Trail riding puts extra demands on your ATV tires. You need grip for loose dirt, traction for rocks and roots, and durability to resist punctures and wear.
Tires made for trail riding balance tread pattern, rubber compound, and carcass strength so you can ride confidently over varied terrain.
Pay attention to tread design, tire size and load rating, and puncture resistance when choosing tires for trails. Tread design controls how the tire sheds mud and bites into loose ground.
Size and load rating affect handling and clearance. Stronger sidewalls or puncture-resistant layers reduce flats on rough trails.
We tested and compared popular trail tires to point you toward the best choices for common riding conditions.
Best ATV Tires for Trail Riding
Below is a handpicked list of the best ATV tires for trail riding. You’ll find options that balance grip, durability, and comfort so your rides stay safe and fun.
SunF Power.I 25×8/25×10 Set of 4
You should buy these if you want tough, affordable trail tires that grip mud, snow, and rocky trails well.
Pros
- Strong 6-ply build resists punctures and rough use.
- Aggressive tread digs into mud and loose dirt for good traction.
- Great value for a full set that installs easily.
Cons
- Treads wear faster if you ride mostly on pavement.
- Can feel a bit stiff at low pressures on tight trails.
- Rim not included, so you must reuse or buy wheels separately.
I put this SunF set on my ATV and ran a few long trail days. They hooked up well in soft dirt and carved through deep mud without spinning out.
The shoulder knobs gave confidence on sidehills and rocky ruts. On packed logging roads and in snow the tires tracked straight and felt predictable.
I noticed some noise and faster wear after lots of pavement miles, so they’re best if you ride off-road more than on-road. Mounting was straightforward and the tires held air fine at typical trail pressures.
If you want a rugged, budget-friendly all-terrain tire that actually performs off-road, these worked for me.
FORERUNNER 30x10R14 (REALLYCNC)
You should consider these if you want tough, grippy trail tires that feel light and steer easily.
Pros
- Strong bite on rocks and loose dirt
- Lighter feel makes turning less effort
- Good puncture resistance and long wear
Cons
- Low max pressure means softer ride on hard-packed roads
- May need a day in the sun to settle shape after shipping
- Sidewall not as stiff as higher-ply premium tires
I mounted a set and hit mixed singletrack and sandy washes. The tread hooked up instantly on loose loam and held well on steep climbs.
I noticed confident braking and quick turn-in thanks to the lightweight feel. On rocky lines the tires soaked up impacts and I didn’t get many small punctures.
The special compound and stronger sidewall felt tougher than cheap replacements, so I rode harder without worrying about cuts. They felt a bit squishy on long highway stretches and at higher speeds they weren’t as planted as heavier, stiffer tires.
If you mostly ride trails and sand, these perform very well. If you need firm highway handling, consider a stiffer option.
Buy link: FORERUNNER 30x10R14 ATV Tires, All Terrain 8PR (Pack of 4, Tubeless)
Tusk Mud Force Set of 4
This set is a solid buy if you want a durable, all‑around trail tire that handles hard pack and loose dirt without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Good traction on mixed trails
- Smooth ride compared to stock tires
- Tough 6‑ply rated construction
Cons
- Not the lightest option for racing
- Can feel a bit stiff on rocky trails
- Mud clearing could be better in deep goo
I mounted these on my ATV and rode several local trails the same week. They went on the rims easily and tracked true without a lot of wobble.
You feel more stability in corners than with my old tires. On hard pack and loose dirt they hooked up well and gave a confident ride.
Braking felt predictable and the connected lug design kept the handling steady. The ride smoothed out bumps more than my OEM tires did.
I took them across some softer spots and light mud; they cleaned okay but not perfectly in deep, sticky muck. Overall they held up to roots and gravel and showed no signs of damage after a few long days of riding.
GarveeTech 22×11-10 Trail Tires
You should consider these if you want tough, budget-friendly tires that grip muddy and sandy trails well.
Pros
- Tough 4-ply build resists cuts and bruises.
- Deep knobby tread bites into mud and loose dirt.
- Fits common 10″ rims and installs easily.
Cons
- Max load is modest — not for heavy hauling.
- Bias construction can feel firmer than radial tires.
- Top speed and highway use are not the strength here.
I ran these on local singletrack and sandy fire roads for a weekend and they impressed me for the price. The knobs dug in on loose turns and the tires felt planted on climbs.
On rocky sections they stood up to scrapes and small cuts with no wobble. Cornering stayed predictable, though the ride was a bit firm when compared to softer ATV tires.
You’ll notice better traction in mud and snow than on hardpack; they shine off-road but aren’t built for long highway runs.
Carlisle All Trail 25×9-12
This tire is a solid pick if you want dependable trail grip and a smoother ride on hard-packed tracks.
Pros
- Good traction on packed trails
- Stable, low-profile feel
- Long-lasting tread for the price
Cons
- Can be stiff to mount without a shop
- Not ideal for very soft mud or deep ruts
- Limited sidewall flex for very rough terrain
I put these on a small utility rig and noticed the bike tracked straighter on hard dirt and gravel. The tread bites without tearing up the trail.
You feel less chassis roll when cornering. You’ll feel the tire’s low, wide profile under load.
It dampens soft wallow and gives more confidence on slopes and switchbacks. Mounting was tougher than some tires I’ve used; expect a shop if you don’t have the right tools.
Once fitted, the ride stayed predictable and the tread wear looked even after several rides.
Buying Guide
Choose tires based on the trails you ride. Think about mud, rocks, sand, or mixed terrain.
Match tire tread to the conditions for the best grip. Look at tire size and fit.
Check your ATV’s manual for correct diameter and width. Proper fit keeps handling predictable and reduces wear.
Consider tread pattern and depth. Deeper lugs shed mud and grip loose surfaces.
Shallower, closer treads roll smoother on hard-packed trails. Check ply rating and durability.
Higher ply means stronger sidewalls and better puncture resistance. Strong sidewalls help when you run over roots and rocks.
Think about compound and ride feel. Softer rubber grips better but wears faster.
Harder rubber lasts longer but may be less sticky on wet surfaces. Evaluate traction and handling trade-offs.
Aggressive tires give traction but can be noisy and slow. Milder tires improve steering and ride comfort.
Review load capacity and speed rating. Ensure the tire supports your ATV’s weight and any gear you carry.
Match the speed rating to how fast you plan to ride. Inspect design features like self-cleaning lugs and staggered patterns.
These help clear mud and maintain traction. Also check bead type for rim fit.
Compare value, not just price. Look for tires that balance life span, performance, and safety.
Read specs and test feedback before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
You’ll find quick answers about tire tread, construction, sizing, brands, and upkeep to help you pick and care for trail tires. Each answer lists specific traits, model suggestions, or steps you can use on the trail and at home.
What are the top features to look for in ATV tires for optimal trail performance?
Look for deep, wide lugs for grip on loose dirt and mud. Tight siping or small cuts on the lugs helps bite on rocks and wet roots.
Choose a strong carcass with extra ply or reinforced sidewalls to resist punctures from rocks and roots. A tougher sidewall also cuts down on pinch flats when you hit ruts or drop off ledges.
Consider a tire with a balanced tread pattern that sheds mud but still offers contact on hardpack. Good trail tires give traction without making steering heavy.
Can you recommend some durable ATV tires suitable for long trail rides?
Kenda Bearclaw and Maxxis Zilla are solid for mixed trails; both have strong sidewalls and long-life compounds. They handle rocks, roots, and extended miles well.
Carlisle Trail Pro and ITP Mud Lite are also durable choices if you ride varied terrain. They balance longevity and traction for long outings.
How do I choose the right size ATV tires for my trail adventures?
Check your owner’s manual or the sidewall of your current tires for the recommended size and load rating. Match the rim diameter and consider overall tire diameter so gearing and clearance stay correct.
Don’t increase tire height more than 2–3 inches without checking suspension and chain clearance. Wider tires can improve flotation in mud but may slow handling on tight trails.
What’s the difference between radial and bias ATV tires for trail riding?
Radial tires use steel belts under the tread and flex more, giving better ride comfort and traction at speed. They usually run cooler and last longer on long trail rides.
Bias tires have layers that crisscross the carcass and offer stiffer sidewalls for sidewall protection. They handle heavy loads and rough rocks well but can ride harsher and wear faster at highway speeds.
Which ATV tire brands are known for their high-quality trail riding tires?
Maxxis, ITP, Kenda, and Carlisle are common top picks for trail riders due to consistent durability and traction. Each brand offers models geared to different trail conditions.
Look at model reviews and real-user feedback for the specific tire you’re considering. Brand reputation helps, but model fit to your terrain matters most.
What are the best ways to maintain ATV tires when frequently trail riding?
Check tire pressure before each ride using the manufacturer’s recommended psi for trail use. Low pressure improves grip but raises the risk of pinch flats; balance it for your terrain.
Inspect tread and sidewalls after each trip for cuts, punctures, and embedded stones. Rotate tires and replace when tread depth or sidewall damage reduces safety.
