Off-Road Trails: Arizona
A state full of off-roading adventures
Photo credit: canadastock/Shutterstock.com
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Arizona is one of the most diverse off-road states in the country. Known for the high ambient temperatures in the summertime, especially in lower elevations, Arizona OHV areas are very popular in the winters with perfect riding conditions. The higher, mountainous terrain is enjoyed by everyone in the summer time with cooler temperatures compared to the desert.
While the weather fluctuates big time in this state, you can always find a riding area to enjoy no matter what time of year. Many of the desert locations offer the opportunity to enjoy primitive camping and pretty much unlimited riding areas, while the mountainous trails are confined to either two-track trails and fire roads.
Destination Yamaha
If you are looking for an off-road adventure in Arizona but you don’t feel like towing an ATV or UTV all the way there, Destination Yamaha has a pair of locations in arizona where you can rent a machine.
These rental partners have everything you need for an amazing off-road experience aboard a Yamaha ATV or UTV on some of the best terrain in the state.
- Distance 700 Miles
- Skill Level Experienced
- Trailhead Multiple starting points
Arizona Peace Trail
One of the most unique trails in all of the United States is the Arizona Peace Trail, which is approximately a 700-mile trail that hits some of the most unique and scenic desert spots in all of the southwest. This route is designed for the most adventurous UTV drivers on the planet, mainly because it takes at least four days to complete. Luckily, there are plenty of resources on the Peace Trail website, including maps, places to stay along the way, terrain expectations, sample itineraries, gpx map files, and other resources, to help you plan such an adventure. This would definitely be one for your memory book!
- Size 13,500 Acres
- Skill Level All
- Trailhead Near Flagstaff, Ariz.
Cinder Hills Off Highway Vehicle Area
Located just northeast of the main city of Flagstaff, Cinder Hills OHV Area is a very unique riding area. It consists of dormant volcanoes all around the riding area, giving you breathtaking, forest-laden views along with tiny cinder rocks to ride on. Some locals choose to run paddle tires while many stick with knobbies. Camping is primitive, so bring your supplies with you from nearby Flagstaff.
- Distance 200+ Miles
- Skill Level All
- Trailhead Peoria, Ariz. on SR74
Boulders OHV Staging Area
Located northwest of the main metropolitan area of Phoenix, Boulders OHV Staging Area has the open land to enjoy hundreds of miles of off-road trails, perfect for all types of side-by-side family off-roading excursions. With a large 10-acre primitive camping area, pit toilet facility, and a secluded area for beginners to learn the ropes of an off-road vehicle, this is the perfect area to enjoy some great off-roading with friends and family.
- Size 2,000 Acres
- Skill Level All
- Trailhead 20 Miles North of Bowie, Ariz.
Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area
Who doesn't love a combination of riding, camping, and hot springs, all in one location? Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area is a unique location in southeastern Arizona that offers all three of these amenities, plus about 2000 acres of riding in a mix of sand dunes, desert, and rocky terrain. Fitting for all riders, RV campers can utilize the on-site camping area. Summer times have hot temperatures, so the fall/winter/spring months are the best time to visit. Nearby towns include Bowie, which is about a 30-minute drive, so count on bringing all of your supplies with you to the camping area.
- Distance 20.6 miles
- Skill Level Moderate
- Trailhead Wenden, Arizona
Harquahla Mountain Summit
This is a cool trail that takes you up the tallest mountain in Arizona. The trail, for the most part, is easy, although a couple of tricky areas may be better suited for a moderate skill level. At the top of the trail, there is an interesting observatory that was built by the Smithsonian Institute. This trail is somewhat remote, so traffic is usually pretty light. There are other, more challenging trails in the area, but this trail, with its view at the summit, is definitely worthy of being on your list if you’re looking for a cool place to ride in Arizona. The remoteness of the trail should be something you keep in mind for hot summer days.