| Arizona OHV
Trails and Places to Ride |
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Important Information
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There are numerous opportunities
for OHV recreation in Arizona. Local land management
agencies have information and maps
available. Please contact the local land management agencies for updated information on access, closures, rules and regulations, and other information prior to planning activities. Much of this information including maps was provided by the External Resources referenced in the top right column. Some of these areas are State Trust Land and a permit is required.
You can now get your permit on-line by Clicking Here. Other areas require daily or annual use fees. Please contact BLM Field Offices and other local land management agencies for updated fee information. |
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Alto Pit OHV Area
- Information: A
400-acre site that includes
a 13-acre cross country area
open to ATVs and trail bikes,
8 miles of designated trails
for ATVs and trail bikes,
and a beginner's course for
vehicles under 90cc.
- Location: Four miles west of Prescott on Iron Springs Road.
- Facilities:
include restrooms, picnic
tables, fire rings, loading/unloading
area, and shade ramadas are
available for day use. There is a day use fee of $3. On Jan. 1, 2009 the fee will increase to $5.
At this time, group camping
requires special-use permit.
Future intentions are to provide
OHV camping. Ponderosa pine
forest type. All seasons,
occasional snow in winter.
- Contacts:
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Apache Trail
- Overview: Scenic drive between Apache Junction and Roosevelt Lake. Pavement ends shortly after Tortilla Flat, but the road is well-graded and suitable for passenger cars.
- Directions:
Take U.S. 60 east to Idaho
Road, go north to SR 88, turn
right and follow signs.
- Drive time: About 3 hours.
- Distance: 39.3 miles from Lost Dutchman S.P. to Roosevelt Lake.
- Camping: Developed campgrounds at Canyon, Apache and Roosevelt lakes.
- Facilities: Restrooms, restaurants, stores, phone, at Canyon, Apache and Roosevelt marinas.
- Map:
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Arizona Strip
- Permit: This is State Trust Land and a permit or OHV Decal is required. The OHV Decal allows for crossing State Trust Land and riding on trails only. All other activities requires a State Land Recreation Permit.
You can get your permit on-line by Clicking Here.
- Information:
The Arizona Strip, "where
the west stays wild,"
is that vast region of Arizona
north of the Colorado River.
Much of this remote and largely
unsettled area is traversed
by more than 5,000 miles of
dirt roads. Road conditions
range from well-maintained
graded roads, to high clearance
two-tracks, to challenging
routes that require 4-wheel
drive vehicles. No services
are available in this largely
back country area, so be prepared.
Motorized vehicles are generally
limited to existing routes,
with wilderness areas closed
and National Monuments limited
to designated routes. Watch
for signs in these areas.
High Desert to Ponderosa Pine
Forest. Generally all seasons,
however, avoid use in wet
weather.
- Contacts:
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Black
Hills Back country Byway
- Location: The south entrance is 16 miles east of Safford.
- Information: The old Safford-Clifton Highway takes you back in time and offers challenging 4x4 side trips. High Desert. Spring, fall, winter seasons.
- Contacts:
- Bureau of Land Management,
Safford Field Office
(928) 348-4400
www.az.blm.gov
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Box Canyon / Coke Ovens
- Access:
Take U.S. 60 east to Florence
Junction, then SR 79 south
to Price Rd. (roughly 16 miles).
Price Rd. is just north of
the Gila River crossing. Go
east on Price Rd. (dirt road)
approximately 10 miles to
a fork in the road, continue
left leaving the railroad
tracks.
- Route: Shortly after entering Box Canyon you will need a 4x4. To Martinez Mine, about 1 hour. To Coke Ovens, 2 hours. Jeep trail into Coke Ovens is very scenic. This trip is a full day.
- Rating: Rough to extreme. Worthy trip with right vehicle. Experienced drivers a must. 4x4 ONLY. Do trip in a caravan with no less than three vehicles-preferably five. Not recommended for newer SUV's.
- Warning: Be very cognizant of the weather conditions up the watershed. Do not attempt after or during rain storms. Being caught unaware in Box Canyon will have dire consequences. Be prepared!
- Map:
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Bulldog Canyon
- Access 1: Access FR 10 off Bush Highway through Lower Salt River Recreation Area, west of the bridge at Blue Point Recreation Site.
- Access 2: FR 3554 off Usery Pass Rd., 3/4 mile north of Usery Pass Park.
- Access 3:
FR 10 from Apache Junction,
off Idaho Rd. Take U.S. 60
east to Idaho Rd., north for
4.5 miles to McKellips Rd.,
turn left on Wolverine Pass
Rd., turn right on Tonto Rd.,
to Cactus and turn left. Follow
Cactus to FR 10 gate.
- Conditions: Primitive road, 4x4 required in some areas.
- Permit: Permit is required, although free. Obtain permit from the Mesa Ranger District Office. Lock combinations needed to open gates.
- Restrictions: Operate vehicles only on designated OHV roads.
This use area is subject to closure on days when a High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for particulate matter (PM10) has been issued. Before leaving home, check to see if a PM10 HPA has been issued. Click Here
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Bumble Bee / Mayer
- Overview: Very scenic drive through all climate zones and topographies, includes old mining towns, wildlife, dense chaparral, tall pines and quacky aspens.
- Time Allowed: This is a long, hard trip, requiring a full day. Let others know your route and return time. Make sure your vehicle is in top working order, have plenty of fuel, water, snacks, blankets and a cell phone. Almost 70 miles of dirt road.
- Rating:
- Crown King Road: Easy, 28 miles of gravel road with washboard and narrow bridges but accessible by passenger car.
- FR 52 (Senator Hwy.) & FR 67: Moderate, 29 miles of narrow primitive forest road, high-clearance vehicle required and 4X4 needed during inclement weather. Crown King to Prescott on FR 52, 38 miles.
- Horsethief Basin Recreation Area: 3.5-acre lake, fishing, 3 small campgrounds (fee), picnic area, hiking trails.
- Season: Year-round, best April through Oct. Check road conditions during winter months.
- Map:
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Castle Hot Springs
- Overview: Graded-gravel road that runs through several creek beds and river bottoms, some rocky spots, 4X4 needed after or during bad weather. Drive past the old Castle Hot Springs Resort.
- Directions: Take I-17 north to Carefree Highway/SR 74 go west; before Morristown, turn right onto Castle Hot Springs Road.
- Drive Time: 3 hrs.
- Distance: 36.7 miles Morristown to Lake Pleasant.
- Camping: Developed campgrounds and picnic areas at Lake Pleasant
- Facilities: Gas, food and lodging in Wickenburg
- Restrictions: This use area is subject to closure on days when a High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for particulate matter (PM10) has been issued. Before leaving home, check to see if a PM10 HPA has been issued. Click Here
- Map:
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Crossroads
- Location:
Crossroads OHV Area is on
the California side of the
Colorado River. From the AZ
95, cross the river at Parker
Dam and travel south on Parker
Dam Road. From Parker, Ariz.,
cross the river to California
and travel nine miles north
on Parker Dam Road. The OHV
area is located on the west
side of the road, nine miles
northeast of Parker.
- Description:
The Crossroads OHV Area is
a 1,500-acre "Open"
area. Vehicle use in the area
surrounding the OHV area is
limited to designated routes.
The staging area provides
a paved parking lot, restroom,
loading ramp and bulletin
board. Riding opportunities
in this OHV area include the
sand washes and trails throughout
the bajada.
These facilities were paid for and maintained with grant funds from California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation. Please support this program by maintaining current registration on your off-highway vehicle.
- Best Season: Fall to Spring. It is advised that you contact BLM's Lake Havasu Field Office or the National Weather Service for current road conditions and weather forecasts.
- Nearby Recreation Sites and Areas:
- Empire Landing Campground
- Crossroads Campground
- Emerald Cove Resort
- Rock House Boat Ramp
- Windmill Resort
- Desert Rivera Resort
- River Land Resort
- Rio Del Colorado Resort
- Parker Dam Back Country Byway
- Contacts:
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Crosscut/Mud Springs
- Location: Take Highway 87 North of Fountain Hills towards Payson. Drive past the Four Peaks turn and then up and over the ridge. At the bottom of the hill you will see a sign for Mesquite Wash (it's the first bridge at the bottom) Mile Marker 212 and turn left just after crossing the bridge over the wash. Cross the south-bound lanes and follow the dirt road on the West side of 87 down into the trees.
When staging at this location you ride the Sycamore Creek trails first then the CrossCut/Mud Springs trails.
If you want to ride Crosscut/Mud
Springs first, turn right
after the bridge and follow
the road around to the left.
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Copper Basin Dunes
- Location: 12 miles northeast of Parker. Copper Basin Dunes OHV area is on the California side of the Colorado River. From Arizona Highway 95, cross the river at Parker Dam and travel south on Parker Dam Road. From Parker, Arizona, cross the river to California and travel 12 miles north on Parker Dam Road. The OHV staging area is on the west side of the road across from Big Bend Resort.
- Description:
The Copper Basin Dunes OHV
Area is a 1,275 acre "Open"
area. Vehicle use in the area
surrounding the OHV area is
limited to designated routes.
The staging area provides
a paved parking lot, restroom,
loading ramp and bulletin
board. Riding opportunities
in this OHV area include the
sand dunes, trails throughout
the bajada and up into the
canyons. These facilities
were paid for and maintained
with grant funds from California
Off-Highway Motor Vehicle
Recreation. Please support
this program by maintaining
current registration on your
off-highway vehicle.
- Best Season: Fall to Spring. It is advised that you contact BLM's Lake Havasu Field Office or the National Weather Service for current road conditions and weather forecasts.
- Nearby Recreation Sites and Areas:
- Empire Landing Campground
- Crossroads Campground
- Emerald Cove Resort
- Rock House Boat Ramp
- Windmill Resort
- Desert Rivera Resort
- River Land Resort
- Rio Del Colorado Resort
- Parker Dam Back Country Byway
- Contacts:
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Cinder Hills OHV Area
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Near Flagstaff, is a 13,500
acre OHV area. There is both
open riding and miles of single
track trails. Dispersed camping
is allowed but there are no
facilities such as water or
restrooms. To get to the Cinder
Hills OHV Area, take U.S. 89
north from Flagstaff. Approximately
3/4 mile past milepost 426 turn
east on Forest Service Road
776 and follow the signs. More
information on the Cinder Hills
OHV Area can be obtained by
contacting the Coconino National
Forest, Peaks Ranger District,
5075 N. Highway 89, Flagstaff,
AZ 86004. Phone (928) 526-0866.
- Route:
Take U.S. 89 to FR 441 (3
miles north of Flagstaff),
go north to OHV area. Take
FR 776 (Hardened rd.) for
two miles to the first of
several parking areas with
loading/unloading rams. The
three parking areas are listed
on the map.
- Conditions: FR 776, and first section of FR 777, are hardened roads. OHVs or 4x4s are recommended on all other roads.
- Restrictions: Some portions restricted. Stay on designated routes if signed. Glass containers not permitted. Campfires may be restricted.
- Warning:The Sunset Crater National Monument and Strawberry Crater Wilderness are closed to all off-highway vehicles.
- Map:
- Contacts
- Coconino National Forest
Peaks District: 928-526-0866
Main Information Line: 928-501-1710
www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino
- Flagstaff Visitors
928-774-9541
www.flagstaffarizona.org
- Sunset Crater National Monument
6400 N. Hwy 89, Flagstaff Visitor Information: 928-526-0502 Visitor Information, HQ: 928-526-1157 www.nps.gov/sucr/
- Road Conditions
Arizona Department of Transportation
888-411-7623
www.azdot.gov
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Desert Wells Multiuse
Area
- Gate Closures - Effective as of Monday, May 19, 2008
Gates 1-4, 6-10 and Access B are all being closed due to safety concerns and new construction soon to be happening on the Southern end of this use area. Most trails listed on this map are still open to ride on, these gate closures are to control where users enter and exit the use area. Access A, Access C and Gate 5 will all remain open for use. Always stay on marked roads and trails.
- Permit: This is State Trust Land and a permit or OHV Decal is required.
The OHV Decal allows for crossing State Trust Land or for riding on trails. All other activity requires a State Land Recreation Permit. You can get your permit on-line by Clicking Here. You can also obtain
that permit at the State Land Department by calling
(602) 364-2753 or at the Explore Arizona Outdoor Information Center (602) 417-9300.
- Information: The Desert Wells Multiuse Area is located
in Pinal County, AZ. It is a multiuse
area where OHV users share the land with horseback
riders, hikers, other outdoor recreationists, ranchers, gravel operations and other various partners. When using
state trust land, you must stay on existing
roads and trails. The Arizona Game and Fish
Department encourages all visitors to the
Desert Wells Multiuse Area to protect wildlife
habitat and protect your rights to ride by
keeping it legal.
- June 23 , 2009 - The Desert Wells rules, regs and map brochure is now available at Arizona State Land Department Offices, the State Parks Office, the Game and Fish Region 6 Office in Mesa and the Game and Fish Headquarters on Carefree Highway. Stop in or call for a hard copy brochure or download the new PDF by clicking here.
- Map:
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Four Peaks to Roosevelt Lake
- Route: From Mesa, take SR 87 to Four Peaks Rd. (FR 143). Remain on FR 143 to SR 188, go north on 188 to SR 87, turn south and return to the Valley.
- Drive Time: FR 143; 3 to 4 hrs, total 6 hrs.
- Scenery: Very scenic, although, in 1996, the Lone Fire burned thousands of acres on and around the peaks.
- Caution: 4X4 is required on FR 143 after the Ballentine Trail. Erosion has damaged area trails, use them with great caution. Acquire latest trail information.
- Season: Year-round, but closed during heavy snows.
- Warning: One of the highest concentrations of black bears in Arizona. Campers, hikers and picnickers take appropriate precautions with food storage.
- Map:
- Contacts:
- Tonto National Forest
Tonto Basin Ranger District: 928-467-3200
Mesa Ranger District: 480-610-3300
www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto
- Road Conditions
Arizona Department of Transportation
888-411-7623
www.azdot.gov
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Ghost Town Loop
- Overview:
Scenic mountain drive, encompassing
five old mining camps and
ghost towns: Harshaw, Mowry,
Washington Camp, Duquesne
and Lochiel. Harshaw and Duquesne
are bona fide ghost towns
with buildings yet leaning.
You must remain on numbered
routes.
- Directions: From Patagonia, take small road just south of Post Office and follow the map.
- Time Allowed: Full weekend.
- Rating: Easy, well-maintained forest road suitable for standard SUVs and high-clearance passenger cars (dry weather only).
Inclement weather may require 4X4.
- Camping: Patagonia Lake State Park.
- Season: Year-round, best Oct. - April.
- Map:
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Great Western Trail (Scottsdale)
Information:
The Great Western Trail (GWT)
is a long and primitive, shared-use
route anticipated to run from
Mexico to Canada through Arizona,
Utah, Idaho, and Montana. The
800-mile Arizona Section of
the GWT is nearly 50 percent
complete and located on existing
back country routes. North of
Phoenix, the GWT traverses rugged
and beautiful country on the
Tonto, Prescott and Kaibab national
forests, as well as BLM lands
on the Arizona Strip. Some segments
require vehicles to be highway-licensed/legal. |
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Gunsight Pass
- Overview: Steep, narrow, rocky trail that climbs to 5,000 feet. Loose rock and ruts in some places, but can be navigated skillfully in stock 4x4 SUV, but experience is required. Popular ATV area.
- Directions: From Tucson, take I-10 east to SR 83, go south to FR 231 (look for sign to Rosemont Jct.).
- Facilities: Developed campground, fishing, boating, picnicking and hiking at Patagonia Lake State Park.
- Map:
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Harquahala Mountain Summit Road
- Information: Rugged 3,000-foot and 10.5 mile climb to historic 1920 Smithsonian Solar Observatory. Site includes picnic areas, restrooms, access to historic hiking trail and primitive camping. Vehicle travel allowed only on existing routes. Sonoran Desert. Spring, fall, and winter seasons; hot in summer with thunderstorms, and wash outs on road.
- Contacts:
- Bureau of Land Management
Hassayampa Field Office
(623) 580-5500
www.az.blm.gov
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Hayfield Draw OHV Area
Near Cottonwood, provides
a "tot lot" for beginners,
a motocross track, 40
acres of open riding and
over 120 miles of trails
with the longest trail
over 50 miles long. The
staging area is south
of U.S. Highway 260, approximately
5 1/2 miles west of I-17.
Contact the Prescott National
Forest, Verde Ranger District,
P.O. Box 670, (300 East
Highway 260), Camp Verde,
AZ 86322, for further
information. Phone (928)
567-4121. ATV trails also
exist on the Apache-Sitgreaves,
Tonto and Coronado National
Forests.
- Route: Take Interstate 17 north to Camp Verde, then SR 260 west for six miles to the OHV area. The Hayfield Draw OHV area is designated for cross-country, ATVs and motorcycle riding only.
- Conditions: Day-use facility only. On Jan. 1, 2009 the day-use fee increases to $5. Toilets, ramadas, grills and tables available-no water. Always wear protective equipment. Operate vehicles only in designated OHV areas.
- Map:
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Hieroglyphic Mountains/ Boulders
- Permit: This is State Trust Land and a permit or OHV Decal is required. The OHV Decal allows for crossing State Trust Land or riding on trails. All other activity requires a State Land Recreation Permit.
You can get your permit on-line by Clicking Here.
- Location: Numerous OHV routes that traverse the country between Lake Pleasant (east), Wickenburg (west), and Prescott National Forest (north). Boulders Staging Area, off Highway 74, between mileposts 11 and 12.
- Information: Vehicle travel allowed only on existing routes. Boulders Staging Area, offers access, camping and restroom. Area is a mix of private, state and public land, so comply with signs, carry a map, and avoid trespass. Low Desert. Spring, fall, winter seasons. Access Guide for this area is available from Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
- Restrictions: This use area is subject to closure on days when a High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for particulate matter (PM10) has been issued. Before leaving home, check to see if a PM10 HPA has been issued. Click Here
- Contacts:
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Hot Wells Dunes Recreation
Area
This 2,000 acre area of
rolling sand dunes offers
an open riding area for
OHVs. There are low, sparsely
vegetated dunes for those
preferring a slower paced
ride, while several larger
dunes provide challenges
for the more adventurous
riders. The area gets
it's name from an artisan
well that produces 250
gallons of hot water per
minute. Facilities include
developed campsites, toilets,
fire grills, and of course,
hot tubs. From Safford,
travel seven miles east
on Highway 70 and turn
south on Haekel Road.
Hot Wells is 25 miles.
For more information contact
the BLM Safford District
Office at (928) 348-4400.
- Access 1:
From Safford go seven
miles east on U.S. 70
to Haekel Rd., turn
right, then 25 miles
to OHV area.
- Access 2: From Bowie, turn north on Central Ave., go to Fan Rd. Take Fan Rd. eight miles to Haekel Rd., then turn left nine miles to OHV area.
- Access 3:
Off U.S. 199 take Tanque
Rd. east to Haekel Rd.,
then turn right to OHV
area.
- Conditions: 2,000 acres of rolling sand dunes, OHV's only.
- Facilities: Two Artesian-well hot tubs. Camp-sites and facilities.
- Fees:
Recreation use fees
of $3.00 per vehicle
per day or an annual
permit for $30.00 are
collected at this recreation
area as part of a congressionally
initiated program to
generate revenues for
improvements and maintenance
of federally-managed
recreation sites.
Fees collected at the site are returned directly to the site to improve and maintain the access roads, campsites, restroom facilities, hot tubs, picnic areas, and parking areas. We ask everyone to be partners in this effort by paying a few dollars to enjoy the public lands a whole lot more.
Permit and fee not required for vehicles
in tow. The annual permit
must be obtained from
the Safford BLM office,
711 14th Ave., Safford,
AZ 85546, or call (928)
348-4400.
- Camping: Roper Lake State Park
- Contacts:
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Hualapai Mountain OHV Trailhead
- Information: Access to hundreds of miles of old mining routes near Kingman. Motorized use is limited to existing routes. Elevations range from 6,500 feet in the pines to 1,000 feet in the low desert. The facility is a fee area that offers cabins, camping and a staging area.
- Contacts:
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La Posa OHV Routes
- Location:
Area is located around
Quartzsite, Ariz. at
the intersection of
Highway 95 and Interstate
10, with Yuma Proving
Ground on the southwest
and the Kofa National
Wildlife Refuge and
Wilderness on the southeast.
- Information: Vehicle travel is limited to existing routes. Some routes access the New Water Mountains Wilderness where vehicle travel is prohibited. Obey all warning signs. Low Desert. Spring, fall, winter seasons.
- Contacts:
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Long Draw OHV Route
- Information:
Located on the Mogollon
Rim northeast of Payson.
The route is a 30-mile
loop starting at either
Long Draw North Trailhead
(Chevelon Crossing)
or Long Draw South Trailhead
(Chevelon Lake). The
route is restricted
to street-legal /licensed
vehicles. Trailhead
includes staging area,
toilets and campsite
facilities. Area has
many shared use routes
open for off-highway
vehicle use, including
snowmobile trails. Ponderosa
Pine Forest. Generally
all seasons, however,
routes may be closed
due to winter snow.
- Contacts:
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Mescal Mountains OHV Area
- Information:
Near Kearny, area good
for beginners and allows
for all types of off-highway
vehicles. Elevation
from 2,000 to 2,400
feet. Use limited to
existing routes which
are on Bureau of Land
Management managed land.
Includes staging area,
picnic and camping areas
and restrooms. Low Desert.
- Contacts:
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Microwave Towers
- Location: The Tonto National Forest would like to inform you as to the new parking area location. PLEASE respect their rights and stage at the new location:
Wildcat Parking Area
is located one mile east on Bartlett Dam Road. Follow the signs to Forest Road 2095 (mile marker 1) turn right and drive 1/8 mile into the old gravel pit. You can access all your recreational roads and trails from the Wildcat Parking Area.
The closure of the old staging area will also affect the powerline road which is partially on private lands. Due to new development of private homes and private property rights, please use Forest Road 2090 to access the State Trust Lands to the south. The powerline road will be closed at the State Trust Land boundary and here.
Remember, protect your recreation areas by recreating responsibly.
Please stay on existing
roads and trails!
- Permit: Some of these areas are State Trust Land and a permit or OHV Decal is required. The OHV Decal allows for crossing State Trust Land or riding on trails. All other activity requires the State Land Recration Permit.
You can get your permit on-line by Clicking Here.
- Contacts:
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Mile Marker 11.5 - The Boulders Multiuse Area - Heiroglyphics Mountians Area
- Location:
Take Highway
74 (Carefree Highway at I-17) West past the Lake
Pleasant turn-off to
mile post 12. Take a
right at the first dirt
road after milepost
12. (There is a kiosk there with information) Go approximately
one mile North until you come
to a large open area
with small hill of big
boulders in the middle.
The trails radiate from that parking area. Be sure
to stay on the existing
roads for parking and always stay on roads and trails when operating your OHV.
- Restrictions: This use area is subject to closure on days when a High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for particulate matter (PM10) has been issued. Before leaving home, check to see if a PM10 HPA has been issued. Click Here
- Contacts:
- Bureau of Land Management
Hassayampa Field Office
(623) 580-5500
www.az.blm.gov
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Parker 400 Desert Race Course
- Permit: This is State Trust Land and a permit is required.
You can now get your permit on-line by Clicking Here.
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Information: This
desert racing event
has been around since
1972. Although the course
has changed over the
years, it still offers
three loops of about
136 miles. The race
is usually on a weekend
in late January or early
February. The course
offers a demanding,
difficult route all
year long. Parts of
the course require vehicles
to be street-legal/licensed.
- Location:
Access near
Parker, Ariz. in La
Paz County. Low Desert.
Spring, fall, winter
seasons.
- Contacts:
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Pima Motorsports Park
- Information: Located south of Tucson, this county-operated park includes competitive and practice/beginner motorcross tracks that allows bikes only. Other riding areas include an ATV track, cross-country trail and OHV obstacle course. Offers ATV certification classes. Low desert. Park for day use only and requires a fee.
- Contacts:
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Poland Junction Road
- Location:
Take I-17 north to Highway
89 to Dewey/Mayer/Prescott.
After you pass through
the town of Mayer, go
approximately 2 miles
to Poland Junction.
The road will be on
your left just before
you start a right hand
downhill sweeper. Follow
the road and when you
come to a 'Y' stay on
the main road. Do not
go to the ranch house.
After about 2 miles
you will come to a left-handed
'U' turn in the road
where you cross a creek.
The parking area is
on your right just after
you cross the creek.
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Redington Pass
- Location: Located approximately 12 miles northeast of the City of Tucson or 24 miles south of San Manuel.
- Information:
Redington Road is the
only access into this
OHV recreation and natural
resource area. This
high desert and oak
woodland area is the
combined foothills for
the northwest side of
the Rincon Mountain
and the southeast side
of the Santa Catalina
Mountain ranges. Motorized
travel is only permitted
on designated routes.
The secondary dirt roads
found in this touring
area are very rugged,
and will challenge your
technical driving skills.
A high ground clearance
4X4 vehicle is strongly
recommended. Area users,
who prefer to ride ATVs
or dirt bikes, find
this area just as technically
challenging. Forest
Service information
on the use of motorized
vehicles and operator
requirements can be
located at the OHV staging
area or visit www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado.
For an area brochure
contact the Coronado
National Forest, Santa
Catalina Ranger District,
(520) 749-8700.
- Contacts:
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Rattlesnake Gap
- Location: Located on the southernmost portion of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests in Greenlee County.
- Information:
More than 25 miles designated
for OHVs, the Rattlesnake
Gap OHV Trail is one
of Greenlee County's
most popular routes.
Located on the southernmost
portion of the Apache-Sitgreaves
National Forests, the
area is well known by
hunters, anglers, photographers,
campers, and those just
out for an adventurous
drive. It may seem like
a relaxing drive in
the country at first,
but can quickly turn
treacherous if the weather
gets rough. Some routes
in the area are restricted
to street-legal/licensed
vehicles. Two campgrounds
with tables and fire
rings have been installed
in the Rattlesnake Gap
area.
- Contacts:
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Reno Pass
- Overview: There is a locked gate at highway 87. This is part of the Edge Fire Closure Order, which prohibits all motor vehicles on the west end of the Reno Pass road. The east half of the road is still open from Punkin Center to the closure sign. The part of the road that is open includes steep, narrow, extremely rutted, shelf road with dangerous tipping spot and tight brush, lockers recommended. No top-heavy, full-size vehicles. Several serious injuries on this road recently, 4X4 only.
- Directions: Take SR 87 north to the Bushnell Tank exit, just past Sunflower.
- Distance: 12 miles.
- Time: 3 hrs.
- Camping: Developed campgrounds at Roosevelt Lake on SR 188.
- Facilities:
Gas, food and restrooms
at Butcher Hook and
Jakes Corner.
- Map:
- Contacts:
- Tonto National Forest
Tonto Basin District
928-467-3200
www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto
- Jakes Corner
928-474-4675
Meet-ups / gas /
food
- Butcher Hook
Gas / food / bait
928-479-2714
- Road Conditions
Arizona Department of Transportation
888-411-7623
www.az511.com
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Rolls OHV Area
- Route: State Route 87 north to Four Peaks Road, FR 143. Take FR 143 to the paved Rolls OHV parking area. Not recommended for mountain bikes due to sandy conditions.
- Conditions: Sandy in some spots, 4x4 required.
- Permit: No permit needed at this time.
- Restrictions: Operate vehicles only on designated OHV roads. This use area is subject to closure on days when a High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for particulate matter (PM10) has been issued. Before leaving home, check to see if a PM10 HPA has been issued. Click Here
- Map:
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Saffel Canyon Trail
- Location:
Saffel Canyon Trail,
near Eagar, includes
some of the most spectacular
views in the White Mountains.
The trail begins at
an elevation of 7,600
feet and climbs to 9,400
feet at Pat Knoll.
- Information:
Distance is 25 miles
(round trip). Difficulty
level is moderate. The
trail goes through three
distinct vegetation
zones: Pinyon-juniper,
ponderosa pine, and
mixed conifer. There
is trailhead parking
that accommodates trailers;
trailhead has two picnic
ramadas, restroom, and
a "tot lot"
where young riders can
learn some basic ATV
skills. Trail access
near Eagar.
- Contacts:
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Sandbowl OHV Area
The Bureau of Land Management has several areas along the Colorado
River and this area offers a 2,000 acre dune
system surrounded by additional designated
routes. To the north on the Parker Strip are
Crossroads and Copper Basin Dunes OHV areas
which offer challenging desert driving. For
more information on OHV opportunities in the
Yuma District contact the Bureau of Land Management,
2555 East Gila Ridge Road, Yuma, AZ 85365.
Phone (928) 371-3200.
- Overview: A fun place to take your ATVs, SUV, dirt bikes and Jeeps. Hilly, sandy terrain, with network of roads and trails. Deceptive, you can quickly find yourself with the rubber side up and shiny side down.
- Directions: Take I-10 west to Ehrenberg exit (almost in California), take south frontage road to gravel Ehrenberg/Cibola road and go south 3 miles to site entrance.
- Time Allowed: Full weekend.
- Rating:
Virgin slopes difficult.
Go anywhere inside the
borders of the park;
however, most discover
it is best to remain
on roads and trails.
- Fee:
The fee is $5 daily
per vehicle or $50 annually
per vehicle, for up
to five people per vehicle.
There will be a $1 per
person fee charged for
each person over the
five person limit. Visitors
must pay daily fees
at self-registration
fee pipes located at
the site or at the BLM
Yuma Field Office located
at 2555 E. Gila Ridge
Road in Yuma. Annual
permits are currently
available for purchase
at the Yuma Field Office.
Day use only (6 a.m. - 10 p.m.). No trash collection, this is a pack it in and pack it out area. (Fees may change without notice.)
- Facilities:
Parking lot, unisex
vault toilet, loading
ramps, shade ramada
and picnic table. Gas
and more available at
truck stop.
- Camping: Primitive camping available nearby.
- Season: Year-round, best Oct. - April; very hot in summer.
- Map:
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Santa Rita
- Location: Just west of Highway 83 and north of Sonoita, the east side of Santa Rita Mountains.
- Information: Offers miles of roads in high desert and oak woodland foothills. All seasons, avoid wet conditions.
- Contacts:
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Schnebly Hill Road
- Overview:
Dramatic red rocks,
azure skies and deep-green
foliage; that's the
drive from Sedona to
I-17 on Schnebly Hill
Road. Pavement ends
after pay station. Not
for low-slung cars.
Closed in winter.
- Directions: Take I-17 north to SR 179, go left to Sedona, Schnebly Hill Road is on the right shortly before SR 89.
- Drive time: 1 hour, but plan for photo stops.
- Distance: 11.8 miles from SR 179 to I-17.
- Permit: Red Rock Pass needed only when recreating outside your vehicle.
- Facilities: Gas, food, lodging, found in Sedona & Flagstaff.
- Map:
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Sheridan Mt. / Smith Mesa
- Attention:
The Sheridan Mt.-Smith
Mesa OHV System is a
newly funded OHV area.
Trails were reconstructed
in 1998. Fifteen other
trails are proposed
and will be added with
future OHV grants. This
42-mile trail bike and
ATV route system is
located west of Chino
Valley near Camp Wood.
Primitive roads are
also available for full-sized
vehicles. No facilities
or water available.
Chaparral and Ponderosa
pine forest type. All
seasons, trails at higher
elevations not accessible
during winter snow conditions.
A trail system brochure
is available.
- Camping: Allowed at trailheads (see Prescott Campgrounds)
- Multiuse: Trails are for hiking and mt. biking, too.
- Conditions: 4x4 required in certain areas and during bad weather.
FR 21 and FR 95 passable with low-clearance vehicle.
- Permit: No fees or permit required for trail use.
- Restrictions: Trails are open to everything but full-sized 4x4s.
- Map:
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South Patagonia Mountain
- Location: Between Nogales and Sierra Vista, east of Highway 82
- Information: The Patagonia Mountain range offers many opportunities for OHV recreation. High desert scrub and oak woodland. All seasons, avoid wet conditions.
- Contacts:
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Standard Wash
- Location:
Just five miles
south of Lake Havasu
City
- Information: The area offers more than 7,500 acres providing fun, challenging trails for many types of OHV opportunities and camping. Use existing routes only. Low Desert. Spring, fall, winter seasons.
- Contacts:
- Bureau of Land Management
Lake Havasu Field Office
(928) 505-1200
www.az.blm.gov
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Table Mesa Road
- Location:
Take I-17 north to the
Table Mesa Road exit
and go left over the
freeway (The exit is
just a little ways past
the town of New River).
On the westside of the
freeway take a right
and when the road turns
to dirt you will see
a parking area about
100 feet down on your
left.
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Swansea Townsite
- Location: Located 30 miles east of Parker
- Information:
This low desert area
allows all types of
OHVs and passenger cars.
Tour historic mining
town. Includes interpretation,
picnic areas, facilities
and camping.
- Contacts:
- Bureau of Land Management,
Lake Havasu Field Office,
(928) 505-1200
www.az.blm.gov
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Verde Trails
- Attention: This trail system is primarily for off-highway vehicles (OHVs). The system contains miles of OHV trails and 51 miles of dual-use roads. A trail is defined as a way for foot, stock, or trail vehicle traffic. A dual-use road can be used by both full-sized vehicles and OHVs. Take plenty of water. This OHV area was developed with the help of the Arizona State Parks OHV Recreation Fund.
- Multiuse: Popular horseback area.
- Mountain biking on FR 136, The General Crook Nat. Recreation Trail from FR 574, scenic, fun, then gets very steep 5 miles in. Do 13-mile loop using TR 513, TR 511 and FR 574 (run counterclockwise). Loop is rated moderate to most difficult due to 1,000-foot elevation change.
- Conditions: High-clearance okay on most forest roads. Do not use during or after bad weather. Trails are suitable for intermediate and expert riders.
- Restrictions: Trails are open to vehicles less than 50" wide. Dual-use roads open to large OHVs. Wet weather restrictions apply. Muffler and spark arrestors a must.
- Camping: See Prescott National Forest Campgrounds
- Seasons: Spring and fall are the recommended seasons. Summer temperatures can be extreme from June to September.
- Map:
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Yuma East OHV Routes
- Location:
Area is located in Yuma
and Maricopa counties
between interstates
10 and 8, with the Yuma
Proving Ground and Kofa
National Wildlife Refuge
to the west. The area
encompasses a large
portion of the Arizona
Game and Fish Department's
Hunting Unit 41.
- Information:
Vehicle travel is limited
to existing routes.
Some routes access the
Eagletail Mountain and
New Water Mountain Wilderness
Areas where vehicle
travel is prohibited.
Obey all warning signs
and call the Yuma Proving
Ground at (928) 328-2720
for information about
routes that continue
into military lands.
Call the Kofa National
Wildlife Refuge at (928)
783-7861 for access
information. Low Desert.
Spring, fall, winter
seasons.
- Contacts:
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