Know before you go.
Planning on an ATV or OHV adventure? Familiarize yourself with all the current rules and regulations.
Are OHVs allowed in the Town of Silverton?
NO. On October 12, 2021, the Citizens of the Town of Silverton voted NOT to allow OHV, ATV, or unlicensed (without street-legal license) dirt bikes within the town of Silverton limits. The rule was immediately effective on that date (10/12/21).
Are OHVs allowed in San Juan County Colorado?
Per SJC Resolution 2022-02, OHVs ARE allowed on CERTAIN San Juan County Roads. However, NOT ALL San Juan County roads permit access to OHVs. Please see map below.
Do I need to have a permit to drive my OHV on San Juan County Roads?
YES. All OHVs MUST be registered Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Your registration sticker must be visibly displayed on your OHV. Registrations are sold locally at The Whistle Stop Gas Station and the Silverton Grocery Store. You may also register online at cpw.state.co.us. Operators must also carry liability insurance on your OHV.
What if my OHV is licensed from out of state — outside of Colorado?
The State of Colorado does not recognize out of state license plates for OHVs as street legal. Colorado does not currently offer license plates for OHVs or ATVs; however, dirt bikes can become street legal. Street legal dirt bikes (and ONLY street legal dirt bikes) may access Town of Silverton and San Juan County roads.
What happens if I drive my OHV into the Town of Silverton town limits?
You are subject to a $300 fine and or towing per TOS Resolution 2022-07. As of October 12, 2021, the Silverton Citizens voted to no longer allow OHV access into the Town of Silverton (TOS Ordinance 2021-09).
How close can I get to the Town of Silverton in my OHV, and where can I park?
The closest access points to the Town of Silverton are outside of town on San Juan County Road 2; as well as on County Road 20, located right next to the Silverton Lakes Campground. All OHV parking on San Juan County Roads is on a first come first-serve basis. Your OHV must be completely on a road shoulder and out of the lane of traffic. Please keep in mind that not all San Juan County Roads are wide enough to park, and it is up to the OHV operator to use judgement to find a legal spot to park. Currently, there is no official staging area in San Juan County. Do not park on Private Property without prior and explicit property-owner permission. Stay on the trails and permitted roads. All vehicles — trucks, trailers transporting OHVs and/or the OHVs themselves — that are in violation of the rules are subject to towing and/or ticketing.
Where is it legal in San Juan County to park my trailer and load/unload my OHV?
Short-term parking is allowed on certain San Juan County Roads. Again, the vehicle and trailer must be COMPLETELY out of the traffic right of way as stated earlier. All wheels, bumpers, and trailers in general must not be in the lane of traffic and parked comfortably onto the wide shoulder of the County Road. If there is any impediment to the lane of traffic, you will be subject to ticketing and/or being towed. Please keep in mind that not all San Juan County Roads are wide enough to park, and it is up to the OHV operator to use judgement to find a legal spot to park. Currently, there is no official staging area in San Juan County. Do not park on Private Property without prior and explicit property-owner permission. Stay on the trails and permitted roads. All vehicles — trucks, trailers transporting OHVs and/or the OHVs themselves — that are in violation of the rules are subject to towing and/or ticketing.
Can I connect across the Town of Silverton between California Pass/Gladstone to Eureka/Howardsville?
NO. There is no through traffic from San Juan County Road 2 (Howardsville) over to San Juan County Road 110 (headed out to Gladstone/California Pass area). You must trailer your OHV across this area. Please see the map. On April 12th, 2022, the San Juan County Commissioners voted to stop OHV access at Hancock Gulch which is 1.5 miles Northeast out San Juan County Road 110 above the Town of Silverton. Again, the closest access points to the Town of Silverton are: outside of town on San Juan County Road 2; as well as on County Road 20, located right next to the Silverton Lakes Campground (Northeast of the Town of Silverton).
For the purposes of this FAQ, OHVs are defined as Off Highway Vehicles, ATVs (all-terrain vehicles, and unlicensed, not street-legal, dirt bikes).