Wide Side-by-Sides on Narrow Trails
A wide side-by-side can feel perfectly manageable in an open meadow, then become a stressful fit between trees, rocks, and tight switchbacks. In Montana, the key is matching your machine to the route—not assuming every trail is built for every UTV. This guide explains how to check width limits, choose suitable riding areas, and handle narrow sections with less guesswork.
Understand your machine’s width and the trail’s limits
Measure the machine you actually ride
Start with the widest point of your side-by-side, not the number in a model name or a brochure. Tire choice, wheel offset, fender flares, nerf bars, mirrors, and other accessories can change the practical width. A machine that was narrow enough when it left the dealership may be wider after a few upgrades.
Measure from the outer edge of one tire to the outer edge of the other on level ground, with the tires set straight. If an accessory extends beyond the tires, note that too: the tire measurement helps you compare with listed vehicle specifications, while the widest point matters when you’re judging whether the machine can pass through a tight opening without catching something.
Check the owner’s manual or manufacturer’s specification sheet for the stated vehicle width, and compare it with your own measurement. If the two differ, keep both figures handy. The listed specification can help when checking route rules, but your actual machine determines how much room you need between trees, rocks, and other obstacles.
Don’t treat “wide” as one universal trail category
A trail’s posted width restriction is a rule, not a suggestion based on how confident you feel behind the wheel. Some routes are designated for machines within a stated width; others may accommodate wider vehicles, while still having naturally narrow spots. The permitted width and the physical width of the trail are related, but they are not the same thing.
Look for route-specific restrictions and current land-manager information before you unload. A route that appears on a map may connect with narrower spurs, a restricted segment, or an area where the route designation changes. Don’t rely on an old trip report or a sign you remember seeing years ago to decide whether a wide UTV is allowed today.
This distinction matters around popular riding areas such as the Flathead National Forest, the Custer Gallatin area near Bozeman, and Blue Mountain near Missoula. Conditions and designations vary by route. For a useful starting point, compare your vehicle with [Montana Trails Rated for Full-Size Rigs] and [A 64-Inch Machine on a Narrow Montana Trail], then confirm the specific route before riding.
Check maps and route information before unloading
Read the Motor Vehicle Use Map carefully
A Motor Vehicle Use Map, often shortened to MVUM, is one of the most useful tools for planning a ride on public land. It identifies routes designated for motorized use and may include restrictions such as vehicle class, season, or width. The map is not simply a list of trails that look fun; it helps you distinguish routes that are authorized for a particular type of travel from roads or tracks that are not open to your machine.
Find the MVUM for the specific national forest or area you plan to ride, and check the legend before interpreting route markings. Then trace your entire intended loop, including connectors and return options. A common planning mistake is confirming that the first section fits a full-size UTV, but overlooking a narrower connector that turns the ride into a frustrating dead end.
Keep a map available even if you use a phone. A printed copy can be useful if your battery dies or you lose service, while a digital map can make it easier to check your position and compare route choices. Guides such as [Reading a Montana Motor Vehicle Use Map] and [Finding a Forest's Motor Vehicle Use Map] can help you understand what to look for. onX Offroad can also help with route planning, but use it alongside the land manager’s official information rather than treating any app as the final authority.
Verify closures, seasonal conditions, and route changes
A route shown on a map may not be suitable—or open—for your planned ride. Seasonal restrictions, maintenance work, fire activity, snow, runoff, and other changing conditions can affect access. A narrow route can also become more difficult after rain or snowmelt, when water cuts across the tread or loose material shifts under the tires.
Check current status before you make the drive, particularly if you’re traveling a long distance from places such as Kalispell, Bozeman, or Missoula. Confirm the route’s permitted vehicle class and width, then check for closure notices and seasonal restrictions. [Checking Montana Trail Status Before You Drive] is a helpful planning companion, especially when your trip depends on a specific connector or high-country route.
Build in a backup plan. If the route you intended to ride is closed or too tight for your vehicle, know which nearby area or wider route you can use instead. This is far less stressful than reaching a trailhead with a trailer, finding an unexpected restriction, and having to improvise with limited daylight or no cell service.
Choose routes that suit a wide side-by-side
Compare route designations with real-world terrain
A route’s permitted vehicle width tells you whether your machine is allowed; it does not promise a roomy ride. Even an appropriate route can include narrow forest corridors, sharp turns, low branches, exposed rocks, or a tight approach to a bridge. A full-size UTV may fit legally while still requiring careful, slow driving.
Before you commit, think about the type of terrain your group enjoys and the amount of maneuvering everyone is comfortable with. A newer driver may have a better day on a broader forest road than on a winding track where the vehicle fills the space between trees. Experienced drivers also benefit from choosing routes with room to stop, turn around, or let another group pass.
Look for route descriptions that mention vehicle size, trail width, or tight sections, but treat casual descriptions as clues rather than guarantees. [Montana Trail Difficulty Ratings] can help you think beyond mileage and consider terrain and riding effort. For narrower trails, a machine designed for a smaller width class may be a better match; compare your options with [Montana Trails That Suit a 50-Inch Machine] before planning a group ride around a wider vehicle.
| What to check | Why it matters for a wide side-by-side | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Posted width limit | Determines whether the machine is allowed on the route | Compare the restriction with the vehicle’s stated width and confirm the route designation |
| Actual machine width | Accessories and tires can change how much clearance you need | Measure the vehicle and note anything that extends beyond the tires |
| Tight turns and obstacles | Legal access does not guarantee easy passage | Look for route details, recent condition notes, and suitable turnarounds |
| Connectors and spurs | A narrow segment can block a planned loop | Check every section of the route, not just the trailhead |
| Closures and seasonal rules | Access can change with conditions or management decisions | Check current land-manager notices before driving to the area |
| Group vehicle mix | The narrowest route may not suit the widest machine | Choose a route all vehicles can use, or plan separate outings |
Plan around the widest machine in your group
When several vehicles travel together, base your route choice on the widest machine—not the one that can squeeze through the tightest gap. A mixed group may include a compact ATV, a narrow UTV, and a full-size side-by-side. If the group follows a route chosen for the smaller machines, the driver of the widest one may be left struggling to pass trees or comply with posted restrictions.
Talk through the plan before the trip. Ask each driver about their machine’s width, experience, and comfort with narrow terrain. It can be helpful to set a clear rule: if the route becomes too tight or the designation is unclear, the group stops somewhere safe and checks the map rather than continuing on the assumption that it will open up.
A little flexibility makes group rides more enjoyable. You might choose a wider route for a mixed group, split into smaller groups for different trails, or have the narrower machines explore a side route while the full-size UTV stays on an appropriate route. [Montana Trailhead Parking and Staging] can help you think through where to regroup or leave a trailer while everyone gets organized.
Prepare the machine and ride for limited clearance
Check the setup before you reach the trail
Before leaving home, inspect the parts that affect width and clearance. Confirm that tires are seated correctly, wheel hardware is secure, and accessories are not loose or bent outward. If you’ve recently changed tires or wheels, recheck the machine’s width instead of relying on a measurement from before the modifications.
Consider the practical consequences of your accessories. A wide mirror or side step may catch a tree even if the tires clear it. A roof, windshield, or light bar may also matter where branches hang low. Remove or adjust equipment only if it is safe and appropriate to do so, and make sure anything you take off is stored securely for the ride.
Pack basic recovery and communication gear, and make sure your group knows where it is. A small scrape is usually manageable; a damaged tire or a machine stuck at a narrow, awkward angle can complicate the day. For remote routes, consider how you’ll contact help if service disappears, and review [Cell Service in the Montana Backcountry] before relying on your phone for navigation or emergencies.
Approach narrow sections slowly and deliberately
When the trail tightens, slow down before you reach the pinch point. Look for the actual line your tires need to follow, not just the gap at hood height. A tree may leave room for the roof but not the rear wheels, or a rock may be easy to see from the driver’s seat while its edge sits just outside your view.
Keep movements small and controlled. Avoid turning sharply while a tire is beside a stump or rock, because the vehicle’s corners can swing into obstacles. If a passenger can safely help spot, agree on simple signals before moving. Stop if you lose sight of the spotter or are unsure where a wheel is positioned. Don’t ask someone to stand in a place where the vehicle could pin them or where they might be struck if the machine shifts.
If the opening appears too narrow, don’t force the machine through just to avoid turning around. Look for a safe place to stop, assess the route, and reverse or use a designated turnaround if available. A slow retreat is usually preferable to bending an accessory, damaging a trail edge, or trapping the vehicle in a spot with no room to maneuver.
Plan a Montana ride with room for contingencies
Build a route that fits the trip, not just the map
When planning a day near West Yellowstone, the Flathead Valley, or the Bridger and Bangtail ranges, start with the machine and the group—not a mileage goal. Ask how much time you want to spend riding, whether everyone is comfortable with the terrain, and whether the route offers a practical way back if conditions change. A shorter ride on suitable terrain can be more satisfying than an ambitious loop that becomes a sequence of tight, stressful sections.
Use more than one kind of information. Check the official route designation, review a map, and look for recent observations that describe surface and access conditions. onX Offroad can be useful for visualizing a planned track and keeping route notes together. Still, match what you see in the app against official restrictions and any posted signs at the trailhead.
A good plan also includes fuel, food, water, and a realistic return time. In some parts of Montana, services may be a long drive from the trailhead, and a detour can add more time than expected. [Montana Trails With Long Fuel Gaps] and [Planning a Montana Riding Trip] can help you prepare for the less glamorous details that often determine whether a ride stays enjoyable.
Know when to turn around or change plans
Turning around is not a failure. It is a sensible choice when the trail narrows beyond what your vehicle can negotiate, signs conflict with your understanding of the route, or weather makes the surface unsafe. A group that agrees on this before the ride is less likely to pressure one driver into continuing simply because everyone else wants to see what lies ahead.
Set expectations at the trailhead. Decide who will lead, who will sweep, and how the group will communicate if a vehicle needs to stop. If someone is spotting, make sure the driver understands the signals and stops immediately if they become unclear. Keep enough space between vehicles that a driver can brake without creating a pile-up on a tight turn.
Finally, leave the route in good condition. Stay on designated surfaces, avoid widening a trail to make room for the machine, and don’t push through vegetation or around an obstacle where travel is not allowed. If you discover damage or a closure issue, note the location and report it through the appropriate land-management channel. That kind of care helps preserve access for riders—and reduces the chances that a narrow trail becomes even harder for the next person to use.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
