More On The Wild Life
Skunks and rattlesnakes are also present in the area. If you
encounter one in the middle of the trail, common sense should tell you
to stay your distance until it decides to leave or you can find a safe
route around. Then you can use the encounter to spice up the description
of the trip to the folks back home.
Some wildlife is only wild to those unfamiliar with the area. One
group of ATVers was stopped by a herd of cows on the trail; they turned
around and returned to town. Trail riders must realize that most of the
trail system is on public lands where ranchers have permits to graze
their cattle. Consequently, you may see cattle on practically any part
of the trail. They are completely harmless. When encountering cows on
the trail, simply reduce your speed and continue driving. They will get
out of your way. Some cows may even think you are there to herd them and
stay on the trail ahead of you for some time. Be patient, they will
eventually get out of your way. On the other hand, remember that these
cows are someone's property, so do not harass then unnecessarily.
Because there is grazing, there are gates along the trail separating
pastures or land ownerships. Always leave these gates as you find them;
open if you find them so, or closed if they were closed when you
arrived. On many parts of the trail gates are being replaced by cattle
guards, some especially designed for ATV's, to make your trip easier.
At places the Paiute Trail passes through private land. All of the
main loop and some of the side loops follow legal rights-of-way across
these parcels of private land. The travel management map for the
Fishlake National Forest shows the location of these rights-of-way. It
also shows areas of the Forest that are closed or restricted to
motorized travel to protect wildlife habitat, watershed condition, or
recreation opportunities. When crossing private land on a right-of-way,
remember not to trespass on someone else's property.
There are several factors that should be considered that are due to
the high elevation of the trail. As pointed out above, elevations along
the trail range from 5,000 to 11,500 feet above sea level. The factor of
the late summer riding season has been discussed above. A second factor
caused by the elevation is the rare atmosphere and low oxygen levels.
People with respiratory problems or a heart condition should consult a
doctor before leaving home. Also people coming directly from near sea
level must be aware that their physical stamina will be limited until
they become acclimatized.
A third factor caused by the rare atmosphere at the trail's high
elevations is temperature fluctuations. First, with over a mile of
relief between high and low points of the trail, there can be a 20 to 30
degree temperature difference along the trail. Second, it is common to
have a 40 degree temperature change from morning to night. This diurnal
fluctuation especially must be considered by those planning to camp
along the trail. Along with these temperature fluctuations is the fact
that it never really gets too warm at 11,000 feet. As a result you
should always carry warm clothing even if the weather appears mild at
the start of a ride.
Pre planning is the key to a successful trip. Once you embark on the
trail, you are in a different world with few support services. It is
important that you have everything that you might need. This includes
having enough fuel to get from one filling station to the next. The
trail system is so extensive that even though there may be hundreds of
people riding the trail at the same time, you may go for hours or even
all day without meeting anyone.
If you are planning to camp, you will need tents, stoves, sleeping
bags, lanterns, food, etc. There are plenty of camping spots along the
trail. Campfires are permitted except during periods of extreme fire
danger. Burn only dead and down wood, make sure the fire is completely
out before you leave, and clean the campsite so it looks as if no one
has been there.
If you are planning to stay in motels, plan how far you in tend to
travel each day and then make reservations. Most of the towns along the
trail are small and motel accommodations are extremely limited. Eating
establishments are also limited in the smaller towns. Learn the hours of
operation of local cafes ahead of time. You also might want to learn
ahead of time where ATV's can be repaired should you have trouble.
If this booklet does not answer all of your questions you should
contact the Fishlake National Forest, the Richfield office of the BLM, a
local chamber of commerce, or travel council. They will be able to give
you additional information, answer specific questions, or direct you to
the pro per source. Government agencies, such as the Forest Service or
the BLM, cannot recommend individual private businesses. To get advice
on motels, ATV rentals, etc., you should contact a local chamber of
commerce or travel council.
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