Know Before You Go in an OHV
View Alpine Loop Status, multi-county regulations, travel information, and more at AlpineLoop.info.
Know Before You Go in an OHV
Rules and regulations for Lake City and Hinsdale County + tips for motorized travel in the backcountry.
OHV Highway Program Information
Hinsdale County and the Town of Lake City have received a two-year special use permit for 2024-2025 from CDOT (Colorado Dept of Transportation) that allows OHVs and ATVs to travel on a 3.26-mile section of Hwy 149, which connects the entire Alpine Loop Scenic Byway for OHVs and ATVs.
With this special use permit, OHVs will be able to ride on Hwy 149 from CR 30 (MM 69.88) south of Lake City to the Ocean Wave Drive intersection (MM 72.11) on the northern end of Lake City from the Friday before Father’s Day through September 30th. OHVs are not permitted to ride on any other areas of the highway at any time outside the boundaries or dates of the program. Learn more about the program here.
OHVs are permitted on all Town and County roads. The OHV Program only affects travel on the highway.
OHVs are not permitted to travel north beyond Ocean Wave Dr.
OHVs are not permitted to travel south beyond CR 30 on HWY 149.
Do not attempt to travel north beyond Oceanwave Dr. or south beyond County Road 30 on HWY 149.
For personal safety and the safety of others, please exercise common road courtesy and mountain-driving common sense.
Hinsdale County and Town of Lake City OHV Regulations
All OHV use on Lake City and Hinsdale County roads must comply with the Colorado State statutes pertaining to motor vehicles and follow posted speed limits.
All OHV’s operators and or passengers must meet the following requirements:
• MUST have a current Colorado OHV permit. Note: Colorado does not recognize permits from other states.
• Operators must have a valid driver’s license in their possession
• Must have proof of current OHV liability insurance.
• Required to wear a restraint/seatbelt if: the OHV manufacturer originally incorporated restraint or child car seats. Child car seats and restraints must be used in accordance with Colorado motor vehicle laws CRS 42-4-236.
• Under 18yrs must wear a DOT-approved helmet unless in a child seat or age-appropriate restraint. Child helmet exception is applicable ONLY for OHV’s designed and manufactured to support a child seat.
• Required to have proper eye protection (glasses, sunglasses, goggles, etc.) OHV’s with windshields do satisfy this requirement.
• May not carry more passengers than designated by the manufacturer. All passengers must be seated in designated seating per manufacturer specifications.
• It is unlawful to operate any vehicle off: designated streets, roads, highways or trails.
OHV’s are allowed on State Highway 149 ONLY in the Town of Lake City, north to the Lake City Bakery and south to County Rd. 30 (Lake Road). OHV’s are NOT allowed to proceed beyond County Rd. 30.
Fines may be assessed from $75, not to exceed $1000
Please contact the Lake City/Hinsdale County Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center with any questions or concerns.
What You Need to Know Before Hitting the Trail
Plan Ahead and Prepare
Download maps or other info needed for your trip in advance, as cell service is only reliable in the towns off the loop. Bring supplies for potential breakdowns, as well as food, water, and blankets in case of emergency. Pack warm/dry clothing for the unpredictable high alpine weather.
Stay on the Trail
Our alpine environment is extremely fragile and damage to the tundra can last hundreds of years. Protect our land and keep trails open by staying on the trail and only parking in designated areas.
Learn Trail Etiquette
Uphill traffic has the right away. Allow others to pass in appropriate spots and be patient with other trail users. Use hand signals when passing to share how many are in your party. Learn more at StaytheTrail.org
Take it Slow
Be courteous of visitors, residents, and wildlife by slowing down to reduce excess noise and dust. Slow down and give space to your fellow adventurers traveling on foot and bicycle.
Know Where to Go
Look for brown signs that designate vehicle use for each trail type and be mindful of special closures. Avoid unnecessary travel through residential areas and never travel on private property.
Leave No Trace 
Trash the Trash. If you pack it in, pack it out – even food scraps and poop! If you come across trash, pick it up. Learn the 7 Leave No Trace principles to prepare for your adventure here.
