Most sites listed here were funded in part by the Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Fund or the Recreational Trails Program (motorized portion).
Nature Rules. Stay on the Trails.
1. ARIZONA STRIP*
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 backcountry 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. Contact the Bureau of Land Management, Arizona Strip Field Office, (435) 688-3200.
2. CINDER HILLS OHV AREA
Comprises an extensive area of deep volcanic cinders in a Ponderosa Pine Forest, east of Highway 89 and south of Sunset Crater National Monument. Protect the privilege of riding in this designated off-highway vehicle area by respecting the boundary of the National Monument. Approximately 13,500 acres available for all types of motorized vehicles. Ponderosa Pine Forest. All seasons, occasional snow in winter. Contact Coconino National Forest, Peaks Ranger District, (928) 526-0866.
3. KENDRICK AND MORMON LAKE/ PINEWOOD SNOWMOBILE TRAIL SYSTEM
Riding areas are available for snowmobiles on signed trails, when conditions permit. Ponderosa Pine Forest. Contact Coconino National Forest, Peaks Ranger District,
(928) 526-0866.
4. LONG DRAW OHV ROUTE
Located on the Mogollon Rim northeast of Payson. 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 highway- 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. Contact Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Black Mesa Ranger District, (928) 535-4481.
5. MUNDS PARK
The planned Munds Park OHV trail system will link the community and visitors to a network of Forest Service system roads in the area, with three-season riding in the cool pines. Routes may be closed in winter due to snow or other weather conditions. Construction of the 7-mile link system is expected to be completed in 2007. Contact Coconino National Forest, Peaks Ranger District, (928) 526-0866.
6. HAYFIELD DRAW/BRYANT PARK OHV AREA
Eight miles west of Camp Verde, south of Highway 260, Hayfield Draw has an 80-acre cross country area limited to ATVs and trail bikes, access to more than 100 miles of designated trails, and 2 acres of beginner's course. Facilities include toilets, ramadas, picnic areas, and parking. High Desert. Spring, fall, winter seasons. Contact Prescott National Forest, Verde Ranger District, (928) 567-4121.
7. ALTO PIT OHV RECREATION AREA
A 400-acre site that lies four miles west of Prescott on Iron Springs Road. Includes 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. Facilities include restrooms, picnic tables, firerings, loading/unloading area, and shade ramadas are available for day use. Fee area ($3/day for day use). 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. Contact Prescott National Forest, Bradshaw Ranger District, (928) 443-8000.
8. SHERIDAN MOUNTAIN/SMITH MESA OHV TRAIL SYSTEM
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. Contact Prescott National Forest, Bradshaw and Chino Valley Ranger District, (928) 443-8000 or
(928) 777-2200.
9. HUALAPAI MOUNTAIN OHV TRAILHEAD
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. Contact Hualapai Mountain Park, (928) 757-3859.
10. STANDARD WASH
Just 5 miles south of Lake Havasu City, 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. Contact Bureau of Land Management, Lake Havasu Field Office, (928) 505-1200.
11. PARKER 400 DESERT RACE COURSE*
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 highway-legal/licensed. Access near Parker, AZ in La Paz County. Low Desert. Spring, fall, winter seasons. Contact Bureau of Land Management, Lake Havasu Field Office, (928) 505-1200.
12. SHEA SPECTATOR/PIT AREAS AND OSBORN WASH
Located east of Parker using Shea Road, much of the area is defined by post and cable, which are the boundaries of a race vehicle pit and spectator areas of the Parker 400 Desert Race. The braided Osborn Wash is adjacent and to the south of the Spectator Area. These locations combine to create excellent OHV riding and camping opportunities. Low Desert. Spring, fall, winter seasons. Contact Bureau of Land Management, Lake Havasu Field Office, (928) 505-1200.
13. SWANSEA TOWNSITE
Located 30 miles east of Parker, this low desert area allows all types of OHVs and passenger cars. Tour historic mining town. Includes interpretation, picnic areas, facilities, and camping. Contact Bureau of Land Management, Lake Havasu Field Office, (928) 505-1200.
14. EHRENBERG SANDBOWL
This area is located just south of the City of Ehrenberg, off of the Ehrenberg-Cibola Levee Road of the Colorado River. Approximately 2,000 acres of sand dunes are open to vehicle travel. Facilities include a parking lot, ATV loading ramps, and universally accessible vault toilets, shade ramadas, and picnic tables. Permits are required upon entry; current fee amounts are posted at the self-service kiosk on site where daily permits are available. Annual permits may be purchased from the Oxbow Campground Host approximately 20 miles south of the Sandbowl, or at the Bureau of Land Management office in Yuma. Contact the Bureau of Land Management, Yuma Field Office, (928) 317-3200 or yfoweb_az@blm.gov.
15. EHRENBERG-CIBOLA OHV ROUTES
Area is located between the City of Ehrenberg, the City of Cibola, the Colorado River, and the Yuma Proving Ground. Vehicle travel is limited to existing routes. Vehicle travel is prohibited in the Trigo Mountain Wilderness.. Obey all warning signs and call the Yuma Proving Ground at (928) 328-2720 for access information. The Cibola National Wildlife Refuge is at the south part of the area. Obey signs and call the Refuge at (928) 857-3253 for information. Low Desert. Spring, fall, winter seasons. For maps and information contact the Bureau of Land Management, Yuma Field Office, (928) 317-3200 or yfoweb_az@blm.gov.
16. LA POSA OHV ROUTES
Area is located around Quartzsite, Arizona at the intersection of Highway 95 and Interstate 10, with Yuma Proving Ground on the southwest and the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge & Wilderness on the southeast. Vehicle travel is limited to existing routes. Some routes access the New Water Mountains Wilderness where vehicle travel is prohibited. Obey all warning signs and call the Yuma Proving Ground at (928) 328-2720, or the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge at (928) 783-7861 for access information. Low Desert. Spring, fall, winter seasons. Contact the Bureau of Land Management, Yuma Field Office, (928) 317-3200 or yfoweb_az@blm.gov.
17. HARQUAHALA MOUNTAIN SUMMIT ROAD BACKCOUNTRY BYWAY
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. Contact Bureau of Land Management, Hassayampa Field Office, (623) 580-5500.
18. YUMA EAST OHV ROUTES
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. Vehicle travel is limited to existing routes. Some routes access the Eagletail Mountains and New Water Mountains 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. Contact the Bureau of Land Management, Yuma Field Office, (928) 317-3200 or yfoweb_az@blm.gov.
19. HIEROGLYPHIC MOUNTAINS AREA/ BOULDERS STAGING AREA*
Numerous OHV routes that traverse the country between Lake Pleasant (east), Wickenburg (west), and Prescott National Forest (north). Vehicle travel allowed only on existing routes. Boulders Staging Area, off Highway 74, between mileposts 11 and 12 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). Contact BLM, Hassayampa Field Office, (623) 580-5500.
20. GRANITE MOUNTAIN - Changes to Access
The Granite Mountain area is State Trust Land located within the City of Scottsdale boundaries. The operation of motorized vehicles is now under review in this area, and the City is advising OHV riders that they should find other areas where OHV use is clearly allowed.
State air quality legislation passed in 2007 (SB 1552) required cities to adopt specific dust control measures because a portion of Maricopa County and Pinal County exceeded federal air quality control standards for particulate matter less than 10 microns (PM-10). This is a public health and safety issue. The City of Scottsdale this spring adopted Ordinance No. 3776, which amends Scottsdale Revised Code Section 19-14. The ordinance states that motorized vehicles may be operated only on surfaces treated to control dust.
The City of Scottsdale is mandated to begin enforcement of Ordinance No. 3776 immediately. The Granite Mountain area does not meet current requirements for dust control. Scottsdale Police may check whether OHV riders possess State Land Department use permits. If they do not, riders will be subject to citation. Police will also be educating OHV riders and urging them to find other areas open to OHV use in anticipation of full enforcement of Scottsdale’s new ordinances.
To learn more about the Scottsdale ordinances, call the Scottsdale Environmental Hotline at 480-312-7899 or see www.scottsdaleaz.gov.
To find maps and information for state-wide off-highway vehicle access, visit azstateparks.com/ohv or call (866) 463-6648
21. ROLLS OHV AREA
This 27,000-acre area is one hour from Phoenix, east of the Beeline Highway, north of Saguaro Lake, and south of the Four Peaks Road. Vehicle travel allowed only on existing routes. Low Desert. Spring, fall, winter seasons. Contact Tonto National Forest, Mesa Ranger District, (480) 610-3300.
22. BULLDOG CANYON OHV AREA
Located one hour from Phoenix, with access from the City of Mesa at Usery Pass Road, off of the Bush Highway. Vehicle travel allowed only on routes designated as open by brown fiberglass vertical markers. All routes other than FR10, 12, 1356, 3512, 3556, and 3554 are closed to motorized travel. Use of Bulldog OHV area requires a permit. Low Desert. All seasons. Directions to Bulldog area access locations available at www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto. Contact Tonto National Forest, Mesa Ranger District for a required permit (480) 610-3300.
23. DESERT WELLS*
This site is available for recreational use, thanks to the collaborative efforts of volunteers and land management agencies. Located one hour east of Phoenix, near Apache Junction (US Route 60 and State Route 79). This site requires an Arizona State Land Department (ASLD) recreation permit to ride. Vehicle travel is allowed only on existing signed routes. Grazing allotments for four different cattle ranches within this area; please stay out of cattle water tanks and respect the closed gates and grazing areas. Relatively flat with some rolling trails. Over 180 miles of trails. Good for beginners; a great family trail ride. Primary motorized trail use: all types. Low Desert. Spring, fall, winter seasons. Contact ASLD (602) 364-2753 to purchase a permit. Contact AZ Game and Fish Department for an access guide at (602) 942-3000 or download guide at www.azgfd.gov.
24. MESCAL MOUNTAINS OHV AREA
Near Kearny, area good for beginners and allows for all types of off-highway vehicles. Elevation from 2000 to 2400 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. Contact Town of Kearny, (520) 363-5547.
25. SUNRISE TO BIG LAKE SNOWMOBILE ROUTE
When snow closes roads on the National Forests, this route remains open for snowmobile use; the trailhead includes a parking area that accommodates trailers and a restroom. The route traverses beautiful mountains and meadows through forests of pine, spruce, and fir. Contact Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Springerville Ranger District, (928) 333-4372.
26. SAFFEL CANYON TRAIL
Saffel Canyon Trail, near Eagar, includes some of the most spectacular views in the White Mountains. The trail begins at an elevation of 7600 feet and climbs to 9400 feet at Pat Knoll. Distance is 25 miles (round trip). Difficulty level is moderate. The trail goes through 3 distinct vegetation zones: Pinyon-juniper, ponderosa pine, and mixed conifer. There is trailhead parking that accommodates trailers; trailhead has 2 picnic ramadas, restroom, and a "tot lot" where young riders can learn some basic ATV skills. Trail access near Eagar. Contact Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Springerville Ranger District, (928) 333-4372.
27. RATTLESNAKE GAP
With 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 highway-legal/licensed vehicles. Two campgrounds with tables and fire rings have been installed in the Rattlesnake Gap area. Contact Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Clifton Ranger District, (928) 687-1301.
28. GILA BOX RIPARIAN NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA
Located 20 miles northeast of Safford, offers rugged OHV opportunities. Motorized vehicles are restricted to designated roads. The Gila River corridor is closed to all motorized vehicles within the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area (RNCA). High Desert. Spring, fall, winter seasons. Contact Bureau of Land Management, Safford Field Office, (928) 348-4400.
29. BLACK HILLS BACKCOUNTRY BYWAY
The old Safford-Clifton Highway takes you back in time and offers challenging 4x4 side trips. The south entrance is 16 miles east of Safford. High Desert. Spring, fall, winter seasons. Contact Bureau of Land Management, Safford Field Office, (928) 348-4400.
30. HOT WELL DUNES RECREATION AREA
This 1,900-acre “open” dune area is located 25 miles south of Safford. Facilities include two hot tubs, restrooms, developed and undeveloped campsites, and a picnic/watchable wildlife area. OHV travel is also allowed on existing routes outside the Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area. High Desert. Spring, fall, winter seasons. Contact Bureau of Land Management, Safford Field Office, (928) 348-4400.
31. REDINGTON PASS BACKCOUNTRY TOURING AREA
Located approximately 12 miles northeast of the City of Tucson or 24 miles south of San Manuel. 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.
32. PIMA MOTORSPORTS PARK
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. Contact Pima County Parks and Recreation Department (520) 877-6000.
33. SANTA RITA MOUNTAIN BACKCOUNTRY TOURING AREA
Just west of Highway 83 and north of Sonoita, the east side of Santa Rita Mountains offers miles of roads in high desert and oak woodland foothills. All seasons, avoid wet conditions. Contact Coronado National Forest, Nogales Ranger District, (520) 281-2296.
34. SOUTH PATAGONIA MOUNTAINS
Between Nogales and Sierra Vista, east of Highway 82, the Patagonia Mountain range offers many opportunities for OHV recreation. High desert scrub and oak woodland. All seasons, avoid wet conditions. Contact Coronado National Forest, Sierra Vista Ranger District, (520) 378-0311.
35. Great Western Trail, Arizona Section
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% complete and located on existing backcountry 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.
*Trails run on both public lands and State Trust Land. You must obtain a permit from the Arizona State Land Department to ride on State Trust Land. Contact the ASLD at (602) 364-2753 to purchase a permit. Recreational use on State Trust Land is temporary and may be terminated at any time.
Most sites listed here are multi-use where many types of recreational users share the same trails, please be courteous when meeting other trail users.
Fees are subject to change.
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