atv
July 2008 
Riding ATVs at Rainbow Falls
Posted on Mar 19th, 2008
by 
Everett
Everett
It felt higher than it looks.
We went down to Rainbow Falls last weekend and started off the ATV season with a bang.
I'm all for hiking on foot and enjoying the mountains, but unless you have three days to trek through five feet of snow...
There are few better ways to see the secluded spots within the Rocky Mountains. From old, abandoned mines and gold rush ghost-towns to quiet pastures and rocky outcrops - you can reach places on an ATV that only highly experienced hikers could reach otherwise.
To preserve the surrounding environment, always stay on the trail. Don't "blaze your own path" through the mountains. Be mindful of corners and hill crests so you don't injure yourself, another rider or wild animals crossing the track.
Above all - HAVE FUN! Life is short. Enjoy it.
If you're interested in ATVing check out Motosport Reviews for more information on which ATV would work best for you. I ride a Yamaha Raptor 660cc and my wife has a Yamaha Warrior 350cc. These are great for trails, dunes, racing and climbing. But if you want something that is going to do well in rocky areas and mud, you might opt for a 4WD model. See you on the trails...
Access: Public
Everett, this looks like soo much fun. Have you guys ever gone to the sand dunes in southern colorado?
Can you ride ATV's in the sand?
It looks like you were pretty high flying on the photo. When I was young we had snowmobiles and road them all the time we had snow. Now I tend to opt to explore on foot or by mountain bike. I like the quiet in nature and don't love the engine noise as much.
Jenn, You can definitely ride ATV's in the sand. Maybe Everett can share his sand riding experience sometime.
Enjoy riding!
Jenn,
Thankfully, for all of us, certain areas are designated for riding ATVs and certain areas are off-limits. The sand dunes in Southern Colorado are off limits to motorized vehicles. However, there are sand dunes in Northern Colorado (Walden) that are open to ATVs, Jeeps, Dirt Bikes, etc. and yes it is very fun to ride them. We put on paddle tires and have a blast!
Mark, I've never ridden a snowmobile but would love to one of these days. One thing I like about the sound of the engine is the contrast when you turn it off. For an hour you are climbing up a mountain trail and going higher and higher with the engine reving up the whole way. Then you reach the top, turn it off, and instantly you are surrounded by nothing but the sounds of nature. I guess in that sense it is a different means to the same end.
But my love handles tell me it's time to do more hiking and less riding. ;-)
Love handles? Wait until you get old like me…