Arizona ATV /OHV Trails

Off-highway trails are becoming increasingly popular for recreational activities in Arizona, with hundreds of miles of tracks and trails of varying difficulty available to ATV/OHV drivers. The Arizona State Parks authority prepares a state-wide trails plan every five years, and implements the Arizona State Parks RTP Trail Maintenance Program, which was initiated in 2001 to provide a funding scheme for trail signage, improvement and maintenance. The Arizona Game & Fish Department has also been involved with OHV recreation management since 1972, with responsibility for habitat protection and regulation of OHV trails.

  1. Regulations

    • New regulations relating to off-highway trail usage came into effect in Arizona in January 2009, under law SB1167. All OHVs manufactured specifically for use over unimproved terrain and weighing less than 1,800 unladen must now obtain an OHV decal, which is valid for one year from the date of purchase. In order to use trails on Arizona State Trust land, a permit must be obtained from the Arizona State Land Department. Unregistered OHVs are not permitted to travel on back country roads, although incidental usage (for example, traversing a road in order to access a trail) is normally allowed.

    Health and Safety

    • It is recommended that drivers wear protective clothing in this rough terrain.

      Many of Arizona's OHV trails are in wild, remote desert country. Therefore, the Arizona State Parks authority recommends that ATV/OHV drivers carry a basic survival kit in case they become stranded, which should include plenty of drinking water and sunscreen, as well as a first aid kit. Some of the terrain is very rough and rocky, so they also recommend carrying tools for emergency repairs, and wearing protective clothing, such as helmet, elbow guards, knee pads, riding pants, gloves and riding boots. The safest time to enjoy the trails is during spring and fall.

    Agua Caliente Trails System

    • Agua Caliente, near Phoenix, is open all year round and offers over 25 miles of sandy tracks, surrounded by desert vegetation. The trails are not particularly challenging, with few steep hills or jumps, but there is not much rider traffic and no regulations. Trails are not marked, and there are no services, but there is a free primitive campsite nearby with vault toilets and BBQ grills. No fees are payable for using the trails.

    Sheridan Mountain Smith Mesa OHV Trail System

    • This network of trails is located on National Forest land, near the city of Prescott, and is accessible via the NF-95. The long and fairly challenging trails, which feature double-track loops, are not suitable for novices. The terrain is rocky, with some steep hills and shallow stream crossings. The trails are marked and lightly maintained, and there are no restrictions on ATVs. There are no services apart from a primitive campsite and staging area, but the trails are free to use.

    Mund's Park OHV Trails System

    • This is one of Arizona's more challenging systems of ATV/OHV trails, so is unsuitable for amateur users. Located a few minutes' drive from Flagstaff, this seven-mile system of trails runs through a pine forest. There are no restrictions on ATV use, but the trails are closed during winter months. Camping is prohibited, and there is a noise limit of 96 decibels.