Not every riding area is the right fit for every rider.

Terrain, skill level, access rules, and the type of riding you want all play a role in whether a day on the bike is fun or frustrating. This guide breaks down how to choose a dirt bike riding area that actually matches your riding style and experience.

Start With the Type of Riding You Want

Before picking a location, decide what kind of ride you’re looking for.

Some areas are best for:

• casual trail riding

• wide OHV roads

• technical rocky terrain

• sandy washes or dunes

• beginner-friendly loops

• advanced, physical riding

Knowing what you want helps narrow options quickly and avoids showing up somewhere that doesn’t fit your expectations.

Understand Terrain and Difficulty

Terrain matters more than distance.

A short ride in rocky or technical terrain can be far more demanding than a longer ride on smooth trails. When researching a riding area, look for information on:

• elevation changes

• loose rock or hardpack

• sand or silt

• narrow vs wide trails

• exposure or drop-offs

Matching terrain to your skill level keeps rides fun and reduces unnecessary risk.

Check Access and Regulations

Many riding areas require:

• OHV permits or passes

• seasonal access restrictions

• street-legal vehicles on certain routes

• staying on designated trails only

Ignoring access rules puts riding areas at risk of closure. Always check current requirements before you go and plan accordingly.

Responsible riding helps keep areas open long term.

Consider Who You’re Riding With

Group size and experience matter.

If you’re riding with:

• beginners

• mixed skill levels

• kids or new riders

• larger groups

Look for areas with:

• wide trails

• bailout routes

• staging areas with space

• minimal technical obstacles

Choosing the right location makes the day smoother for everyone.

Use Local Knowledge When Possible

Local riders often know:

• which areas are blown out

• where traffic is heaviest

• seasonal trail conditions

• common problem spots

This is where riding with others helps.

MotoConnects allows riders to share meetups and staging areas so you can ride with people who already know the area, without publicly exposing sensitive trail details.

How MotoConnects Helps

MotoConnects is built to help riders:

• discover riding areas

• understand what to expect before showing up

• find and join local rides

• host rides without sharing exact trail lines publicly

Trail guides give you context.
The platform helps you actually ride.

Ride Smart, Ride Responsible

Choosing the right riding area isn’t about finding the hardest or most hidden trail.

It’s about finding a place that:

• matches your skill level

• fits your riding goals

• respects land access rules

• keeps riding enjoyable for everyone

With the right planning, every ride is a good one.

Ready to Ride?

If you’re looking to ride with others or want to see what’s happening nearby, head back to MotoConnects and explore current rides and meetups.

Find rides near you on MotoConnects.com