​​​I am a Colorado native, and heard about OHV permits only a few years ago in thanks to Stay the Trail, and their dedication to educating our community.
I realized that even if I don't utilize all of the full size trails that require an OHV permit, I was doing my due diligence as a Coloradan and an OHV user in purchasing one. I am an avid offroader, as well as an advocate for keeping our trails open and accessible to OHV users. It seemed like a pretty clear and inexpensive way to help even a little bit. 

OHV Permits and Registrations are different. If you have an ATV, buggy (not road worthy, or registered at the DMV), side by side, etc., or you are from out of state, you need an OHV REGISTRATION to use all Colorado trails. 

If you have a street legal vehicle, registered with the Colorado DMV, it is responsible, and with some trails, necessary, to purchase an OHV permit each year. They are inexpensive, at $25.25, and almost all the funds go straight back into OHV use. $0 .25 from each permit also goes back to our incredible Search and Rescues in Colorado. 
Permits expire in March/April of the following year. 

The funds from OHV permits are put directly back into the OHV use, by means of grants for projects, education and trail maintenance on trails around the state. In some areas, they even add miles of single track trails. Many groups and organizations receive grants to continue doing their part on our Colorado trails. Colorado Jeep Girls parnered with Tread Lightly! which received a grant for 2020. You can find Tread Lightly! information, education and swag at our booths at events. Check out treadlightly.org for more great info!

Additionally, with the money that gets put back into our Search and Rescues, it's a no-brainer, as Colorado 4x4 Rescue and Recovery has been in the process of becoming a recognized Search and Rescue org (not to mention Alpine Rescue and the other dozens of organizations in Colorado that volunteer to rescue people stuck, injured or worse in the high country and around the state). If you or your vehicle need rescue, you have already made a contribution, even in a small way to keep these organizations going. These organizations are volunteer based, and volunteers end up being responsible for expensive gear replacements, funds to stay closer to the rescue location, etc. They can pull money from Colorado because of programs like the OHV permit and the money put into Search and Rescues specifically. If you would like to contribute solely to Search and Rescue funds, consider purchasing a CORSAR Card at https://dola.colorado.gov/sar/cardPurchase.jsf. A one year card is $3, and a five year card is $12. 

Colorado is truly one of the most beautiful states for any kind of outdoor recreation. As OHV users, we have a responsibility in my eyes to keep it that way; as well as doing our part to keep all of these areas accessible to future generations.
Please visit https://cpw.state.co.us/buyapply/Pages/RegistrationsOHV.aspx to purchase your OHV registration OR OHV permit.
While there, check out https:///cpw.state.co.us/Documents/Trails/OHVGrantProgramAwards.pdf to see where the funds for 2020 are being used. 
Visit https://staythetrail.org/full-size-trails/ for more information on the trails that require OHV permits, regardless if you have state issued license plates or not. 

Check out www.coloradojeepgirls.com for more access to other great offroad resources, member information and more! 

Catherine Fanaro
Colorado Jeep Girls Founder

Colorado 4x4 Girls

"Stewardship. Education. Sisterhood.”
​The only women’s off road club committed to stewardship and dedicated to education, while empowering women through sisterhood.

Colorado's All female 4x4 Club

Why buy an OHV tag, even if you have a registered Colorado vehicle?