| Alt Names |
Lake Pleasant, Mile Marker 11.5, Boulders Staging Area, Hieroglyphic Mountains Area, Shirttail Mountains, Shirt Tail Mountains, Picacho Wash Road |
| DESCRIPTION |
This area has many miles of marked and rated trails and sand washes that wind past old windmills and corrals in the rolling desert hills.
There are plenty of easy to moderate trails, as well as some advanced level single track routes, with some trails stretching all the way into neighboring regions. While most of the land is BLM, there are some adjoining areas that may require a State Trust permit to ride.
The main staging area is large, flat, and meticulously maintained. There is a separate beginners area that is sometimes used for ATV training courses. The staging area can be busy on weekends, but due to the large number of good camping spots you can usually still find a comfortable place.
Much of the vegetation surrounding the staging area is protected so do your best not to trample it and always save your riding for the trail. The Boy Scouts and local riding clubs often do the trail and staging area clean up, so this will continue to be one of the best riding choices for Phoenix, as long as people take care of it.
|
| LOCATION |
| Nearest City |
Phoenix, AZ |
| GPS Coordinates |
N 33º 49.821' W 112º 26.196' |
|
From: Phoenix, AZ
1) Take I-17 north to exit 223 (Carefree Hwy Exit)
2) Turn left (west) off the exit ramp, continue 18.7 miles
3) Turn right onto gravel road, continue .8 miles to staging area.
*Note: The main entrance road is not marked from the highway. If coming west begin to slow down at mile marker 12., then look for a gravel road on the right (a kiosk will be visable from the highway), enter here. |
| AREA TYPE |
| Area Type |
Trail |
| Land Type |
BLM, State Trust Land |
| QUALITY |
| Pros |
large staging area, nice trails, nice scenery |
| Cons |
no services, blind corners in sand washes |
| Rating |
 Very Good
|
| Recommended Stay |
1-2 Days
Winter/Spring |
| TERRAIN |
| Square Miles |
60 |
| Miles Of Trail |
200 |
| Climate Type |
Desert |
| Elevation |
1700 to 3300 ft. |
| Trail Maintenance |
Marked, Not Rated, Lightly Maintained |
| Loose Dirt |
 Little |
| Hard Pack |
 Some |
| Sand |
Some |
| Mud |
 None |
| Dust |
Little |
| Rocks |
Little |
| Trees |
 Few |
| Steep Hills |
Few |
| Water Crossings |
Few |
| Small Jumps |
Some |
| Large Jumps |
None |
| Berms |
 Many |
| Sand/Gravel Pits |
None |
| Single Track |
Few |
| Roads |
Some |
| Intersections |
Few |
| Rider Traffic |
Many |
| Shade |
Few |
| Ranges/Gunfire |
None |
| Hazards |
Few |
| Novice Terrain |
 Mostly |
| Amateur Terrain |
Some |
| Expert Terrain |
Some |
| REGULATIONS |
| Permit Required |
Certain Areas |
| Dates Open |
Year-Round |
| Spark Arrestor |
Yes |
| Noise Limit |
Yes |
| Night Riding |
Yes |
| Flags |
Not Required |
| Two Strokes |
No Restriction |
| Cross Country |
Prohibited |
| ATVs |
No Restriction |
| UTVs |
No Restriction |
| 4x4s (registered) |
No Restriction |
| Unregistered Cars/4x4s/Buggies |
No Restriction |
| Bicycles |
No Restriction |
| Hiking |
No Restriction |
| Horseback |
No Restriction |
| Camping |
No Restriction |
| Campfires |
No Restriction |
| Alcohol |
No Restriction |
| Fireworks |
Prohibited |
| Firearms |
Prohibited |
| Law Enforcement |
Some |
| FEES |
| Parking Fee |
No ($0.00)
|
| Entry Fee |
No ($0.00)
|
| Riding Fee |
No ($0.00)
|
| Camping Fee |
No ($0.00)
|
| Comment |
should obtain a state trust permit |
| KEY SERVICES |
| First Aid |
30+ Miles (S) |
| Gasoline |
5-20 Miles (E) |
| Diesel |
5-20 Miles (E) |
| Water |
5-20 Miles (E) |
| RV Hookup |
5-20 Miles (NE) |
| RV Disposal |
5-20 Miles (NE) |
| Campground |
5-20 Miles (NE) |
| Conv Store |
5-20 Miles (E) |
| Swim Area |
5-20 Miles (NE) |
| Water Body |
5-20 Miles (NE) |
| Boat Ramp |
5-20 Miles (NE) |
| CONTACTS |
| Contact Info |
BLM - Phoenix Field Office
21605 N. 7th Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85027
(623) 580-5500
www.blm.gov
|
| Contact Info |
Arizona State Land Department
1616 West Adams St.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 364-2753
inquiry@land.az.gov
www.land.state.az.us
|
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| Boulders OHV Area Trail Photo |
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| This is a large area with all types of terrain, including some single track. |
| Boulders OHV Area Trail Photo |
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| All of the trails are marked and rated. |
| Boulders OHV Area Trail Photo |
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| Boulders OHV Area Trail Photo |
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| There is a flat novice / pee-wee learning area at the staging area which is fenced off for safety. |
| Boulders OHV Area Trail Photo |
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| Some of the trails follow the washes. |
| Boulders OHV Area Trail Photo |
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Scroll down for trail contact information and regulations. Select a photo to enlarge.
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