Description:
|
There are numerous opportunities for OHV recreation in Arizona depending on what you are looking for. Local land management agencies usually have information and maps available. Some suggestions for ATVs and dirt bikes are below:
Desert Wells Multiuse Area - Map and Rules
The Desert Wells Multiuse Area is located in Pinal County, Ariz. It’s a multiuse area where OHV users share the land with horseback riders, hikers, and other outdoor recreationists. It is state trust land; therefore, a recreational permit is required for access. You can obtain that permit at the Arizona State Land Department (602) 364-2753 or at the Arizona Public Lands Information Center (602) 417-9300. 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 and following the rules and regulations listed on the attached map and rules brochure.
Granite Mountain Multiuse Area - Map and Rules
The Granite Mountain Multiuse Area is located in Scottsdale, near Pima Road and Dynamite Boulevard. It is a multiuse area where OHV users share the land with horseback riders, hikers, and other outdoor recreationists. It is state trust land and you must have a recreational permit to use state trust land. The city of Scottsdale owns quite a bit of land in the center of the multiuse area, known as the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. The preserve is off-limits to all motorized vehicles. Nonmotorized users are welcome. When riding on state trust land, you must stay on existing roads and trails.
Cinder Hills OHV Area
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. Highway 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 (520) 526-0866.
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 fifty 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 (520) 567-4121. ATV trails also exist on the Apache-Sitgreaves, Tonto and Coronado National Forests.
The Eherenburg Sandbowl OHV Area
The BLM 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 (520) 371-3200.
Hot Wells Dunes Recreation Area
This 2,000 acre area of rolling sand dunes offers an open riding area for OHV's. 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 7 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 (520) 348-4400.
Remember: TREAD Lightly!
The promotion of safe operation of OHVs and emphasizing protection of environmental resources can be found in the Tread Lightly! program. Tread Lightly! was begun by the U.S. Forest Service in 1986 and became a nonprofit corporation called Tread Lightly! INC. in 1990. It's message is responsible use of public and private lands.
The principals of the Tread Lightly! program are summarized with the word TREAD.
T Travel only on designated routes.
R Respect the rights of others.
E Educate yourself.
A Avoid sensitive areas and wildlife.
D Drive responsibly.
Important Information
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. Other areas require daily or annual use fees. Please contact BLM Field Offices and other local land management agencies for updated fee information.
More Info:
http://www.azgfd.gov/outdoor_recreation/habitat_ohv_areas.shtml
|