Buena
Vista, Colorado
ATV Historical Color Tour
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. Are UTVs allowed? Can they go anywhere?
A. Yes, all side by sides are allowed. They can go on about 95% of the routes, RZRs can go on all routes. There are some <50” trails that are closed to most side by sides, but they are only on two of the routes. Jeeps and SUVs are not allowed on the Tour.
Q. Are Colorado OHV Permits required?
A. Yes, even if you have an OHV Permit from your home state, you will need a Colorado OHV Permit, unless your OHV has a license plate. Even plated vehicles are encouraged to get the permits as this ruling could change at any time, and besides, the money goes for a good cause. These cost $25.25 and are available Tuesday night and Wednesday morning of the Tour. They can be purchased online by clciking here. Then go to the "Out-of-State OHVs" heading. In-state permits may also be purchased at the Tour but an original registration is not possible online, only renewal. These funds go for trail maintenance and construction and the $.25 goes to the Search & Rescue fund.
Q. One of our group members rides a dirt bike. Can he come on the Tour?
A. Yes with qualifications. The Tour is primarily for ATVs. Dirt bikers tend to ride faster than ATVers. If the biker is prepared to go the same speed as ATVers then there is no problem, but if he is wanting to pass all of the ATVs, then he would be a nuisance on the trail.
Q. Do we have to trailer?
A. Pretty much, yes. There are a few places where you can ride from campgrounds, but the options are limited there and you will still need to trailer to access other routes. Some other ATV events offer more riding from town, but their routes tend to all be about the same. Our routes differ from each other (alpine forest, chaparral desert, ghost towns, passes over the Continental Divide, one-ways at or near the summit of 14,000’ Mtns., etc) thus they are a ways apart sometimes. We are working to open routes into the Town of Buena Vista from some lodging properties and into the 4 Mile Area, but this is not done yet.
Q. Can we ride double on a ‘single’ machine.
A. While this is something we do not promote, it is permitted.
Q. How old do kids need to be to ride their own machine.
A. They can ride at 10 years if under close supervision of a parent.
Q. Can I get the guidebook early so I can study the routes?
A. Yes. There is a $3 mail charge. If there are any new routes permitted that are not in the book, you will be given a supplement at the Tour.
Q. Who profits from the Tour?
A. The Tour is non-profit and has given away tens of thousands of dollars to local charities and right-to-ride organizations. The permit holder is the Buena Vista Chamber of Commerce who does most of the registration work. The local OHV Club, High Rocky Riders, does most of the work during the Tour without compensation. They also prepare and serve the breakfasts each morning and are reimbursed by the Tour for those efforts. The outriders are also volunteers. They get a free meal or two out of the deal only.
Q. Are the sponsors really that important?
A. Yes. The registration fees do not quite pay for the Tour. The sponsors pick up the difference and allow us to show a modest profit that is donated to local charities and right-to-ride organizations, usually around $4,000-$8,000 each year. Please consider them when picking your lodging, camping, fuel, parts, etc. Without them, there would be no Tour. And we haven’t raised the registration fees in several years.
Q. I’m from out of state (town). Should I join the club?
A. Yes, you should consider it. We have many out of state members. They like to keep up with the happenings in the area and know the importance of letting their voice be heard on potential road and trail closure issues. Also, the club adopts trails, cleans and maintains trails, signs routes and educates riders on environmental and safety issues...generally enhancing everyone’s riding experiences and opportunities. You can join the club at the Tour or online at www.HighRockyRiders.org
Q. What elevations will we be riding.
A. The valley here is at 8,000’ and is high desert. The routes will vary from 8,000 to 14,000’.
Q. How is the weather then?
A. Thunderstorm activity is pretty much over during the Tour. September is usually dry and sunny with cool mornings in the upper 30s to mid 40s and afternoon temps climbing to the upper 50s to low 70s in the valley. High passes and such are usually sunny with peak temps in the 50s to low 60s. But we are in the highest mountains in the lower 48 and we can get snow 10 months out of the year, so be sure and bring warm clothes. It’s good to dress in layers so you can shed as the days warm up. In a half dozen years of the Tour there have only been a handful of days that were bad weather.
Q. Are helmets required?
A. Recommended, yes but not required. In the unlikely event of bad weather, you will appreciate one.
Q. Are these routes open besides during the Tour.
A. Yes. You can ride on the west side (the highest elevation) of the valley five months out of the year. You can ride on the drier, lower eastern part of the valley most of the year with January and February being iffy at best.
Q. Can we request guides?
A. Usually. Though the Tour is designed to operate with outriders instead of guides, you can request to ride along with the outriders if you are not sure enough about the area or your skills. But you may get more out of the Tour if you meet other riders of your skill level and ride together. The breakfasts are designed to encourage this and the ride desk can assist you in this, too. But feel free to tag along with the outriders if you want.
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