Off-Highway Vehicle Areas
Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle Area
All States OHV Trail List

BLM Field Office Map

Arizona State Park Map

Arizona Strip (#1 on State Park Map)

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.

Vermilion Cliffs Scenic Highway: Embarking from the spectacular Virgin River Gorge south of St. George, Utah, follow 277 miles of all-weather roads winding through small rural communities to the Navajo Indian Reservation.

Grand Canyon Overlooks: For the more adventurous traveler with a well equipped, four-wheel drive vehicle, some of the most spectacular scenic vistas in the world can be reached by driving south from Interstate 15 or Highway 89A.

Hassayampa BLM Field Office

Harquahala Mountain Summit Road: A rugged and challenging road to the top of the mountain where the historic Smithsonian Harquahala Peak Observatory, a National Register of Historic Places site, has been stabilized. See also Harquahala Mountain Summit Road Backcountry Byway

Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument

Mt. Trumbull Loop: Those who want to get off the pavement can leave the Interstate at St. George or the state highway at Fredonia and the visit the wilds of the Arizona Strip. The region contains scenic overlooks, geologic features, unique vegetation and wildlife species, wilderness areas and historic and cultural sites.

Lake Havasu Field Office (BLM Map)

Crossroads OHV Area: One of two OHV open areas adjacent to the Colorado River, on the California side. Crossroads has a staging area and is 1,500 acres open with no travel restrictions of any kind except you must obey California OHV laws.

Copper Basin Dunes: The other OHV open area on the Parker Strip is 1,275 acres and also has a staging area, parking, restrooms and lots of sand dune area for unrestricted vehicle travel.

Cinder Hills OHV Area (#2 on on AZ State Park Map)

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.

Kendrick and Mormon Lake/Pinewood Snowmobile Trail System (#3 on AZ State Park Map)
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.

Long Draw OHV Route (#4 on AZ State Park Map)
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.

Munds Park(#5 on AZ State Park Map)
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.

Hayfield Draw/Bryant Park OHV Area (#6 on AZ State Park Map)
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.

Alto Pit Recreation Area (#7 on AZ State Park Map)
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.

Sheridan Mountain/Smith Messa OHV Trail System (#8 on AZ State Park Map)
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.

Hualapai Mountina OHV Trailhead (#9 on AZ State Park Map)
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.

Standard Wash (#10 on AZ State Park Map)
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.

Parker 400 Desert Race Course* (#11 on AZ State Park Map)
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.

Shea Spectator/Pit Areas and Osborn Wash (#12 on AZ State Park Map)
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.

Swansea Townsite (#13 on AZ State Park Map)
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.

Ehrenberg Sandbowl(#14 on AZ State Park Map)
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. Click here for more information.

Ehrenberg-Cibola OHV Routes (#15 on AZ State Park Map)
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.

La Posa OHV Routes (#16 on AZ State Park Map)
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.

Harquahala Mountain Summit Road Backcountry Byway (#17 on AZ State Park Map)
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.

Yuma East OHV Routes (#18 on AZ State Park Map)
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.

El Camino del Diablo a.k.a. The Road of the Devil - (Yuma BLM Area Map)
The long, rough, unpaved route crossing the Barry M. Goldwater Range in southwestern Arizona is suitable only for experienced desert drivers with well equipped, four-wheel drive vehicles.

Hieroglyphic Mountains Area/Boulders Staging Area* (#19 on AZ State Park Map)
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.

Granite Mountain RANITE MOUNTAIN* (#20 on AZ State Park Map)
This site is available for recreational use, thanks to the collaborative efforts of volunteers and land management agencies. Located in North Scottsdale, one-half hour north of Phoenix; east of Pima Road and north of Dynamite Blvd. This site requires an Arizona State Land Department (ASLD) recreation permit to ride. Vehicle travel is allowed only on existing signed routes. Motorized access to Tonto National Forest. Routes mainly limited to single-track dirt bike with perimeter trails for ATV and 4x4. Low Desert, rocky scenic trails. 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 the guide at www.azgfd.gov.

Rolls OHV Area (#21 on AZ State Park Map)
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.

Bulldog Canyon OHV Area (#22 on AZ State Park Map)
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.

Desert Wells* (#23 on AZ State Park Map)
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.

Mescal Mountains OHV Area (#24 on AZ State Park Map)
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.

Sunrise to Big Lake Snowmobile Route (#25 on AZ State Park Map)
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.

Saffel Canyon Trail (#26 on AZ State Park Map)
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.

Rattlesnake Gap (#27 on AZ State Park Map)
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.

Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area (#28 on AZ State Park Map)
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.

Black Hills Backcountry Byway (#27 on AZ State Park Map)
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.

Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area (#30 on AZ State Park Map)
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. Click here for more information.

Redington Pass Backcountry Touring Area (#31 on AZ State Park Map)
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.

Pima Motorsports Park (#32 on AZ State Park Map)
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.

Santa Rita Mountain Backcountry Touring Area (#33 on AZ State Park Map)
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

Lower Sonoran BLM Field Office

Agua Caliente Road: A maintained and mostly dirt road through a natural Sonoran Desert area, providing unusual and scenic view, especially during the spring desert bloom. District, (520) 281-2296.

South Patagonia Mountains (#34 on AZ State Park Map)
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.

Safford BLM Field Office

Black Hills Back Country Byway: This unpaved 21-mile byway, located in southeastern Arizona near the Gila Box Riparian Conservation Area, is suitable for high clearance vehicles during dry weather.

Hot Well Dunes: Sound like a day at the beach? Come to one of most unique recreation spots in Arizona. Where else does the opportunity to ride in 2,000 acres of sand dunes, set up a camp and then soak in relaxing hot tubs all occur in the same location? Click here for more information.

Rug Road: Got its name from the remnants of carpet that people have used to fill holes and ledges along the road to make it more passable.

Great Western Trail, Arizona Section (#35 on AZ State Park Map)
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.

OHV Information
Off-highway vehicles are permitted, with restrictions, in many areas under BLM administration in Arizona and along the Colorado River in California. Other areas, such as designated wilderness and other sensitive areas, are closed to OHV use. BLM, in partnership with Arizona State Parks OHV Program, is developing a series of OHV Access Guides identifying motorized routes available to the public. The current series available:

• Cactus Plain
• Ehrenberg-Cibola

These publications can be purchased for $4.00 each at the Information Access Center, Phoenix, Arizona.

One North Central Avenue, Suite 800
Phoenix, Arizona 85004

Hours of Operation: 9 am - 4 pm, Monday - Friday
Telephone: 602-417-9200
FAX: 602-417-9314

Open Areas
Open areas are public lands where all types of vehicle use is permitted at all times, anywhere in the area, subject to operating regulations and vehicle standards described in the pages listed below. BLM manages four areas for OHV use at the present time.

• Crossroads
• Copper Basin Dunes
• Hot Well Dunes
• Ehrenberg Sandbowl

Limited Areas
Limited areas are areas which are restricted at certain times, in certain areas, and/or to certain vehicular use. Most lands managed by Arizona BLM are designated as limited areas. In most BLM managed areas, the limitations are to most designated roads and trails, existing roads and trails, or in some cases, drywashes. Some areas are marked, but many are not. Overland vehicle travel is not permitted in these areas with "limited" designations. Check with our field offices regarding specific roads and trails, if in doubt.

Arizona State Land Recreational Permits
$15 individual recreation permit
$20 for family
(valid one year from date of purchase)

Places to get permits:

State Land Department
1616 W. Adams
Phoenix AZ 85007
602-364-ASLD (364-2753)

Arizona Public Lands Information Center
222 N. Central, Phoenix,
602-417-9300.
(Those who want permits must come IN PERSON to the center and will receive one on the spot.)

State Land Department
3650 Lake Mary Road
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
520-928-1425