Off-RoadX Trail Report #1 - Fire Restrictions
- Aug 20
- 4 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Welcome to the first-ever Off-RoadX Trail Report!
So…what the heck is the Trail Report?
Each week, we’re going to dig into something happening in the off-roading world and break it down from the Off-RoadX perspective.
That might include:
A major race or off-road event
A new vehicle, product or piece of trail technology
Changes to laws, permits or trail regulations
Safety, recovery and vehicle-preparation information
A viral off-road video that deserves a closer look
Colorado trail closures and land-use news
Or anything else the off-road community needs to know
The goal is simple: keep Rally Club members informed, prepared and entertained—without turning every report into a dusty owner’s manual.
Now, let’s get into Trail Report #1.
COLORADO’S FIRE RESTRICTIONS ARE GETTING SERIOUS
As of August 7, 2026, Stage 2 fire restrictions are active across many of the federal lands Colorado off-roaders regularly visit.
This is not one blanket statewide order. Colorado is divided among counties, national forests, BLM field offices, state lands and other jurisdictions. You could leave an unrestricted area, cross a county line and enter Stage 2 restrictions without seeing much difference in the landscape.
That means “I checked before last weekend” is no longer good enough.
Restrictions can change quickly, and it is your responsibility to know which agency manages the land you’re entering.
The Pike–San Isabel National Forests moved all six of their ranger districts into Stage 2 restrictions on August 2. That includes:
• Pikes Peak
• South Platte
• South Park
• San Carlos
• Salida
• Leadville
The current order is scheduled to remain in effect through November 14 unless it is rescinded or replaced earlier.
White River National Forest is also under Stage 2 restrictions. Stage 2 orders are active in the Canyon Lakes, Boulder, Clear Creek and Sulphur ranger districts of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, while several BLM-managed areas also have elevated restrictions.
In other words: if you’re heading toward the mountains, assume nothing and check everything.
WHAT DOES STAGE 2 ACTUALLY MEAN?
Exact rules can differ between agencies, so always read the order covering your destination. However, Stage 2 restrictions commonly prohibit:
Campfires—including fires inside established campground rings
Charcoal grills and charcoal cooking
Smoking outside permitted enclosed or cleared areas
Fireworks, exploding targets and other explosive materials
Welding, grinding or using an open-flame torch
Driving or parking vehicles in dry vegetation or outside permitted areas
Under the current Pike–San Isabel order, fires, campfires, charcoal barbecues and grills are prohibited. A device fueled only by liquid or gas may be used if it can be turned completely on and off and is placed in an area cleared of flammable material for at least three feet.
Translation: your propane stove may be invited to dinner. Your charcoal grill and bundle of firewood are staying home.
THE PART OFF-ROADERS REALLY NEED TO READ
The Pike–San Isabel order prohibits using a motor vehicle off National Forest System roads, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within ten feet of the vehicle.
That makes route classification important. A line on an app does not automatically mean it is an open National Forest System road. Check the current Motor Vehicle Use Map, agency alerts and the actual Stage 2 order before leaving.
Even where motorized travel remains open:
• Stay on designated open roads
• Do not create a bypass through vegetation
• Do not pull into tall grass for lunch or photos
• Do not park with dry vegetation beneath the exhaust
• Do not assume an old campsite is legally or safely accessible
A catalytic converter or exhaust component can become hot enough to ignite dry grass. Your truck doesn’t need a match to start a fire.
YOUR RIG CAN CREATE SPARKS WITHOUT YOU KNOWING
Vehicle-related wildfire risks are easy to overlook because the driver may never see the ignition.
Before hitting the trail:
Secure trailer safety chains so they cannot drag
Inspect trailer tires, hubs, brakes and wheel bearings
Check the vehicle for fluid leaks or damaged wiring
Make sure the exhaust system is secure
Confirm that OHVs have a properly installed, approved spark arrester
Remove dry grass or debris collected around the exhaust and underbody
Carry a charged fire extinguisher and a shovel
Park only on rock, gravel or bare mineral soil
A dragging chain, failing wheel bearing, shredded tire or hot exhaust can throw enough heat or sparks to ignite roadside vegetation.
WHAT IF YOU SEE A FIRE?
Do not assume someone else has already reported it.
Call 911 as soon as you have service and provide:
• Your GPS coordinates
• The nearest road or trail number
• Approximate fire size
• Wind direction
• Color and amount of smoke
• Whether people or structures are threatened
If the fire is extremely small and you can safely extinguish it with the equipment you already have, do so—but never put yourself, your family or your vehicle between a fire and its escape route.
THE OFF-ROADX BOTTOM LINE
Stage 2 restrictions do not automatically mean the adventure is canceled. They mean the adventure requires more planning.
We can still explore, camp and enjoy Colorado’s backcountry where travel remains legally open—but camp may look different. Bring a propane stove, extra lighting and warm clothes. Enjoy the stars. Tell stories without the campfire. Make coffee in the morning without accidentally becoming the lead story on the evening news.
Responsible off-roading is about more than getting through an obstacle. It’s also about protecting the trails, forests and communities that make these adventures possible.
Check the rules. Check your rig. Stay on the trail. Don’t be the spark.
OFFICIAL SOURCES AND LIVE UPDATES
• Pike–San Isabel Stage 2 Order
• Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest Alerts
• White River National Forest Fire Information
• BLM Colorado Fire Information
• Rocky Mountain Area Fire-Restriction Dashboard
• BLM Vehicle and Wildfire-Prevention Guidance
Restrictions can change at any time. Always confirm conditions with the responsible agency or county immediately before departure.
What do you think of the first Trail Report? Is there an off-road topic, product, regulation, race or viral video you want us to investigate next?
Drop it in the comments!
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