ATV climbing is one of the best thrills out there – but it comes with risks. Many, especially younger or beginner ATV riders, jump onto their ATVs without thinking about what it takes to do it safely. Off-roading is about more than just the adrenaline rush—it’s about respecting your ATV, knowing the terrain, and being prepared for the ride ahead. Before tackling that steep incline, make sure you possess the skills and know-how to handle it properly while staying safe.
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Respect for the power and speed of your vehicle is the key to off-roading. Riding flat trails is super easy. What gets your stomach in knots is approaching a steep climb and second-guessing how to handle it.
In this situation, you have two options – turn back or take it head-on. Turning back could mean hours of driving, especially if the climb is at the tail end of your run. Or, face your fears, take a breath and conquer elevation challenges with these 5 ATV climbing tips.
Tip #1: Maintain Momentum
When I was on a trail with friends, we approached a steep hill after an easy stretch. In the middle of climbing a rocky hill, a friend slowed down too much and got their ATV stuck. By maintaining momentum and applying steady throttle, I kept moving and easily reached the top. That steady speed made all the difference in avoiding getting stuck.
As you approach an uphill climb, maintaining momentum is critical. Here are a few power management ATV uphill tips to keep in mind:
- Trail navigation starts with a controlled speed and applying a steady throttle as you ascend.
- Avoid sudden bursts of acceleration; it can cause your tires to spin.
- Never stop while climbing hills to avoid getting stuck or losing momentum.
- Keep a steady pace to prevent your ATV from tipping over.
Tip #2: Choose the Right Line
My first ride in a side-by-side was following my husband on his ATV. We approached a super rocky hill with lots of loose gravel, and instead of scoping out a line for myself, I followed him verbatim. Wrong move! During my obstacle negotiation, there were a few instances where I almost lost grip and traction and was on the verge of flipping over. Lesson learnt – SxSs are wider and need a different path than an ATV or dirt bike.
How To Find the Best ATV Line
- Before starting your ATV hill climbing, do a quick terrain assessment and choose the best line of travel. You should get off your ATV to check for ruts and loose rock.
- Look for the path with the least resistance, avoiding large rocks, deep ruts, or other obstacles.
- Keep your eyes focused on the trail ahead.
- Make adjustments when needed.
Tip #3: Use Body Positioning
Your first instinct when climbing steep hills with an ATV is to sit up straight or even lean back a little – DON’T DO THIS!! You risk flipping your ATV. In the early days, I quickly learned that leaning back on a climb can throw off the ATV’s center of gravity, making it far more likely to tip over. Keeping your weight forward and centred helps maintain stability and control, especially on unstable ground. Here are some off-road climbing techniques to remember:
Important Riding Posture Tips for ATV Climbing
- When climbing uphill, shift your weight forward, keeping your body centred over the handlebars.
- Be prepared to lift off your seat to ease the climb.
- Going downhill, shift your weight back, which allows the front wheel to maintain contact with the ground.
Tip #4: Master Clutch Control
When riding a dirt bike or a manual ATV, mastering clutch control is essential for conquering elevation changes. Clutch control allows you to fine-tune the power you’re sending to the wheels, which is crucial when tackling steep inclines or slippery terrain. To prevent stalling, release the clutch slowly while applying throttle – this creates a smoother transition of power and maintains traction. Make sure to practice in a controlled environment before attempting challenging climbs.
Tip #5: Don’t Forget to Breathe
In the face of a steep climb, our mind flashes images of consequences but not success. It’s normal to tense up and hold your breath, but this will only lead to bad decisions that can get you stuck, rolled over or quitting mid-climb. Here are a few tips for staying calm when riding elevation changes:
How to Stay Calm When ATV Climbing
- Pause before the climb, take a few deep breaths, and quickly scan the terrain ahead.
- Take a few relaxing breaths and start your ascent.
- Remember to breathe deeply and stay relaxed.
- Keep your muscles relaxed and your mind calm, which allows for better control and safer decision-making.
And, Don’t Forget the Safety Gear!
Remember, off-roading is all about having fun and enjoying the adventure, but it’s also about staying safe. Before you practice how to climb hills on an ATV, remember these off-roading safety tips:
- Wear proper gear, like a DOT-certified helmet, goggles and protective gear.
- Check your ATV before each ride. Our un-storing your ATV has some fantastic tips on what to look for.
- Remember, there is no rescue in the backcountry – always travel with a buddy.
- Always carry self-rescue gear and learn how to use your winch properly.
Off-roading is a blast – there is no doubt about it! Being fearful of taking on elevation changes can lead to dire consequences. A little bit of fear is a good thing – it helps you make more cautious decisions. By practicing these ATV climbing tips and learning how to approach elevation changes, you’ll be on your way to conquering any off-road trail with confidence.
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start mastering ATV climbing skills with small, short climbs, working your way up from there. Most importantly, remember not to attempt climbs alone. Trail riding should never be done alone, especially if you’re a beginner.
What’s the steepest hill you’ve ever conquered on your ATV? Share your experiences and tips for conquering steep hills in the comments!
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Love this! Looks like a great adventure!
ATVing is absolutely thrilling and a must-try! But super dangerous if you don’t know what you’re getting yourself into.
amazing
Good tips!! Makes it Fun and Safe!!
Thank you!! I appreciate the comment.
Great post! We see people getting into trouble with ATVs all the time and this tutorial explains how to handle some of those issues nicely. 👏
Awe, thank you so much – you’re comment means a lot!! We see the same in our neck of the woods and are hoping in time, that off-roaders go in prepared.