Hot and dry, Agua Caliente is best explored during the winter or spring months. Old mines and a ghost town (Sundad) are among the many things to discover. You won't find a lot of challenging motorcycle or ATV trails, but rather a large network of sand washes and 4x4 roads in a very remote setting. The area was a popular place to go in the late 1880's and early 1900's as the hot springs in the area were used for medicinal purposes. The sandy trails are surrounded by beautiful desert vegetation with the southern route climbing onto the Sentinel Plain lava flow - a landscape of lava from 15 to 45 meters thick. There are no services and no drinking water in the area, but nearby Painted Rock Campground does have picnic tables, BBQ grills, fire rings and vault toilets, plus an opportunity to view the prehistoric petroglyphs.

This OHV area consists of a granite pit and many surrounding ATV trails that range from beginner to intermediate. There is a 'Tot Lot' and beginner loop near the main entrance that offers a wide variety of terrain on a fun little trail loop. The area has picnic tables and restrooms, as well as a pavillion and group areas. Overnight camping is available for $10.00 in one of the many individual campsites.

We get so many questions about this place we had to include it. Apache Trail is a 200 mile PAVED scenic byway loop that starts from Apache Junction and connects Hwy 88 to I-60 back to Apache Junction. After passing Tortilla Flat (near mile marker 23) the road turns into a well-maintained dirt road that continues for 22 miles toward Roosevelt Dam. Superstition Wilderness, Four Peaks Wilderness, Three Bar Wildlife Area and portions of the Tonto National Forest surround this loop, making it a very scenic drive. There are some OHV trails in this general area, but note that Apache Trail itself IS NOT AN ATV/MOTORCYCLE TRAIL, it is a paved road. There are plenty of hiking and equestrian trails, camping, boating, rafting and sightseeing opportunities such as the Tonto National Monument which offers guided tours along the preserved cliff dwellings of the ancient Saledo civilization. RVs and vehicles hauling long trailers should avoid this route, as there are many blind spots and narrow sections.

This motocross park has four motocross tracks that cater to all levels of dirt bike riding including MX, MX 85, amatuer supercross and pit bikes. The main riding tracks are built in a large sunken pit which allows great full track visibility with a mountain backdrop for just about all spectators. The parking area is huge and all types of amenities are offered. Overnight parking is pemitted but no campfires. This track is host to some major racing events and is kept in great shape.

Bartlett Lake has one main but challenging jeep trail known as the FR 42 that consists of sandy washes, steep hills and rocky sections. Summer temperatures can get very hot (100+ degrees) so bring extra shade plus water and keep an eye out for desert wildlife such as lizards and rattlesnakes. Most of the southern part and all of the eastern part of Bartlett Lake is inaccessible, however the western side of the lake offers camping, picnic and day use facilities.

If you are looking for an alternative to the Florence box canyon you can check out this place near Wickenburg. This place is much more "untamed" and it will test you on every type of terrain from desert single track to deep water crossings and steep rocky climbs. The Hasayampa River flows most of the year and is often very shallow and narrow, but during the rainy season the river can get quite wide and deep and it's soft sand bottom can quickly sink you if you don’t keep up your momentum. There are several side trails that lead to some mines and small canyons but they are easy to miss so keep your eyes open. There are also some great looking rock canyons to explore but most of them dead end after a short distance. There also some bypass routes that are truly an expert-only type of climb. If staging from the south entrance follow the river upstream for about 1.5 miles and on the left you will see a primitive campsite on the west bank with a private "beach" shaded by large trees. This place is called "The Box" and it's got a unique tropical and sort of spooky feel to it with a narrow rock canyon/cave in the back.

This popular area has many miles of fun and easy trails that form the primary loops as they wind past old windmills and corrals. While most of the land is BLM, there are a few sections that require a State Trust permit to legally ride. Overall you will find plenty of trails, and they stretch all the way into neighboring regions. The main staging area is very large, flat, and meticulously maintained. There is a separate beginners area which is sometimes used for ATV training courses. This area gets very busy during the weekends, but due to large number of good camping spots you can usually find a comfortable place. Much of the vegetation surrounding the staging area is protected so do your best to protect it and save your riding for the trail. Trail and staging area clean up and maintainence is often done by the Boy Scouts and local riding clubs. This will continue to be one of the best riding choices for Phoenix, as long as people take care of it.

This area is illegal and is now fenced off and gated. The area in question is private property, surrounded by more private property. Housing developments are creeping closer and there should be no open space left surrounding the area within a year or two. All you will find right now is a short debris ridden dirt road that leads to a locked gate. There are no trails here and no legal riding, and presumably there never was.

Primarily a 4x4 playground, this area has numerous rocky desert trails with some great scenery. A gate combination code and a permit is required to access the area, which can be obtained from the Tonto National Forest. The permit is free but you will need to provide a driver's license or some other valid form of identification. Still, the process is quite simple and only takes a few minutes. The south staging area has a really fun play pit with numerous trails and it comprises the most interesting terrain for ATVs and motorcycles. The rules state clearly that you need to stay on marked trails only, and that only some trails are open for vehicles, but he markings for motorized use can only be seen on the map with you receive with your pass so be sure to bring it on the trail with you. Most of the motorized routes are simply 4x4 roads but the scenery is great here. ATV riders will certainly have more fun than motorcyclists, primarily because one route is extremly chunky, and the other is relative smooth and uninteresting. Primitive camping is permitted but there are no services.

Formerly known as Canyon Off Road Park Motocross, Canyon Motocross has now re-opened to the public after a period of closure. The park is open for practice Friday 7am-11am, Saturday 7am-12pm and Sunday 7am-1pm. Night practice is available on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 5pm-10pm. Three tracks are offered which consist of a main, peewee and vet track. The main track is open to quad use on Wednesday and Friday.

This is a moderate 4x4 trail that stretches about 19 miles from N. Lago Del Oro Parkway all the way to Oracle. The trail is maintained by the Tucson Rough Riders club, and consists mostly of rocky creek bed washes, deep ruts and some steep climbs. There is not much in the way of actual motorcycle trails or ATV trails here, but there are a few shallow water crossings and some great desert scenery. This is can be a full day trip for 4x4s, or a couple of hours for dirt bikes and ATVs. Be sure to sign in at the gate and bring plenty of water because this is a very large area.

Many miles of trails that lead to historic mines, buildings and panoramic views can be found in this high desert area. There are two campgrounds to choose from, each offering direct trail acess.

This area offers some huge hill climbs and about 19 miles of single track through deep volcanic craters and ponderosa pines. The cinders from ancient volcanoes feel like loose sand, but these tiny lava pebbles tend to tear up padde tires quickly. Bonita campground is close by, with picnic tables, fire rings, water faucets and vault toilets. Dispersed camping is also allowed, but the main staging area has no facilities. Tourist attractions include Hundred-Dollar Hill (a nasty hill-climb of almost 900 feet!) and Sunset crater, a 500ft deep volcanic crater used by the Apollo astronauts for practice on operating the Lunar Rover (off-limits to OHV).

This large area has miles and miles of very flat terrain. There are some marked trails, but they are really just smooth wide jeep roads with occasional dips into the sand washes. It is also very dusty here, but there is some interesting vegetation and you may see a few cows near the small pond. There are multiple access points and a recreation permit is required.

This small sand dune area has numerous side trails that lead to and from the dune area. The main staging area has loading ramps, vault toilets, picnic tables and shade armadas and while it is RV accessible the staging area is very small and is not recommended for large vehicles. Overnight camping is allowed as long as you pay for the next day. Fees are $5 / per vehicle.

This park has three tracks which include a large 1.5 mile main track, a Vet/Quad track, and a peewee track. The tracks are groomed and watered with lights and starting gates and there is an additional track reserved for the motocross school. The parking area is huge, and a few picnic tables, some bleachers and portable toilets are the only amenities. Weekday practice is usually Tuesday and Thursday but individual track availability varies. Definitely call before you haul.

Open to quads and motorcycles, this track is open for practice on select dates. Overnight camping is not permitted unless there is a race event.

This area is very popular with the locals and if you go there you will know why. Among the many things to see here are the “Box Canyon”, which is a tall, narrow and colorful canyon that has a small stream that flows through the center during the winter months, various mines, an old house or cabin and five well-preserved coke ovens. If coming in from the center of Florence, keep to the main road to reach the box canyon. To reach the coke ovens, veer right shortly after the cattle guard at the end of the box canyon (you will see a fork in the trail with an arrow sign). Just stay on the main road again from here, but a GPS unit and a trail map are useful as there are a number of side trails that can easily take you way off course. You generally want to keep turning right. Some of the rock-face climbs will be challenging for some jeeps and trucks, however most intermediate motorcycle riders and ATVers should not have too much of a problem. Do beware of the potential for flash flooding of the box canyon area during and after heavy rain. This is a great trail for any type of vehicle - lifted 4x4, jeep, motorcycle, or ATV. A good time is guaranteed.

Sand washes, steep cliffs, single track, play areas, jeep and ATV trails along with panoramic mountain views are among the many things this place has to offer. Overnight camping is permitted and there are numerous sites that are suitable for large RVs. Nearby Saguaro Lake has a marina, beach area and boat rentals, as well as a secluded campground that is only accessible by a boat.

This new park has a 1.4 mile long main track which features some natural terrain and elevation changes. There is a main track as well as a pee wee track. The soil is described as flowing mixture of loam and granite sand. Quads are permitted on practice days and fees run about $20/day for adult riders and $10 for pee wees. See the track website for practice schedules, current fees and regulations.

This track is open for practice Saturday evenings from 5pm-10pm and is temporarily closed during the summer months but opens up around October. Track is lighted and has a underground sprinkler system. Small quads are allowed up to 250cc four-strokes and 80cc two-strokes. Overnight camping is not allowed. Check website for current race schedule.

With a variety of play areas and a well maintained staging area featuring shaded tables, BBQ grills and restrooms, this is a great choice for a day of play with the kids. The main trail starts out as a long and easy sand wash then gets a little chunkier as it heads up into the hills. There is also an enclosed tot-lot for the kids with a circuit of rolling bumps and banked turns. The area is for day use only and the self-pay fee is just $3.00 per vehicle (no charge on Wednesdays).

This unique recreation area features hot springs, on-site camping and limited amounts of shade. The name comes from an artisan well that produces 250 gallons of hot water (106F) per minute. There are 10 developed tent/RV sites that include fire grills & vault toilets, as well as a day-use area. Trails consist mainly of sandy washes and one main sand dune, with multiple dirt dunes surrounding it. The area is very popular, especially during the weekends and the summer days can be very hot.

Some open desert riding, sand washes, and a few trails in the hills is what this area has traditionally offered, but housing developments have crept in very quickly. You may still find a small amount of open area to the north, but it may be private property, and it is obvious that none of it will last long. By the time you read this, there will most likely nothing left. This area will probably be completely shut down due to road construction and housing development, and we recommend that you don't waste your time.

Primarily a jeep trail, this area offers superb views of Four Peaks, Bartlett Lake and the surrounding desert hills. The main trail to the south is very tough, with deep washouts, sand gullies and huge rocks. You really need a modifed jeep, a motorcycle, or high cleareance ATV for this trail. If you continue past the first mile, plan on doing some damage to your vehicle. There are no services and it is slow going, so food, water, a repair kit, and a winch are strongly recommended. For an easier time, follow the sand wash north from the staging area for a short but fun ATV trail with great turns.

Built in 1947, this motocross track is open for practice and racing during the fall and winter months. Quads are allowed and overnight camping is allowed on Friday and Saturday nights. The track is located just at the edge of the town of Mammoth, therefore there are some noise issues with some residents and night riding is not allowed. Check the website for the current practice and race schedule.

This OHV area offers miles of trails that range from easy to difficult. Wide and rocky trails with some sharp inclines and a couple of riverbed washes make up most of the terrain. There are very few actual dirt bike trails here. The loops are generally short, and consist mainly of roads. The staginge area campsite is very pleasant and amenities include 12 ramadas, fire rings, picnic tables, restrooms, potable water and loading ramps.

This park has three tracks, a main, mini and pee-wee. Terrain consists of clay/sand and overnight camping is permitted.

This track is currently only open during race events during the fall. Quads are allowed and overnight camping is prohibited. Check website for current race schedule.

This park features a groomed, watered and lighted main MX track, as well as a mini and flat track for ATVs/Go karts. There is also a supercross track available only to registered pros.

Newly opened in March 2007, this family oriented motocross park offers five tracks and caters to all skill levels. Future additions to the park may include swimming pools, a sand volleyball court, RV hookups, concession stands, a paintball course and more. An annual membership is required but is free. An onsite store carries parts, gear, and refreshments.

Open to street legal vehicles only and closed during winter months due to snow and ice, this 25 mile long maintained dirt road begins at Peppersauce campground and leads to the top of Mt. Lemmon. The Mt. Lemmon summit offers various restaurants and cafes, making this a nice and easy dual sport ride, or if you have a street legal ATV, as many do in Arizona. Peppersauce campground at the base offers cool and shady developed campsites but is too cramped for large trailers and RVs. There are no pull-throughs and the sites are about 22 feet deep.

This is a nice practice track for all skill levels and there a few surrounding trails as well. Annual membership is required which includes an access key and can be obtained by contacting Cochise Motorsports or Sierra Cycles. Overnight camping and campfires are not allowed however BBQ grills are permitted. Race events are also held here throughout the year - contact track managers for details.

The main motocross track at Ocotillo Raceway is one mile long with a soft mixture of sand and dirt. It features pro-style obstacles including a 150 foot table top, but you will also find a good pee-wee track and the standard amenities. The parking area is very large and all standard amenities are offered including a series of tall bleachers for spectators. Overnight camping and campfires are permitted during events at no additional cost.

This family motorsports park offers a motocross and ATV track, an obstacle course and a cross-country trail. This park is very clean and new and offers all of the standard amenities including picnic tables and specator stands. There are some trees but they are very small, so bring your own shade. The track is lighted and is groomed and watered for practice. The cost to ride is $25.00 per person and the park is open on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

This area of Tonto National Forest offers plenty of single track and double track trails with many banked turns along the primary motorcycle loop. The climate is hot and dry with no shade, water or services at the staging area, but you will find a good mix of trails, including one main sand wash and numerous single track side trails. Watch for just a handful of tricky hillclimbs and some old Indian ruins about 15 miles into the 30 mile loop. There are also plenty of places to boat, camp and ski at nearby Bartlett Lake on the Verde River. The Jojoba paved boat launch and marina is good place to start with sloping beaches and scenic mountain views.

This large desert area offers a variety of easy trails with big whoops and various scattered makeshift motocross tracks. The western area has a couple of large play pits with numerous jumps, small chutes and climbs, and hill turns. Primitive campsites can be found throughout the area and staging can be done most anywhere. Nearby Pinal Airpark was at one time the CIA headquarters for air cargo operations but is now more of a storage place for large airplanes. The air space is still plenty active, however, and military training operations are common, so stay within the boundaries and obey all postings.

This is primarily a hunting area and has no real motorcycle trails, but rather jeep trails and roads. You will find some border crossing foot paths and smuggling paths that would make great single track motorcycle trails. The roads are chunky, and loaded with small sharp rocks - enough to take most of the fun out of it for motorcyclists. ATVers and 4x4s will have an easier time. Most of the side trails quickly dead-end at primitive hunting camps or scenic viewpoints. The staging area is small and simple with minimal room and no services.

This secluded are has several miles of very nice motorcycle and ATV trails and miles of surrounding fun jeep trails that offer beautiful panoramic desert views. The trails are somewhat rocky, but still a lot of fun on a motorcycle. The main access road is maintained but is long and steep which may make driving up with large RVs or trailers difficult. The main staging area has three loading ramps and offers ample turnaround space for large vehicles. After a day of riding check out the two hiking trails that lead to Tanque Verde creek. The lower trailhead will lead to the bottom and if you hike upstream for about 25 minutes you will come across a 75’ waterfall. The upper trailhead provides access to a nude beach area.

Explore miles of challenging jeep trails that eventually lead to a historical military fort that dates back to 1863. Several sections are very steep and rocky with several sharp drop-offs, so caution should be used if exploring in a full sized vehicle. Primitive camping is allowed at the staging area.

This OHV area consists of one 21-mile loop and one 4-mile loop that winds through a mixed ponderosa pine, conifer and pinion-juniper forest. The trail system is well marked and rated easy-medium difficulty with some tight sections for ATVs.

This system of rocky jeep trails and sand washes has a small staging area with a map kiosk and loading ramp but no services. Overnight camping is not permitted at the main staging area in the north, but there are numerous primitive campsites near the south entrance and along the trails. The area is fairly rocky and there are no actual motorcycle or ATV trails, just roads. The primary roads are open to street legal OHVs only.

Home to the Parker 400 Desert Race, this large area has multiple access points and consists of chunky jeep trails, sandy washes with various cactuses and creosote bushes scattered about. Primitive camping is allowed and there is no shade or amenities onsite. The nearby towns of Parker and Lake Havasu City offer numereous services, boating and recreation opportunites.

This forested area offers long and challenging ATV double-track loops with great panoramic views. Most of the trails are manageable, but they are relentlessly chunky so be prepared. It is also possible to do long cruising loops on the forest service roads which will take you past some interesting old corrals and through a couple of shallow stream crossings. Primitive camping is allowed and there are no services.

Want to ride a freshly groomed pro-style nationals track under the lights? This place is for you, and it's a blast. The large park also features an expert SX track, PeeWee, Vet and AMS track as well as an oval dirt track and a supermoto practice track. The main tracks are lighted, groomed, and watered for evening practice and both bikes and ATVs are permitted. Amenities include a free spray wash, concessions, restrooms, and a large parking area with shaded ramadas. Entry is $20 per rider, with no charge for spectators and overnight camping is free on weekends.

Located just outside of St. David, this play pit area offers various jumps and turns in a small but very unique looking canyon. The area gets very dusty, and there are no services here and no fees, but the locals are friendly and scenery is very cool as the pictures show. There is also a large sand wash that runs through town and out to the hills that makes for a fun ride. The nearby city of Tombstone is also a major attraction.

What a pleasant surprise this was! Some easy, but really fun and often unique trails with great scenery - just outside Lake Havasu City. The staging area has no shade or services, but camping is free and the rider traffic is pretty low most times. It makes a great day trip from the marinas and RV resorts on the lake, sitting just five miles from town. There are a variety of small play areas, and there is an easy loop for beginners if you head north and west from the staging area until you hit the small wash. If you like to bring the boat up to enjoy the lake, and have ever thought about bringing the ATVs or motorycles along, Lake Havasu is a great place to do that. You'll have a great time riding these trails.

This large open area of largely undeveloped land has numerous flat desert trails, winding sand washes, and a large play pit. There are some steep drop-offs, deep holes, and a lot of scattered debris to watch out for. Several of the trails and washes generally lead to the pit area, as does the main road. There are no fees and no shade or services and use of this area is what we would call illegal, but often tolerated. As the photos indicate, this place is very remote. Regardless, apart from the pit area, there is little else of interest here and ultimately, we can't recommend riding here, as you may be ticketed.

Once a bustling copper mining town from 1908-1943, this historic landmark is now an abandoned ghost town with scattered ruins and artifacts. An informative self guided hiking loop takes you through the main parts and there are actually five nice developed campsites with gazebos so you camp right within the town ruins. The surrounding trails are mostly hard packed jeep trails with small sharp rocks and some sand washes. The terrain is largely flat with some scenic canyons and rolling hills but nothing too challenging. Larger RVs and trailers are not recommended to go all the way to the townsite, as the last three miles of the main access road gets a little narrow and steeper, with a one-lane bridge (8-ton limit). This is a nice easy day ride for seniors or beginner ATV riders who would appreciate the historical sights, but there are not many challenges for agressive riders.

This was a small area of state trust land consisting simply of a large dirt play pit with scattered debris, some small jumps and a make-shift motocross track. Located across the road from Motogrande MX park, it was once an area where locals liked to play ride. Dry and dusty, however, this area is not available for legal riding and could be hazardous. We do NOT recommend riding at this area. (Also, please read our disclaimer notice at the bottom of each state list page).

This park has a main track and pee-wee track. Last known practice schedule was Thursday and Friday night from 6:00pm to 10:00pm .

Open to both quads and motorcycles, this track is open for practice on Sundays from 9am to 4pm.