ATV Trails Near Flagstaff, Arizona

Flagstaff, a small city in northern Arizona, lies near the largest contiguous Ponderosa pine forest in North America. Although the Flagstaff area is considered a high-altitude semi-desert, ecosystems here are varied and they include tree-studded plateaus, canyons, high desert, alpine forests and large lakes -- all a short drive from the city.

  1. Cinder Hills Off-Highway Recreational Area

    • The Cinder Hills Off-Highway Recreational Area is 13 miles northeast of downtown Flagstaff in the Coconino National Forest. With 13,500 acres of and various levels of riding trails, Cinder Hills ranks as one of the largest and most well known ATV trails in the Flagstaff area. Motorbikes, four-wheelers and ATVs can traverse Cinder Lake, a simulated lunar landscape created by the United States Geological Survey in the 1960s to train astronauts and test equipment. Highly adventurous ATVers can climb 100 Dollar Hill, a steep tree-lined slope. Additionally, with hundreds of boondocking choices, you can camp free of charge near the trails.

    Outlaw Trail

    • The Outlaw Trail, 30 miles from the center of Flagstaff, offers the ATV riders miles of rugged, rocky hills and panoramic views of the area's canyon region. Trails are lined with wildflowers and junipers home to wildlife. Sedona Off Road Center offers ATV rentals and maps for self-guided tours of the Outlaw Trail and a number of other nearby trails. One trail is five minutes from the rental center, or you can go further to Soldier's Pass Trail or Diamond Back Trail. Trails are also used by hikers, tomcars and jeeps.

    Tonto National Forest OHV

    • The Tonto National Forest, more than two hours from downtown Flagstaff, offers two ATV-approved areas. The Bulldog Canyon OHV area passes through the Goldfield Mountains and Sonoran Desert. You must secure a free six-month permit from the ranger's office before use in order to obtain the combination to unlock the trailhead. The Rolls OHV area traverses parts of the Sonoran Desert and a section of the Great Western Trail. You should bring an ample supply of water and follow the park's policy of "Pack it in. Pack it out."