Prescott National Forest OHV

The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests encompass 2 million acres of the White Mountains and Mogollon Rim country in eastern Arizona — the high-elevation plateau and mountain landscape of Apache and Navajo counties that is as different from the Phoenix Basin desert as any terrain in the state. Where most Arizona OHV riding is associated with saguaro, creosote, and Sonoran Desert heat, the Apache-Sitgreaves presents an entirely different Arizona: ponderosa pine forest blanketing the 7,000 to 9,000-foot Mogollon Plateau, the sub-alpine mixed-conifer and aspen parklands of the White Mountains at 9,000 to 10,000 feet, cool summer temperatures, and the canyon and creek terrain of the Black River and San Francisco River watersheds that carve through the forest. The forest OHV system covers designated trails and forest roads across the Clifton, Springerville, and Alpine Ranger Districts, with the Alpine and Springerville areas serving as the primary OHV staging communities. The terrain spans the full range of Apache-Sitgreaves character: moderate ponderosa pine forest road riding on the Mogollon Plateau, more technical canyon-edge routes in the Black River and Blue Range country, and the open mountain meadow and aspen park terrain above 9,000 feet. Arizona OHV registration is required for all machines on designated routes. The forest manages OHV use under a travel management plan; all-terrain vehicle riders should confirm current designated route status at ranger district offices before riding. The Alpine Ranger District office (928-339-5000) manages the high-country OHV routes and can direct riders to current conditions in the Blue Range Primitive Area corridor and the White Mountain trail network.

Bulldog Canyon OHV Permit Zone is a 34,000-acre designated vehicle corridor in the Mesa Ranger District of Tonto National Forest, located approximately 30 miles east of Phoenix near the communities of Mesa and Gold Canyon. The zone encompasses the Goldfield Mountains and a broad swath of Sonoran Desert terrain — saguaro and cholla cactus, rocky bajada slopes, sandy washes, and desert scrub that provides a dramatically different riding environment from the forested and mountain OHV systems found in other regions. Approximately 20 miles of routes are available, ranging from relatively easy desert wash driving to rocky technical sections among the Goldfield Mountain ridges. Full-size 4x4 trucks, Jeeps, ATVs, UTVs, and motorcycles are all permitted within the designated permit zone boundaries. Access points include the Usery Mountain Regional Park trailhead and the Blue Point Boat Launch staging area. A Tonto National Forest OHV Permit is required for all vehicle entry and must be obtained in advance through Recreation.gov — no walk-up purchases are available. The desert heat makes fall through spring the primary riding season; summer temperatures regularly exceed 110°F. Wildlife including desert mule deer, coyote, javelina, and Gila woodpeckers inhabit the zone.

Crossroads OHV Area is a 1,500-acre BLM day-use riding area on the eastern edge of Lake Havasu City, Arizona, managed by the Lake Havasu Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management. The area provides immediate access to desert off-road terrain from the edge of one of western Arizona's fastest-growing communities, making it a favorite for local Lake Havasu riders who can reach the staging area without trailering. Terrain is characteristic of the Lower Colorado Desert — sandy washes, desert shrubland, short rocky climbs over rhyolite and basalt outcrops, and expansive views of the surrounding ranges and the Colorado River corridor. Motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, and other OHVs are all welcome; no entrance fee or permit is required. The developed staging area includes paved parking, an unloading ramp, and vault toilet facilities. The area connects informally to the broader Lake Havasu Travel Management Trail System to the north, extending the rideable territory substantially beyond the 1,500-acre core for those with navigational capability. Open year-round; fall through spring offers the most comfortable riding temperatures. The surrounding desert supports a healthy population of desert tortoise — riders are advised to yield and avoid contact. Managed by the BLM Lake Havasu Field Office (928-505-1200).

Hayfield Draw OHV Area is an 80-acre designated off-highway vehicle zone in the Verde Ranger District of Prescott National Forest, located northwest of Camp Verde in Yavapai County, Arizona, approximately 75 miles south of Flagstaff and 90 miles north of Phoenix. The facility is structured around four color-coded skill progression zones — green, blue, black, and double-black — giving it a more organized and graduated character than most desert open-riding areas. The terrain is rocky high-desert chaparral at Prescott National Forest elevations, with technical sections appropriate for the upper difficulty ratings. Motorcycles and ATVs and other OHVs up to 50 inches wide are permitted; the width restriction limits larger UTVs. Hayfield Draw operates seasonally: open September 1 through May 31, closed June through August to reduce resource impact during the hottest and driest months and to protect seasonal wildlife use. A $5 per vehicle day-use fee applies. No overnight camping is permitted at the OHV area itself; developed campgrounds in the surrounding national forest serve overnight visitors. The Verde Ranger District office in Camp Verde (928-567-3000) handles current conditions and seasonal closure information.