WYOMING GENERAL ATV/UTV/SNOWMOBILE OPERATION RULES
- Only adult riders who have signed the Rental Agreement and Waiver of Liability (“Agreement”), or a minor whose parent or guardian has signed the Agreement on their behalf, shall operate any ATV, or other rental vehicle.
- A helmet must be worn fastened at all times while operating an ATV, or other vehicle!! Additionally, wearing chest protectors, gloves, goggles, knee and elbow pads, long pants, long sleeve shirt or jacket, and over the ankle boots will greatly reduce risk of injury.
- Do not operate any ATV/UTV/Snowmobile in a manner other than with both hands on the handlebars, both feet on the pegs. Do not operate any UTV until all occupants are properly seat belted.
- No drugs or alcohol consumption before or during use and possession of rented ATV or other vehicle and equipment.
- Obey all posted signs. Do not ride faster than posted speed limits.
- Do not carry passengers other than as originally mounted on the vehicle with the equipment assigned.
- NO RIDING DOUBLE ON SNOWMOBILES DESIGNED FOR 1 PERSON. Follow manufactures seating requirements.
- Ride at your current skill level. Don’t push your limit! Be careful. Do not ride outside designated OHV areas or trails. They are clearly marked. Do not ride in the water, wet sand or mud. It corrodes the machine. You will be charged for cleanup each machine!
- The minimum charge for any UTV rollover is $300 plus the cost to repair the damages – parts at retail price, labor at $120 per hour and vehicle downtime at the daily rental rate. If a rollover or tip over occurs where the damage disables the vehicle, the remainder of your time is downtime and no substitute vehicle will be given.
- Respect people’s campsites and do not endanger the campers, their kids or pets. The speed limit around campsites is 15 mph.
- Do not participate in any race or other contest involving ATV/UTVs/Snowmobiles or other vehicles.
- Do not tow other ATVs, UTVs, Snowmobiles or other vehicles and do not have them tow you and your rental ATV or rental vehicles.
- Watch out for drop-offs and cliffs when in backcountry on a snowmobile. They can vary from one foot to 80 feet. Be very careful!
- Watch out for rocks and ruts while riding. Hitting rocks/sharp objects can ruin tires and damage the suspension and radiator of your rental. You are responsible for all tire damage that occurs during your rental.
- Be aware of other riders and vehicles. Conditions can become crowded very quickly.
- Ride prepared. Bring a charged cell phone, suitable clothing, maps and bottled water.
- Do not attempt steep trails when you do know where they end up. Being trapped at bottom of a canyon can lead to expensive recovery bill for your machine.
- Do not park and leave vehicle or equipment unattended. Stay with your vehicle. You are responsible if your ATV/UTV/Snowmobile disappears.
- In case of a breakdown, call your rental location or speak with a park ranger. Do not leave a disabled vehicle alone at any time unless approved by JHBR. Additional rental time will be allocated for time lost due to a breakdown for the rider of the down vehicle only.
- Vehicles are to be returned on time or additional fees will be charged.
- There are no refunds for early returns.
- There are no refunds due to weather changes.
- Always take care of our equipment. Please drive carefully, these UTV’s cost over $20,000 each. If you damage it or total it today, we expect you to pay for it today.
- Never ever jump your rental vehicle. It will land on its nose. Damaging the suspension or frame is expensive. It will cost you parts labor and down time.
- Never make aggressive turns or donuts, the tires can come off the rims and cause this vehicle to tip over or roll over. Our roll over fee is a minimum of $300 even if it goes on its side. The tire fee is $100 to clean out and re-mount the tire.
- Getting stuck on a snowmobile and trying to drive out is the number one cause of belt failures. There is a $200 charge to replace the belt. Make sure you dig the snowmobile out first before trying to ride out.
- Be aware of your terrain. Do not go up, down or sideways on steep inclines. Explore your terrain before traveling at higher speeds. Watch ahead for other vehicles. Sudden drop offs are everywhere.
- Always instruct and ensure that everybody is properly seat belted in and knows their proper hand hold. Never allow passengers to hold on to roll bars or door frames. Always ensure all passengers are wearing helmets and that the helmets are strapped on properly.
- Passengers should be able to reach hand holds and place feet on the floor with seat belts fastened. We do not recommend or allow small children to ride in car seats. Never put a child in your lap to help you drive
- If you hear or feel anything that seems like you have a mechanical problem developing, please stop and call us to prevent further damage.
- Always stay out of the areas we have outlined to prevent unnecessary risk of damage or collision or injuries. There is a $300 towing charge if we have to tow you out.
- When shifting gears, always make sure the vehicle is stopped. Always ensure engine is at idle and always move shifter gently. Never engage the all-wheel drive or switch gears while the wheels are spinning. Severe damage to transmission differential or drive-line can occur. Always use low gear when rock crawling, driving up or down the hill.
- We reserve the right to further inspect and revise our estimate of damages after your ride. You are responsible for everything that gets broke during your rental it is not covered by any insurance.
- Do not allow underage drivers to drive the vehicle. Our minimum age is 21 to drive our UTV or snowmobiles never allow anyone who has not signed our agreement to ride or drive this vehicle. Always remember the 15 mile an hour speed within 50 feet of other campers. It is easy to forget your speed.
Snowmobile rental rules
For trail riders.
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- Stay on the trail. Going off the trail even with one ski – sinks heavy snowmobile deep in the snow. It could be difficult to dig yourself out. Ask for help from other riders if you are unable to get out.
- Never ride alone. Stay in your group or with the crowds. If you are alone, we recommend not to ride farther than walking distance from the parking lot. Even a new snowmobile can have a breakdown.
- Keep the gear clean, free of scratches and rips. Dry cleaning fee may apply.
- Give yourself a lot of stopping distance and space between the snowmobiles.
- Be back at the parking lot by 3:30 so you have time to load and drive back in traffic.
For off trail riders.
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- Watch for creeks, drops changes in the terrain. Don’t ride fast so you have time to stop before danger.
- If you are stuck – dig yourself out first before applying full throttle. Throttling out when completely stuck will lead to belt burnout.
- When diving on the dirt or gravel or on the parking lot be very careful on the throttle especially when reversing. Snowmobile track might through a rock into the radiator and puncture it. You are responsible for repairs of radiator damage and the consequences that could follow.
- We only recommend you to stay on the fields around the trails. If you decide to ride far off trail in the backcountry know that it is your responsibility to bring the snowmobile back to our shop even if the snowmobile breaks down and even if it is not your fault. Even a new snowmobile can break down.
- Riding on frozen lakes is prohibited.
Riding a snowmobile can be dangerous. If you are having an emergency and need help, please text or dial 911 or use the backcountrysos app to reach dispatch and the Teton Search and rescue volunteers. www.backcountrysos.com
Side by side Rental rules
BRIDGER-TETON NATIONAL FOREST UTV RIDING RULES
The Bridger-Teton National Forest is a part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and is known for its abundant wildlife, open space, and spectacular scenery. OHV riding is one of the many ways to enjoy the Jackson Hole Area. However, it is vitally important to be aware of and to follow all regulations pertaining to motorized recreation to help protect this special place and always ride in a respectful and responsible manner. (These areas are patrolled daily by both Forest Service and National Elk Refuge Officers throughout the summer and fall, seasons).
REGULATIONS FOR OHV RIDERS ON ALL PUBLIC LANDS
(Bridger-Teton National Forest and National Elk Refuge)
- Off-roading is prohibited. OHV recreation must occur only on signed designated routes including the Elk Refuge road, Curtis Canyon, Flat Creek, and Gros Ventre Areas. There are no “open” or cross-country areas for OHV recreation on the Bridger-Teton National Forest. While on the National Elk Refuge, OHVs cannot leave the roadbed for any reason. Failure to comply will result in a mandatory court appearance in Federal court here in Jackson.
- Only licensed drivers can operate an OHV on designated roads.
- Always drive at safe speeds. Slow down when sight lines are poor and keep speeds low around other recreationists (recommended maximum speed on Forest Service roads is 30 mph or less depending on conditions). The speed limit is 30 mph on all public roads on the National Elk Refuge.
- Check the official BTNF Motor Vehicle Travel Map and follow it to ensure you are always driving only on open and legal routes. (Downloading the Avenza app is recommended – https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/btnf/maps-pubs )
- All state and local “rules of the road” also apply to any OHV including working lights, properly licensed, no open container, food storage etc. Do not consume alcohol or drugs when driving an OHV.
- The Refuge road, Curtis Canyon, Flat Creek and the Gros Ventre Areas are shared-use roads. When travelling in these areas, continually watch for other types of recreationists and be considerate of others on the road. Take your time, enjoy the views, drive responsibly and respect others using the area.
ADDITIONAL OHV REGULATIONS SPECIFIC TO THE NATIONAL ELK REFUGE
- Reckless driving (spinning donuts, slides, and drifting, etc.), along National Elk Refuge roads or in
any of our pullouts and parking areas is prohibited. This will be considered careless driving and
possibly destruction of government property. - All roads labeled as closed or as a hunt retrieval road are closed to all OHV travel.
- The rental agreement must be carried and shown if requested.
- There is no collecting of any plant, animal (or parts of including shed antlers), Archeological artifacts, or mineral from the National Elk Refuge.
- There is no shooting/discharging of any firearm permitted on the National Elk Refuge (except during hunting season with possession of a valid hunting license).
- Launching and or retrieving drones is prohibited.
Self-Rental Custom Pledge.
I will follow the above regulations and use an approved map while riding my OHV on the
National Elk Refuge, Curtis Canyon, Flat Creek, Gros Ventre and any other areas of the Bridger-
Teton National Forest at all times. (Remember these areas are patrolled daily by both Forest
Service and National Elk Refuge Officers throughout the summer and fall seasons. Any
violations are subject to being cited for the offence).