Are you considering getting a quad and want to make sure that you buy it during the ATV season? This is a smart thing to think about, but what’s great about ATVs is that there is no season. You can ride them anytime you want.
ATV season is all the time. ATVs are designed to ride all throughout the year. No matter if the trails are snowy or muddy, you can always get on your ATV and enjoy an adrenaline-fueled adventure. The tricky part about riding an ATV all year long is that you need to learn how to be prepared for all seasons. For example, you have an easier time riding through the woods during spring rather than in winter, where snow makes things a bit more difficult. However, you can equip your ATV with a snow plow, and you won’t have any problems.
If you are new to ATVs and want to learn more about how to prepare the quad for all seasons, you should keep on reading because I will touch on all topics that beginners need to know.
When is ATV Season?
ATVs are some of the most versatile vehicles you can buy, and thanks to this, the ATV season never ends. Whether you are dealing with snow, rain, or mud, a properly equipped four-wheeler will run without any issues. If I had to pick one season as the “ATV season,” I would go with spring. Many riders consider spring as prime time because there isn’t any snow to make it challenging to ride or any mud holes where you can get stuck. On the other hand, some people might prefer equipping their ATV with a snow plow and going on mountain trails during the winter.
The key to riding your ATV all throughout the year is to know how to prepare it. Starting with cleaning the chains when you ride through sand and ending with attaching a snow plow for the cold winter months, I will explain to you how to prepare the ATV for each season. So, make sure to stick around for the end.
The Most Popular ATV & Dirt Bike Trails in the US
The best way to determine when is ATV season is to look at the most popular ATV trail openings in the US and see when their availability. There are countless amazing trails in the US, but I will only share the top 8 notable ones:
#1 Hatfield-McCoy Trails, West Virginia: This is a network of over 600 miles of trails in West Virginia that are divided into several different trail systems. It’s one of the most popular ATV destinations in the US.
Availability: It’s open all year long.
#2 Moab, Utah: Moab is known for its incredible rock formations and off-road trails. There are a variety of trails to choose from, including some that are more challenging than others.
Availability: It’s open all year long.
#3 Ocala National Forest, Florida: This forest has over 200 miles of designated ATV trails that wind through the pine forests and swamps of central Florida. Riding your four-wheeler on this trail is a blast!
Availability: It’s open all year long.
#4 Glamis Sand Dunes, California: This is a popular destination for dirt bike riders and ATV enthusiasts alike. The sand dunes stretch for miles, and there are a variety of trails to explore. However, riding sand dunes is not easy. I share some tips and tricks in my can you ride ATVs on the beach article.
Availability: Year round (but riding only recommended from October – April)
#5 Paiute Trail System, Utah: The Paiute Trail System is a network of over 2,800 miles of trails that wind through the mountains and forests of central Utah. It’s a popular destination for ATV riders.
Availability: The trail traditionally remains closed until mid-to-late July. September and October provide some of the best riding weather on the Paiute Trail.
#6 Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Oregon: This is another popular destination for sand dune enthusiasts. The dunes stretch for over 40 miles along the coast, and there are a variety of trails to explore.
Availability: It’s open all year long.
#7 Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota: The Black Hills offer a variety of trails for ATV and dirt bike riders, including the famous Mickelson Trail, which is a converted rail line that winds through the mountains.
Availability: It’s open all year long
#8 Moab, Colorado: This town is known for its incredible scenery and challenging trails. There are a variety of trails to choose from, including some that are more beginner-friendly.
Availability: It’s open all year long
As you can see, 7 out of 8 ATV trails are open all throughout the year. The winter season has just as much to offer as summer. This is why ATV season is anytime. I also want to highlight that the trails I showcased here are just my favorite ones. There are many others to explore, depending on your location and skill level. However, it’s important to always follow safety guidelines and respect the environment when riding off-road.
How to Prepare ATV for Summer/Spring
If there is one thing that all riders will agree about when it comes to riding during the summer and spring, it has to be the fact that heatwaves are not fun at all. You will get hot, but this is not the main problem. The biggest problem is that your ATV engine will run hotter than usual, and you need to make sure that the four-wheeler is prepared for this.
- Check the Fluid Levels
Checking the fluid levels of the ATV before riding should be a habit that everyone implements. Even though most people only worry about the engine and transmission when thinking about mechanical parts that might break, the coolant and brake fluid levels are equally important. My advice is to check for any leaks before every ride. If all the fluids are at the correct levels, you will not have any problems with overheating.
- Consider Vented Gear
If you hate getting hot when riding during spring or summer, you might want to consider investing in premium vented gear. Wearing the right type of clothing will make sure that you get cooled off fast and that the fabric doesn’t start heating up 15 minutes after riding under the sun. One important thing to remember here is that dark fabric attracts the sun. My advice is to go for something with a lighter color.
Are you looking for some cool ATV outfit ideas? Check out this article where I showcase some of the best ATV outfits.
- Check the Battery Power
Did you keep the ATV in the garage all winter long? If that is the case, you need to make it a priority to check the battery power. Even though the battery might still have enough power to start the quad, it’s best to charge it to maximum capacity because you don’t want to run out of power in the middle of the trail. If the battery is dead and you need to replace it, my advice is to check the owner’s manual because that is where you can find the battery model to know which one to buy.
How to Prepare ATV for Winter/Autumn
- Change the Oil
While it might not be necessary to change the oil during the winter, it’s as good a season as any. The oil is necessary to keep the quad running smooth, and this is why you should always pay attention to the oil level and to how it looks. If you change the oil regularly, you don’t have anything to worry about.
- Tire Chains
Everyone is surprised at how different the ATV handles in the snow. The tires don’t have any grip, and it’s super easy to get stuck when riding through deep snow. Fortunately, here is where tire chains come in to save the day. They are super easy to install, and they will significantly increase the control level of your ATV. In addition, chains are necessary when riding over ice.
- Heated Grips
One of the most annoying things you have to deal with when riding ATVs during the winter is cold hands. No matter how isolated your gloves might be, the metal handles will get super cold. On the bright side of things, you can purchase heated grips that will help you ride for hours on end without worrying about frozen fingers. A premium pair will set you back around $100, but it’s definitely worth it if you often ride during winter.
If you are planning to keep your ATV stored safely for the winter, you might want to check out this article where I showcase the top 6 ATV storage ideas and how to prepare for all seasons.
Final Words
As I explained in the intro, every season is ATV season. These four-wheelers are built to ride on all types of rugged terrains, and if you know how to pair them with the right accessories such as tire chains or vented clothes, you can ride anytime you want without dealing with any inconveniences.
