Home > Arizona > Bartlett Lake

Bartlett Lake Recreation Area

Saturday, December 23, 2023

Trail Map

Other Names

Bartlett Reservoir, Horshoe Dam, Bootles Canyon, Indian Springs Wash, Verde River, Fr 42, Tonto National Forest, Bartlett Dam, Rattlesnake Recreation Site, South Cove Recreation Site

Last Known Status

Closed

Bartlett Lake has one main but challenging 4x4 trail known as FR 42 that consists of sandy washes, steep hills and rocky sections but offers some fantastic views of Bartlette Lake and the Verde River.

The trail can be accessed either off Horsehoe Dam Road (north) or off Bartlett Dam Road (south). Both northern and southern trailheads are close to day use and primitive camping areas, making this an ideal choice for first time visitors.

Summer temperatures can get very hot (100+ degrees) so bring extra shade plus water. Keep an eye out for desert wildlife such as lizards and rattlesnakes. Most of the southern part and eastern part of Bartlett Lake is inaccessible, however the western side of the lake offers camping, picnic and day use facilities.

Trail Map... Nearby ATV Trails...

REGULATIONS

Permit Required	Yes	AZGFD sticker required
Dates Open	Year-Round
Other ATV Stickers Accepted	No	All non-residents must purchase an Arizona OHV decal.
Spark Arrestor	Yes	A spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles.
Noise Limit	Yes (96 dB)
Whip Flags	Not Required
Maximum Vehicle Width	No Restriction
Motorcycles & Dirt Bikes	Prohibited
ATVs	Prohibited
UTV & SXS	Prohibited
SUVs & Jeeps (registered)	Prohibited
Dune Buggy & Sand Rail 4x4 (unregistered)	Prohibited
2 Stroke Engines	Prohibited
MX Helmet Required	Youth Only	required for persons under 18 by state law (RiderPlanet strongly recommends helmets for all riders.)
Camping	Some Areas	(camp in developed sites only)
Campfires	Some Areas	(permitted in developed campsites only)
Night Riding	Unknown
Trail Blazing	Prohibited	vehicles must stay on trail
Rule Enforcement	Few/Periodic

TERRAIN

Approx Size	22,400 acres (35 sq mi)
Miles Of Trail	20
Climate Type	Desert
Elevation	1800 to 3900 ft.
Trail Maintenance	Marked, Not Rated, Lightly Maintained
Loose Dirt	Some
Hard Pack	Little
Sand	Mostly
Mud	Little
Dust	Little
Rocks	Mostly
Trees	Few
Steep Hills	Some
Sand/Gravel Pits	None
Single Track	Few
Roads	None
Intersections	Few
Rider Traffic	Some
Shade	None
Ranges/Gunfire	Few
Hazards	Few	(hazards assumed marked but use caution)
Novice	Little
Amateur	Mostly
Expert	Some

TYPE OF AREA

Area	Motorized Trails

Land	National Forest

GPS POINTS

KEY SERVICES

Gasoline	5-20 Miles (W)	Shell (480) 488-3451
Diesel	5-20 Miles (W)	Shell (480) 488-3451
Water	5-20 Miles (W)	Carefree
RV Hookup	20-30 Miles (W)	Cave Creek Recreation Area (623) 465-0431
RV Disposal	20-30 Miles (SE)	Bartlett Lake Marina (480) 221-0503
Campground	On Site
Conv Store	5-20 Miles (W)	Bashas (480) 488-1797

FEES & PASSES

Parking	(None)
Entry	Yes ($8.00 per vehicle) Watercraft - $4/each (Yellow Cliffs Day Use Fee)
Riding	(None)
Camping	(None)

RATINGS

Pros	scenic views of Bartlett Lake and surrounding desert vegetation, on-site boat ramp and campgrounds
Cons	hot, dry
Our Rating	Good
Recommended Stay	1-2 Days Winter/Spring
Comments	(Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments)

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

Nearest City

Rio Verde, AZ

Address

Bartlett Dam Road, Rio Verde, AZ 85263

Trail Map

From: Carefree, AZ
For southern trailhead:
1) Follow N. Cave Creek Road East for about 6 miles
2) Turn right (east) on E. Bartlett Dam Road and continue for about 13 miles
3) After you pass a pay station turn left (north) on SR 459
4) Proceed about 2 miles
5) Trailhead is on the left (west).

For nothern trailhead:
6) Continue west past Bartlett Dam N 6.7 miles
7) Turn right (north) onto Horsehoe Dam Road, continue 6.4 miles
8) Trailhead is on the right (east).

OFFICIAL CONTACTS

Contact Info

Tonto National Forest - Cave Creek Ranger Station
40202 North Cave Creek Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85262
(480) 595-3300
mailroom_r3_tonto@fs.fed.us
www.fs.usda.gov