The Best Summer Off-Road Trails for Your Argo

You know your Argo can go anywhere, but where can you use it? From easy and offbeat to challenging and beautiful, these trails let you get the most from your XTV and your summer vacation.

St. John’s Rock ORV Trail – Maryland

Are you itching to try out your new XTV? Located just of I-68 near Frostburg, Maryland’s first public off-road vehicle park is just a two-hour drive from our shop. Here you’ll find a bit of everything: trails ranging from easy to technical, a rock-climbing area and a 17-mile hiking trail. Visitors have the option of staying at the primitive campsite or getting a day use permit. Reservations are required. They can be made online using Maryland’s COMPASS website.

Cheese Country Trail – Wisconsin

Want a leisurely trail that makes use of your Argo’s abilities? This 47-mile trail is part of the rails-to-trails project, so grades are flat. However, wet weather quickly covers the trail in ruts and mud. That’s a problem for cyclists and dirt bike riders, but it can mean having the trail to yourself in your XTV. The trail winds through forests from Mineral Point to Monroe, the self-proclaimed Swiss cheese capital of the U.S. As the name implies, there are plenty of places to sample the state’s most famous food, including factories, cheese shops, and restaurants.

If you want to extend your trip, consider taking the Badger State Trail and the Sugar River Trail. All three trails are connected by roads designated for legal use by off-road vehicles.

Alpine Loop Trail – Colorado

Running between Lake City, Ouray, and Silverston, this set of old mining roads runs through the heart of the San Juan Mountains. With a total of 63 miles of high altitude driving, the trail passes 7 ghost towns and provides access to several campgrounds and hiking trails along the way.

Large portions are accessible by two-wheel drive trucks, but full access requires a serious off-road vehicle. This gives you the option of doing the full trip in your Argo, or using a tow vehicle and switching to your XTV for the toughest passes.

Big Cypress National Preserve – Florida

Swamps are a natural fit for an XTV’s abilities, and large areas of this park are inaccessible without an off-road vehicle. Secondary trails are currently closed for environmental impact evaluation, but there are still hundreds of miles of primary trails open to travel, giving you more freedom to explore than almost any place in the country. With a wide range of hiking, camping and hunting opportunities, there’s something for everyone.

Before you can operate your Argo in the park, you’ll need an operating permit and a vehicle inspection. To get the permit, you must first pass an online ORV operator’s course and submit a form at the visitor’s center. The vehicle must be inspected at the park. An Argo is classified as a UTV (Class E) at this preserve. You will need a valid vehicle title from your state. The park recommends all visitors call the visitor’s center to make sure their vehicle complies with regulations.

Hell’s Revenge Trail – Utah

Are you looking for a serious challenge? Moab is famous for off-roading thanks to its location between the Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. However, the most infamous trail is in a local park just outside of town. Hell’s Revenge has 6.5 miles of steep, treacherous climbs over petrified sand dunes. Along the way, you’ll get a great view of the La Sal Mountains. Turn-offs along the trail let you choose which sections you want to tackle and which ones you want to skip. A spotter is recommended for some of the more difficult sections like Tip Over Challenge.

The trail is part of the Sand Flats Recreation Area, which is controlled by the county government. However, park fees are waived if you have an “America the Beautiful” National Park Pass.

For Work or Fun, Visit Shank’s Argo for Your XTV Needs

Looking to prepare your XTV for an excursion? Go with the experts at Shank’s Argo. We’re one of the largest dealers in the East, and we’ve been in the outdoor equipment business since 1984. We can help you find the right Argo for your needs, keep it serviced and add accessories to help you get the most out of your trip. Visit our shop and showroom at 4900 Molly Pitcher Highway, Chambersburg, PA. If you want to schedule a test drive visit www.shanksargo.com.