Where to Ride — Trail Guides
Arizona OHV Trail & Riding Area Guides
Arizona is one of the best places on earth to ride a dirt bike — if you know where to go. Here's the region-by-region rundown of the state's best legal OHV areas, from mellow desert loops to bucket-list technical trails.
One state, five kinds of riding
Arizona packs an absurd amount of terrain into one state. In a single trip you can ride open Sonoran desert singletrack, technical southern-desert rock, scenic red-rock forest roads, and cool ponderosa-pine trails at 7,000 feet. That variety is why riders travel here from all over — and why local knowledge matters so much.
This is a working overview of the areas riders ask about most. Wherever you ride, respect the rules: stay on legal trails, carry the required permits, and check conditions before you go. When you'd rather have someone who already knows the trail, our guided tours cover the best of every region.
Phoenix Metro & Central Desert
The Valley is surrounded by riding. Table Mesa Recreation Area, just off I-17 north of Phoenix, offers 20-plus miles of rugged desert trails with steep climbs and descents for beginners through advanced riders. Bulldog Canyon OHV Area in the Tonto National Forest gives you around 14 miles of low-to-moderate canyon and rolling desert trail — but it requires a free permit from the Mesa Ranger District, so plan ahead.
For big days, the Boulders OHV Area near Lake Pleasant spans a huge network of pristine desert trail from beginner to advanced. Desert Wells and Sycamore Creek off SR-87 near Fountain Hills are classic Phoenix-area staging areas full of sandy washes and open desert, and St. Anthony near Florence Junction adds more open riding with easy staging.
Box Canyon, Florence & Four Peaks
Box Canyon south of Florence is one of Arizona's most popular staging areas — a mix of washes, technical rock climbs, and open desert that ranges from intermediate to advanced. It's spectacular riding, but the wash sections can flash flood, so it demands respect during monsoon season and after distant rain.
Northeast of Phoenix, the Four Peaks and SR-87 backcountry in the Tonto National Forest climbs from desert into rugged forest-service roads and technical trails near the Four Peaks Wilderness — higher, cooler, and more remote, best for intermediate and advanced riders who want scenery and a challenge.
Tucson & Southern Arizona
Southern Arizona's headline trail is Charouleau Gap in the Catalina foothills north of Tucson — a famously technical, rocky route with the notorious optional obstacle known as 'The Step.' It's an advanced trail and a rite of passage for capable riders.
For something more relaxed, Redington Pass east of Tucson trades saguaro desert for grassland and oak-juniper country, with big views toward Saguaro National Park and Tanque Verde Canyon — beginner-to-intermediate terrain that rides beautifully in the cooler months.
Sedona Red Rock Country
Sedona is scenery-first riding. Schnebly Hill Road is a classic scenic forest-road route that's approachable for less-experienced riders while delivering some of the best red-rock views in the state. It's the kind of ride you stop on constantly just to look around.
For riders who want a challenge among the red rocks, the Soldier Pass and Van Deren Cabin area in the Coconino National Forest ranges from moderate to genuinely technical. Soldier Pass in particular is difficult rock work — dramatic terrain that rewards skill and punishes carelessness.
Flagstaff & the High Country (Summer Riding)
When the desert bakes, the high country opens up. Cinder Hills OHV Area next to Sunset Crater northeast of Flagstaff is 13,500 acres of everything from flowing ponderosa-pine trail to steep volcanic cinder cones — all skill levels, and a lifesaver in summer when the low desert is too hot to ride.
West of Prescott, Alto Pit OHV Area threads sharp turns and tree runs through ponderosa forest over granite and rock — a great intermediate full-day ride. Farther northwest near Kingman, the Hualapai Mountain area offers cool, forested mountain roads and trails at elevation. Together they make Arizona a genuine year-round riding destination.
Know the rules before you ride
Legal riding in Arizona means the right paperwork. Off-highway operation on public land requires the state's $25 annual OHV decal, and since January 2025 at least one owner per OHV must complete a free online safety course before registering or renewing. Street-legal riding on public roads is separate and requires MVD registration and a plate.
Some areas — like Bulldog Canyon — need a separate free permit on top of the decal. Trails close, conditions change, and washes flood. When you'd rather skip the research and just ride, book a guided tour or a rental and we'll handle the where, the permits, and the conditions for you.
AZ OHV Trail Guides FAQs
Answers before you ride
Beginner-friendly options include the easy loops at Boulders OHV Area, Bulldog Canyon (free permit required), Redington Pass near Tucson, Schnebly Hill Road in Sedona, and the open desert near Wickenburg. Our guided beginner tours start on mellow terrain in these kinds of areas.
Technical and advanced favorites include Charouleau Gap near Tucson (with 'The Step'), Soldier Pass in Sedona, Box Canyon near Florence, and the Four Peaks backcountry — plus multi-day backcountry routes. Several have serious rock work and demand real skill.
Yes — off-highway operation on public land requires Arizona's $25 annual OHV decal, and since January 2025 at least one owner must complete a free online safety course before registering. Some areas, like Bulldog Canyon, also require a separate free permit from the managing ranger district.
Absolutely. Rent a late-model bike with gear included, or book a guided tour and let a local lead you on the best lines for your skill level. Either way we handle the bike, the gear, the permits, and the current trail conditions.
Ready to ride the Arizona desert?
Bikes and full gear provided, all skill levels welcome. Tell us your dates and we'll build the ride — book a tour, reserve a rental, or request a lesson.