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.
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.
TYPE OF AREA
Area
Trail
Land
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
gravel sand washes
Mud
None
Dust
Little
Rocks
Little
Trees
Few
Steep Hills
Few
Water Crossings
Few
seasonal
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
(hazards not marked) scattered debris, trails have some blind corners on sand washes