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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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