CJCJ- According to the Arizona Fish and Game and USDA there are areas in Arizona that you can legally go off-road. However, there are a lot of areas you can not. According to the Tread Lightly Program which is supported by the Forest Service and the Arizona Fish and Game, a person should restrict their use of atv's in areas that may be harmful to habitat. "A resource that is sometimes overlooked and that is difficult to quantify, is "solitude" (or lack of disturbance). Many species of wildlife have negative (flight or fight) reactions to approaching noises, including OHVs." The Fish and Game may give a person a ticket for disturbing wildlife thus an atv being illegal in these areas. It is highly recommended by the AZFG to educate yourself in the area you are going to use an atv or off-road vehicle.
There are only 4 designated areas that the AZFG recommend to use ATV's. All other areas should be looked at closely before going off road.
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.
