Saskatchewan Trails That Allow Side-by-Sides
Finding a Saskatchewan trail that fits a side-by-side can take more than spotting an ATV route on a map. Some trails have machine-specific rules, seasonal closures, permits or local restrictions, and a route that suits a quad may not suit a wider UTV. This guide covers where to start, what to confirm before unloading, and how to plan a ride without relying on guesswork.
Where to look for side-by-side trails in Saskatchewan
Side-by-sides are often grouped under broad ATV or off-road machine rules, but that does not mean every ATV route is automatically open to every UTV. Trail width, posted restrictions, land access and local rules all matter. Start with established riding areas, then confirm that the specific route permits your machine.
Moose Mountain Provincial Park
Moose Mountain is one of the better-known places to investigate for an organized trail ride in southern Saskatchewan. Its riding network includes trails through forested terrain, with trailheads and facilities that can make planning a day out more straightforward than choosing an unfamiliar patch of Crown land. If you are travelling with a side-by-side, check the park’s rules and trail information before you leave home rather than assuming every route is open to your machine.
Pay special attention to route closures, seasonal conditions and any permit or acknowledgement requirements. A trail may be designated for motorized use while still having limits that affect where or when you can ride. If you are making a longer trip, check [Moose Mountain Provincial Park ATV Trails] and [Saskatchewan Park Regulations for Machines] as part of your planning.
A map app such as onX Offroad can help you get oriented and keep track of the route you intend to follow. Treat it as a navigation aid, not as proof that a trail is open or that your UTV is allowed there. Park notices and signs at the trailhead take priority over an app’s mapped line.
Narrow Hills and Great Blue Heron Provincial Parks
Narrow Hills Provincial Park and Great Blue Heron Provincial Park are also worth checking when you are looking for designated riding routes. The landscapes and trail networks differ, so your choice may depend on how far you want to ride, the terrain you prefer and whether you need nearby camping or a convenient place to unload.
Before heading to either park, confirm which trails are designated for machines and whether side-by-sides are allowed on the particular routes you plan to use. A park may have both motorized and non-motorized routes, and access rules can vary within the same area. The guides to [Narrow Hills Provincial Park ATV Trails] and [Great Blue Heron Provincial Park ATV Trails] are useful starting points, but check current park information and posted notices before riding.
Do not plan around a single mileage figure alone. A network’s total length does not tell you which sections are open, suitable for a wider machine or accessible in the conditions you will encounter. A route that looks short on a screen can also take longer than expected when it is muddy, rutted or crowded.
Club trails and other mapped riding areas
Club-maintained routes can be another option, especially when local riders help maintain the trail system and share information about conditions. Access is not automatic, though. A club trail may cross land with specific agreements, have rules about permitted machine types or close temporarily. Confirm the route’s status with the club or responsible land manager before unloading.
For possible starting points, explore [Saskatchewan Club Trails on Crown Land] and [Saskatchewan ATV Trail Map Downloads]. Mapping tools, including onX Offroad, can help you compare routes and plan navigation. Still, a line shown on a map is not a substitute for landowner permission, a trail agreement or an official closure notice.
If you are not sure who manages a trail, ask before riding. A club contact, park office or local authority may be able to clarify whether the route is open to side-by-sides, whether a permit applies and whether there are recent restrictions. That quick check can save you from hauling a machine a long distance only to discover that the intended route is not available.
How to confirm a trail is open to your UTV
A good side-by-side trail plan starts with the exact machine, not just the destination. “ATV trail” is a broad description; it does not answer every practical question about UTV access. Confirm the rules for the vehicle you will bring and the route you intend to ride.
Check the route, machine class and local rules
Before your trip, look for information that clearly applies to side-by-sides or utility terrain vehicles. If the information only says “ATV,” do not assume that every UTV is included. A wider machine may encounter physical pinch points, gates, narrow bridges or restrictions that do not affect a smaller quad.
Check for rules from more than one source. A provincial park, trail club, municipality or landholder may each have a role in access. Signs at the trail entrance are especially important, and local bylaws can affect roads or areas near a trail system. For broader context, see [Saskatchewan Parks With Designated Trails Only] and [Saskatchewan Municipalities With ATV Bylaws].
If the rules are unclear, contact the organization responsible for the route and describe your machine accurately. Mention that it is a side-by-side, and, if relevant, share its approximate width and whether it is a two-seat or four-seat model. Asking a precise question is more useful than asking simply whether “ATVs” are allowed.
| What to check | Why it matters | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Machine type | ATV wording may not clearly include every UTV | Whether side-by-sides are allowed on the route |
| Width and access points | Gates, bridges or narrow sections may limit access | Whether the route can accommodate your machine |
| Land manager | Different areas can have different rules | Who controls access and where to ask questions |
| Permits and forms | Requirements can differ by park or riding area | Whether you need a permit, acknowledgement or display item |
| Closures and conditions | Fire, weather or maintenance can change access | Whether the route is open on your planned day |
| Local bylaws | Nearby roads and communities may have added restrictions | Whether you can legally reach or cross the trail |
Check closures, permits and conditions close to departure
A trail can be open when you begin planning and closed by the time you are ready to ride. Weather, wildfire risk, trail maintenance or a land-management decision can change access. Check the relevant park or trail organization again shortly before leaving, and look for posted notices when you arrive.
Find out whether a permit or use form is needed and where to obtain it. Requirements differ by riding area, so do not assume that a permit from one park or municipality applies somewhere else. If you are considering camping as part of the trip, check [Saskatchewan Trails With Camping] for planning ideas, then verify campground access and machine rules separately.
Use onX Offroad or another mapping tool to prepare a route and keep your bearings, but compare the mapped information with official notices. A map can help you see where a route runs; it cannot guarantee that the trail remains open, that it is authorized for UTVs or that a road connecting two trail sections permits riding. Save a paper or offline backup if mobile coverage may be unreliable.
Plan for the size and handling of a side-by-side
A UTV can be comfortable for passengers and gear, but its width and weight affect how it behaves on a trail. A route that is pleasant in a narrow quad may feel tight in a side-by-side. Plan around your vehicle’s actual dimensions and the skill level of everyone in your group.
Match the route to the machine
Before the ride, check whether the trail includes narrow wooded sections, tight turns, steep grades, soft ground or obstacles that may be difficult for a wider vehicle. If route descriptions or local riders mention confined sections, ask whether a side-by-side can pass safely. When that information is unavailable, choose a route with clearly confirmed access instead of trying to judge from a distant map view.
Conditions can change the usable width of a trail. Branches, fallen trees, standing water and damaged edges may make a route feel much narrower than it looked during planning. Avoid forcing a machine through a section that risks damaging the trail, vegetation or vehicle. Turn around when necessary and use a route that is both permitted and suitable.
Think about the group as well as the lead vehicle. A long line of machines can make it harder to turn around or respond to an unexpected closure. Agree on a meeting point, keep the group together and give the last rider a way to communicate if the group becomes separated.
Prepare for conditions and trail etiquette
Check the forecast and trail updates before you load. Wet conditions can make a previously manageable section slippery or prone to deep ruts. In dry conditions, dust can reduce visibility between vehicles. Slow down, leave space and avoid spraying mud or dust onto other riders.
Carry basic recovery and safety equipment suited to your route. That might include water, a first-aid kit, a charged phone or radio, a map, appropriate clothing and recovery gear. Make sure passengers know how to stay seated and use the vehicle’s safety equipment. Avoid carrying more people than the machine is designed to carry.
Respect closures, private property and other trail users. Stay on the route, yield appropriately and keep noise and speed under control near homes, campgrounds and shared-use areas. [Saskatchewan Trail Etiquette Locals Expect] offers useful reminders for considerate riding. For current conditions before a long drive, consult [Saskatchewan Trail Conditions Before You Haul] rather than assuming that last season’s route information still applies.
A practical pre-ride checklist
The most frustrating trail problem is discovering a restriction after you have already driven for hours with a trailer. A short checklist can help you catch the common issues before they become a trip-ending surprise.
Before you leave home
- Choose a specific trail system and identify the organization or authority responsible for it.
- Confirm that side-by-sides are allowed on the exact route, not just somewhere in the general area.
- Check for width restrictions, gates, bridges, road connections and other potential access limits.
- Review permit, form, insurance and display requirements for that riding area.
- Look for closures, fire-related restrictions, maintenance notices and recent weather impacts.
- Plan fuel, food, water and a realistic turnaround point.
- Download maps or route information for offline use, and carry a backup navigation option.
- Tell someone where you plan to ride and when you expect to return.
A parking or unloading area also matters. Confirm where trailers can be left and whether the trailhead has enough room for your group. The guide to [Saskatchewan Trailheads With Trailer Parking] can help you think through that part of the plan, but verify details directly before travelling.
At the trailhead and on the route
Read posted signs before unloading, even if you have already checked the route online. Look for machine restrictions, closures, permit instructions and local notices. If a sign conflicts with your plan, follow the posted restriction and ask the responsible office or club for clarification.
Once riding, stay on designated routes and adjust your speed to the conditions. Do not assume that an unmarked side route is open simply because it appears on a map or has tire tracks. If you encounter a blocked or closed section, turn back rather than creating a new path around it. That protects the landscape and helps preserve access for future riders.
Reassess the route as the day goes on. Heavy rain, a mechanical issue, reduced visibility or a tired passenger may make it sensible to shorten the ride. For broader navigation preparation, [Saskatchewan ATV Trail Map Downloads] can help you locate route-planning resources, while onX Offroad can serve as one tool for following your planned track. Keep checking signs and official updates; neither an app nor an old saved map overrides a closure.
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.
