As indicated by others, it ain't the mode used, it's when, where, and how. Dry hard trails are accepting to most anything. Get them wet, and wheels and numerous hooves tear them up in a hurry. I've used horses and bicycles both to get into the back country.
These 4 wheeler tracks ( some small number of them mine) across wet tundra where i am now will last for decades - perhaps centuries.. More better this time of year. Country is largely frozen over. Travel is easy with little or no damage done. And one can go faster. All the water filled ruts and he's are now flat ice.
Now if we can just get some snow. Currently 24 degrees and blowing 28 Mph ESE average weather this time of year
