Sedona’s red rock views are best seen from the driver’s seat. Whether you plan to drive your own off-highway vehicle (OHV) or a rental, there’s no denying that these Arizona trails are world-class. The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) wants to ensure they’re here to stay for generations to come.
Chris Almendarez from Sedona ATV couldn’t agree more. From guiding drivers on-trail to cleaning up rental ATVS at the end of the day, he knows every aspect of the OHV world in-depth.
His background in motocross and love of Sedona’s outdoor scene led him to managing experiences at the renowned ATV rental company based in Sedona, Ariz. His goal? To give folks the most fun he can provide in a side-by-side — and teach them to look out for their fellow drivers in the process.
To Almendarez, the best way to keep these trails active and safe is to encourage drivers to care — about their safety, their fellow drivers, and the environment around them.
He joined Michael Colaianni, Public Affairs and Media Relations Director for AZGFD to talk about trail advocacy and safe driving in the OHV community.
As Almendarez says, Sedona ATV makes a concerted effort to educate its guests about the importance of staying on trails, doing so through safety videos and educational briefings before drives. Signage on-trail also goes a long way, but person-to-person mentorship in safe driving practices makes all the difference.
Sedona ATV closely partners with the U.S. Forest Service and AZGFD to maintain trails, underlining their commitment to safe and responsible recreation. Without properly maintained trails, access to this sport could be effectively cut off.
When asked how riders can contribute to keeping these trails open, Almendarez said this: “Be a good neighbor. Don’t be afraid to help, but also don’t be afraid to call people out who aren’t being considerate.”
Drivers looking out for other drivers, especially on challenging terrain in more remote areas, can prevent serious accidents. The fewer incidents on-trail there are, the more resources can be funneled into maintaining and even building new trails.
Ready to hit the trails in Sedona? Almendarez reminded us, don’t let social media videos fool you. Every terrain, rock, and turn is different, and driver awareness is key.
“You could be on a nice sandy section and then next thing you know, you’re doing a 10-story stair climb out of a wash on rock,” he said.
Understanding where you’re driving and how to navigate it will keep you driving safely and happily. If you’re not sure of where to go, driving with an experienced group or hiring an ATV guide can be great ways to learn.
At Sedona ATV, Almendarez said, preparation is key. Keeping each vehicle safely distanced from the one in front of it allows room for short stops and slow approaches to tough elements. Making a plan of which trail features or mile markers to stop at as a group also keeps drivers on track.
All safety precautions under consideration, Almendarez reminded us to get out there and have some fun. He said the joy of getting someone on the trail for the first time is why he gets out of bed each day.
“When you hear ‘that’s the best time we’ve ever had!’ — that reminds me why we do this, and why it’s so important to keep going and make those memories last.”
For more information on driver safety, OHV regulations, and more, visit AZGFD’s website.
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