To authorize the use of off-highway vehicles in Capitol Reef National Park
Dec 9, 2025
Dec 9, 2025
Summary
Lets people use off-highway vehicles on specific roads inside Capitol Reef National Park by making Utah's state vehicle laws apply to those roads.
What problem does this solve?
Federal rules for national parks often limit or ban off-highway vehicles, which can stop people from using them on roads that connect to areas outside the park. This bill makes Utah's state laws the main rules for certain roads in the park, allowing for more consistent vehicle access.
Who does this affect?
- Off-highway vehicle users
- Visitors to Capitol Reef National Park
- Residents of nearby Utah communities
What does this bill do?
Applies state law to park roads
Makes Utah state laws, not federal park rules, control the use of motor vehicles, including off-highway vehicles, on specific roads in the park.
Names the specific roads affected
Lists twelve specific roads inside Capitol Reef National Park where the new rule will apply, including Burr Trail Road, Cathedral Road, and Hartnet Road.
Uses state definition for off-highway vehicles
Specifies that the State of Utah's laws will be used to decide what counts as an 'off-highway vehicle'.
What is the real world impact?
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Could harm the national park environment
Critics may argue that allowing noisy off-highway vehicles goes against the goal of keeping national parks quiet and natural. This change could be seen as choosing recreation over the protection of the park's environment.
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Increases access for recreation
Allows a popular type of outdoor activity on specific roads within a national park. This makes the rules inside the park match the rules on nearby state and local roads, creating a better experience for vehicle users.
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Shifts control from the federal government to the state
Gives the state of Utah, rather than the National Park Service, the power to decide vehicle rules on federal land. This could be part of a larger effort to give states more control over public lands within their borders.
When does this start?
This change would happen as soon as the bill is passed and signed into law.