado office's travel management signs page.
Keep Your Wheels Where They Belong!®
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