St. Helen
ORV CAPTIAL OF MICHIGAN
Huge Network: Over 50 miles of designated trails in just the St. Helen Motorsport Area, connecting to hundreds of miles of state forest ORV routes.
Primary Terrain: Mostly sandy and flat trails, often with deep, loose sand on main routes.
Special Features: The Motorsport Area includes The Rock Scramble (six rock obstacle courses for Jeeps/4x4s) and large Sand Pit/Play Areas with hill climbs.
Access, Town, and Hot Spots
Town Access: St. Helen is an ORV-friendly community with trail systems offering direct access to gas, food, and lodging.
Neighboring Connections: The trail network connects to areas in Roscommon County (Houghton Lake, Higgins Lake) and Ogemaw County (West Branch), allowing for long rides and scenic destinations.
Local Dining
Highway Proximity: Easy travel access just off I-75 (Exit 222).
Digital Navigation (Recommended)
Polaris Ride Command: Download the free app for reliable GPS navigation and trail data, even without cell service. This app has most verified DNR trails.
📲 Download Ride Command: Polaris Ride Command
Michigan DNR Interactive Map: View or download the latest official ORV routes, trails, and scramble areas directly from the source.
🌐 DNR Web Page: Visit the Michigan DNR’s ORV Trail page for interactive maps and GPX files.
Physical Maps
Paper Maps: For an essential backup or quick reference, paper maps are available for purchase for $4 in the shop.
Suggested & Highlighted Routes Programmed in Your Machine
| Duration | Highlighted Route Focus | Description |
| Half-Day (3-4 hours) | St. Helen Motorsport Area Loop | Focus on the core 50+ miles of trails. Be sure to check out The Rock Scramble for 4×4 challenges and the open Sand Pit/Play Area for loose sand fun. |
| Full-Day (8 hours) | Roscommon County Connector | Combine the St. Helen Route with connecting routes like the Ogemaw Hills ORV Route or follow Trail 6 toward Roscommon/Houghton Lake. This allows for a lunch stop outside of the immediate St. Helen area. |
⚠️ Important Safety & Rescue Information
Rider Responsibility: If leaving the immediate St. Helen area, riders are responsible for their own route planning and navigation.
Emergency Contact/Rescue: Outside of normal business hours (specifically after 11:00 PM), riders are responsible for organizing their own rescue/recovery. Local emergency services should only be contacted for life-threatening emergencies.
Ride Within Limits: Always adhere to posted signage, vehicle width restrictions (50″ Trail or 72″ Route).
- View our FALL RIDING HOURS FOR UPDATED RIDE TIMES
Roscommon County Road Operation (Street Riding)
Permitted: ORVs are generally allowed on the far right of the maintained portion of a road or street unless the road is posted as closed by the township.
Speed Limit: No more than 25 MPH or a lower posted ORV speed limit.
Prohibited Roads: NOT permitted on State or Federal Highways (e.g., I-75, US-127, M-55, M-18).
- Time: VISIT OUR FALL/WINTER HOURS FOR CLEAR TIME SLOTS FOR LEGAL RIDING.
Safety Gear: Operator and passengers must wear a DOT-approved crash helmet and protective eyewear
Designated Trail Operation
Trail Widths:
ORV Routes: Open to all ORVs up to 72 inches wide. (BROWN, RED, DOTTED BROWN ON RIDE COMMAND)
ORV Trails: Limited to vehicles 50 inches or less in width. (GREEN ON RIDE COMMAND)
🗺️ ORV Law Disclaimer
Outside Counties: If traveling outside of Roscommon County (e.g., into Ogemaw, Crawford, or Clare), riders are responsible for knowing and following the local ORV ordinances and rules of those specific counties and townships.
Where to Ride Legally: For maps and current regulations on all designated trails and routes in Michigan, please visit the Michigan DNR’s ORV Riding page.
General ORV Trail Etiquette & Safety
Two-Way Traffic: Michigan State Land trails are two-way traffic; stay right as much as possible.
Yield to Others: ORVs and all other motorized users must yield the right-of-way to hikers, bicyclists, and especially equestrians (horses).
When encountering horses, stop your engine, pull to the side (preferably the downhill side).
Passing: No passing unless front vehicle pulls over and waves through under any circumstances. Trail or roads.
Be Predictable: Use hand signals to indicate number of riders behind you. Last vehicle holds a solid fist indicating 0 riders.
Stop Safely: Do not stop in the middle of trails, on hills, around blind corners, or at intersections. Pull completely off the trail to take a break.
- Stay on Designated Trails: Do not ride off-trail or around obstacles (like mud holes or downed trees); this widens the trail and increases erosion. Ride over obstacles, not around them.
Tread Lightly (Pack it Out): Carry out what you carry in! Leave no trash or litter behind.
Noise and Dust: Keep speeds low around other recreationists to minimize dust and noise.
St. Helen & Northern Michigan Specifics
Alcohol Prohibited: Alcohol is strictly prohibited in all ORV rentals and operating under the influence is illegal on all trails and roads. Results in loss of funds and confiscation of machine.
Shared Trails: Remember trails are shared with ORVs, wildlife, hikers, vehicles, dirt bikes/quads, and equestrian teams.
- Be friendly, courteous and safe!
Premium POLARIS Models
Michigan Trails. Polaris Power. Your Adventure Starts Now.
As an official Polaris Adventures Outfitter, we feature the latest Polaris RZRs and XPEDITIONS. Enjoy a safe, thrilling, and unforgettable ride through Michigan’s best wilderness.
Half Day
4 Hours - Year Round
Book in Advance
Limited to seasonal roads only. Pre-book to ride!
Full Day
8 Hours - Year Round
Book in Advance
Limited to seasonal roads only. Pre-book to ride!
Multi-Days
Year Round
Book in Advance
Limited to seasonal roads only. Pre-book to ride!
Know Before You Go
❄️Winter Riding
⚠️ Winter ORV Rental Riding Restrictions ❄️
To ensure a safe and legal winter experience and prevent conflicts with groomed trails, all rental units are subject to the following restrictions:
Designated Riding Areas Only:
Operation is strictly limited to seasonal roads and shared, signed ORV Routes (county roads open to ORV use by local ordinance).
🚫 Snowmobile Trail Prohibition:
You MUST STAY OFF all trails specifically designated and groomed for Snowmobile-only use (typically from December 1st to March 31st).
Violation Risk: Failure to avoid snowmobile-only trails may result in tickets or infractions from DNR Law Enforcement or local police, which will be the rider’s responsibility and not the rental company’s.
Navigating Designated Trails:
Daily Rides: Follow the routes we have pre-loaded and highlighted for your daily excursions, as these utilize open seasonal roads and ORV Routes.
Overnight/Multi-Day Rentals: You are solely responsible for ensuring your extended route uses only seasonal roads and open ORV Routes and strictly avoids designated snowmobile trails.
Ice/Frozen Water:
Operation on frozen public waters (like lakes) is NOT ALLOWED in rental units.
Daily Ride Essentials
Safety Gear: DOT-approved Helmet (provided if needed for free) & Protective Eyewear (not provided)
Cash/Card: fuel, donation to feed deer, lunch stops & shopping opportunities.
Emergency: Fully charged Cell Phone, chargers.
Personal: Water/Hydration, Snacks, Layers of clothing (weather & machine dependent).
- Warm clothes HIGHLY recommended in open cab vehicles.
- Change of clothes for after ride.
- Blankets
- Cooler
Multi Day & Night Rides
Daily Items: All items above.
Headlamps
Straps
🚨 Rescue Policy & Restrictions
Rescue Restriction Start: 11:00 PM
After 11:00 PM: We cannot guarantee immediate rescue service until the following morning.
Safety Restriction: ORVs should NOT be operated past dark without a plan.
Cost: Towing/Rescue service initiated outside of business hours or after the 11:00 PM restriction may incur an additional fees.
✅Included with Rental (No extra charge)
Safety Orientation & Guidance: A required safety briefing and operation training before your ride.
Navigation: Touchscreen GPS with Pre-Planned Routes for popular trail systems.
Mandatory Safety Gear: DOT-approved Helmets (Required).
Optional Rental Equipment (Available for a Fee)
Coolers: Xpedtions only.
Bungees: Provided with Cooler/Equipment rentals to safely secure items.
Speakers: Bluetooth speaker units available for rent (great for group rides). 4 Seat Open Cabs DO NOT have built in speakers.
Safety Beacon: Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) available to rent for enhanced off-grid safety.
Snow Boots & Gloves: Available to rent, but availability is limited and highly seasonal—advance reservation is strongly recommended.
ℹ️ Important Notes
Securing Gear: Customers are responsible for properly securing all personal and rental equipment, including coolers, using the provided or personal bungees.
- RZR RIPN’ RETNALS is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items while riding or in shop.
What to Expect for Winter ORV Riding
Expect a unique, challenging, and scenic environment compared to summer riding. Layering clothing and practicing caution are critical for safety.
Trail Conditions:
Frozen/Hard Ground: Trails and seasonal roads may be hard and frozen.
Variable Snowpack: Conditions can range from bare ice and slick ground to deep, fresh, or heavy snow, requiring frequent use of low gear.
Safety & Logistics:
Colder Temperatures: Wind chill from speed will dramatically lower the effective temperature—dress in layers.
Snowmobile Conflict: You must be hyper-aware of your route to avoid designated snowmobile trails and yield to snowmobiles on shared routes (they are much faster).
Frequently Asked Questions
🚫 No Customer Hauling Policy
Customers cannot transport the machines under any circumstances. Only our insured outfitter is authorized to deliver the machines to your designated site. This is a Zero Tolerance Policy: if a machine is found loaded onto a customer’s trailer or vehicle, you will automatically lose your full security deposit and incur all recovery fees.
What is the Delivery Fee?
The delivery fee is $250 per load.
How Many Machines Per Load?
We can deliver up to 3 machines at a time per $250 load fee.
Can I Use Discounts with Delivery?
No. Discounts cannot be applied to any rental that requires delivery.
Where Do You NOT Deliver?
We do not deliver over the Mackinac Bridge or to Drummond Island.
Yes, you do not need to return the machine daily. Just ensure your place of stay allows orvs/rental units.
- Airbnbs: Several options allow rental ORVs (check policies).
- Campgrounds: Local spots with easy trail access, like Richfield Township Park and Deer Run Campground.
- Cabins: Stay at Trail’s End Cabins & Motel or St. Helen Lake Resort Cabins.
Staying outside of St. Helen? You’re responsible for your route or ask us about delivery options! View our list of places to stay in the St. Helen area.
$60 Mandatory AdventureAssure Insurance:
- Covers damages after the first $1,500.
- Find already selected in checkout. If not selected it will be applied and charged day of rental.
$1,500 Hold is Due Day of Rental: 100% Refundable within 3–14 days if no damages.
Belt & Tire Coverage:
- Avoid potential out-of-pocket costs of $200–$400 for belt or tire damage.
- Select in checkout. Not available over the phone or on the day of rental.
- Not required but highly suggested.
Licenses: A valid Driver’s License is required for every rider and must be presented on-site. No license, no ride, no refund
Height: No car seats or boosters; must be 50+ inches tall.
- Renters must be 21 years or older for security hold with license.
- Drivers aged 18+ may drive if accompanied by a 25+ security holder.
Same-day or day-before bookings: No refunds or discounts. Made a mistake? Call and leave a voicemail ASAP.
48+ hrs notice: Full refund.
24–47 hrs notice: 50% refund.
Less than 24 hrs or no-show: No refund.
Rebooking: Must be 24+ hrs ahead; no refunds once rebooked.
Sensible Weather Protection
This is an optional add-on that must be selected during online booking.
Cost & Selection: Choose this option during online checkout. It is not available over the phone or on the day of your rental.
Coverage: If it rains anytime during your ride, the Sensible Weather company will reimburse you for the hours it rained. (SNOW IS NOT COVERED.)
Important Note: This coverage is for rain only. Snow does not count for reimbursement.
Refueling Rules
1. Return Full/% is left at.
2. Use Premium 93 Octane.
3. Show Receipt.
- GAS CANS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN OUR MACHINES – THIS WILL RESULT IN A FIRE + FULL LOSS OF HOLD IF SEEN IN MACHINE AT ALL.
Safety Gear:
- Helmets and seatbelts are mandatory for all riders.
- Additional charges will be applied for any riders not wearing proper safety gear that is provided free of charge.
Zero Tolerance for Impairment:
- Strictly no drinking and driving.
- Waivers: Unauthorized riders will forfeit funds.
- No Gas Cans: Leave them at home.
- Stick to ORV Trails: Quad, dirt bike, and (while in season) snowmobile trails are off-limits during winter season – seasonal roads and orv routes only. Check our fall/winter hours for more details.
Machines
Get ready to ride with confidence in our well-equipped fleet:
Touchscreen GPS: Every machine has built-in navigation with highlighted St. Helen routes and local hotspots.
Your Choice of Ride: Pick from three different models to fit your group and preferred style of terrain.
Open or Closed Cab: Choose an Open Cab for maximum fresh air or grab our hot commodity Closed Cab for all-weather comfort and protection.
