Off-Highway Vehicles in the Steese National Conservation Area
Some areas in the Steese NCA are open to the use of motorized vehicles. In general, motor vehicles weighing less than 1,500 lbs. Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)1 or with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)2 of less than 1,500 lbs. can be operated on most of the public lands inside the Steese NCA. The Birch Creek National Wild River corridor is closed to the summer use of motorized vehicles. Two Research Natural Areas (Mount Prindle RNA and Big Windy Hot Springs RNA) and the Pinnell Mountain National Recreation Trail are closed year-round to motorized use. See the map below for areas open to the operation of off-highway vehicles (OHVs).
Map Legend| | Foothills
This area is open to OHVs weighing less than 1500 lbs. GVW or GVWR. |
| | Highlands
This area is closed to summer use3 of OHVs. It is open to winter use4 of snowmobiles weighing less than 1500 lbs. GVW or GVWR. |
| | Birch Creek National Wild River
The river corridor is closed to summer use. It is open to winter use of snowmobiles weighting less than 1500 lbs. GVW or GVWR. |
| | Non-Motorized Trails and Areas
The Pinnell Mountain National Recreation Trail and the Research Natural Areas are closed to all motorized use year-round. |
1 The term “Gross Vehicle Weight” (GVW) means the loaded weight of the vehicle, including gear, passengers and fuel.
2 The term "Gross Vehicle Weight Rating" (GVWR) means the value specified by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of a single vehicle.
3 "Summer use" is from May 1 to October 14.
4 "Winter use" is from October 15 to April 30, inclusive.
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