ATTENTION all who are planning on attending the August 2017 Ouray RVForum Off-Road Gathering.I would like to address a couple of house cleaning items prior to the rally so we all come to Ouray prepared and ready to enjoy our off-roading adventure and get the most out of the area.
There has been much debate over the years about the need to purchase and display a Colorado Off-Road Permit on the trails of Colorado specifically pertaining to Jeeps. Also there has been debate over whether or not a Jeep is considered an OHV (Off- Highway Vehicle) because they are actually licensed on-highway vehicles and whether or not they should be under the same scrutiny as standard OHV's. This seems to come up almost every year and there are debates on both sides, this year being no exception. After the past couple of days and multiple phone calls of contacting various Colorado organizations (and even then getting different versions) I have concluded that there still seems to be much confusion surrounding this topic and surprise, surprise, you can’t seem to get the correct information on the internet.
I called the Ouray Chamber Resort and Visitor's center and was told if the Jeep is licensed to be on the street there is nothing else to do but come and enjoy the trails. I called the Colorado Parks & Wildlife division today and spoke with a park ranger who said the opposite and that even a licensed Jeep driving off-pavement, dirt state or county roads must have an OHV permit to be legal. Seems as though even amongst Colorado agencies there is some confusion. To avoid any issues during the rally it would be beneficial to simply ask that we all have a Colorado OHV Permit. It is valid through March 2018 and is only $25.25. The money also goes directly back to the Colorado Parks & Recreation to help keep our trails open and maintained that we are using so we should look at it as an investment in our trail system that we are utilizing and being good stewards over those trails.
It is quite simple to acquire a Colorado OHV Permit either on-line OR by calling and placing your order over the phone, it will then be mailed directly to you. I was told to please allow at least 2-weeks for the permit to arrive in the mail when I ordered mine. There is no need to have to present VIN #'s or any actual vehicle information, simply purchase the generic OHV decal/permit and when it arrives place it on your Jeep.
To order via telephone please call
303-866-3203, ext. 4624.
To order via the Colorado Parks & Recreation website please go to this link.
https://wildlifestore.state.co.us/After accessing the link above, the correct permit is the orange 2018 OHV sticker with “VOID” typed across it for non-resident and resident plated vehicles. It is valid through March 2018. Click the link to order and then checkout.
Here is a link to where the decal/sticker must be placed on your Jeep.
http://cpw.state.co.us/PublishingImages/Trails/OHV/jeepicon.jpgHere is a link for more information if you choose to read more about the OHV, go down to “Out Of State” then click on decal placement just below that for another route to the decal placement.
http://cpw.state.co.us/buyapply/Pages/RegistrationsOHV.aspxOther items to bring to Ouray.While we are discussing coming to Ouray prepared, I thought it would be a good idea to mention some other items that attendees should plan on bringing so we are all ready for the off-road adventure and breathtaking scenery we are going to enjoy.
• CB radio and/or handheld so we can all stay in touch while on the trails. Also please familiarize yourself with your particular model and how to use it.
• First Aid kit. This should be pretty much standard equipment to us Jeep owners when traveling the back country but we routinely still see Jeeps on the trails that have a need arise and yet they do not have a First Aid kit with them.
• Water, food and/or snacks. When traveling most days we will be stopping for lunch breaks on the trail so please plan on bringing your lunch and plenty of water with you each day. Even on days we may plan on going to lunch in town it is still a good idea to pack some food or snacks with you while traveling as sometimes plans change unexpectedly due to a break down, weather or trail condition and more time will need to be spent on the trail than originally planned. Unfortunately we have been delayed getting off the mountain until the wee early morning hours on several occasion assisting on a break down or recovery so please come prepared with water, food and/or snacks.
Lastly, and most importantly, please come and plan on having a great time enjoying the fantastic scenery that the San Juan Mountains provide and enjoy meeting up with old friends and creating new friendships.
We are looking forward to seeing everyone in August.
Mike & Chrystal
