RiderPlanet USA Motorcycle And ATV Trails
HomeFind ATV TrailsATV and Dirt Bike ArticlesCalendar of ATV and Motorcycle EventsSupport CenterDonate

Hot Well Dunes

Monday, March 18, 2024

Other Names

Hackel Rd, San Simon River, Gold Gulch Wash, Starvation Flat, Tanque Rd, San Simon Valley, Bowie

Last Known StatusOpen

This unique recreation area features hot springs, onsite camping and limited amounts of shade.

The name comes from an artisan well that produces 250 gallons of hot water (106F) per minute. A couple of concrete soaking tubs have been built for the hot springs and they were actually pretty clean. There are 10 developed tent/RV sites that include fire grills and 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 sand is pretty firm, so you can still have plenty of fun without a paddle.) The area is very popular, especially during the weekends and the summer days can be very hot.

OHV Area Map... Nearby ATV OHV Areas...

REGULATIONS

Permit RequiredYesAZGFD sticker required
Dates OpenYear-Round
Other ATV Stickers AcceptedNoAll non-residents must purchase an Arizona OHV decal.
Spark ArrestorYesA spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles.
Noise LimitYes (96 dB)
Whip FlagsYes (96 inches)Whip Flags Required For Safety
Maximum Vehicle WidthNo Restriction
Allow Dirt Bikes, Trail Bikes and Motorcycles Motorcycles & Dirt BikesPermitted
Allow All Terrain Vehicles / Quads / Four Wheelers ATVsPermitted
Allow Utility Terrain Vehicles, Side by Sides (SXS), RZR UTV & SXSPermitted
Allow 4x4 Jeeps, SUVs and 4 x 4 Trucks with License Plates SUVs & Jeeps (registered)Permitted
Dune Buggy & Sand Rail
4x4 (unregistered)
Permitted
2 Stroke EnginesNo Restriction
MX Helmet RequiredYouth Onlyrequired for persons under 18 by state law
(RiderPlanet strongly recommends helmets for all riders.)
Camping / Overnight RV Parking CampingSome Areas
Campfire Restrictions CampfiresSome Areas
Night RidingYesNot Recommended
Trail BlazingSome Areas
Rule EnforcementFew/Periodic
Advertisement

TERRAIN

Approx Size2,000 acres (3 sq mi)
Miles Of Trail5
Climate TypeDesert
Elevation3300 to 3500 ft.
Trail MaintenanceNot Marked, Not Rated, Lightly Maintained
Loose DirtThis OHV area has no loose dirt.None
Hard PackThe OHV area has little hard pack terrain.Little
SandThis OHV area has mostly sandy areas.Mostlypaddle or sand tire recommended for best experience
MudThe OHV area has no mud after it rains.None
DustThe OHV area has no dust on typical days.None
RocksThis OHV area has little rocks.Little
TreesThe OHV area has few trees.Few
Steep HillsThis OHV area has some steep hills.Some
Water CrossingsThe OHV area has no water crossings.None
Small JumpsThis OHV area has many small jumps.Many
Large JumpsThis OHV area has some large jumps.Some
BermsThe OHV area has some berms.Some
Sand/Gravel PitsThis BLM land has no sand or gravel pits.None
Single TrackThis BLM land has no single track trails.None
RoadsThis BLM land has few roads.Few
IntersectionsThis OHV area has almost all intersections.All
Rider TrafficThe BLM land has some rider traffic on typical days.Some
ShadeThis BLM land has few shaded areas.Few
Ranges/GunfireThis BLM land has no shooting ranges or gunfire.None
HazardsThis OHV area has few hazards.Few(hazards not marked)
steep dropoffs
Easy Terrain NoviceThis OHV area has mostly beginner terrain.Mostly
Moderate Terrain AmateurThis OHV area has some intermediate level terrain.Some
Difficult Terrain ExpertThis OHV area has little expert terrain.Little

TYPE OF AREA

AreaMotorized Trails, Off-Road Dunes
LandBLM

KEY SERVICES

Gasoline Gasoline30+ Miles (NW)Chevron/Safford
Diesel Diesel30+ Miles (NW)Safford
Potable Water Water30+ Miles (NW)Roper Lake State Park (928) 428-6760
RV Hookups RV Hookup30+ Miles (NW)Roper Lake State Park (928) 428-6760
RV Dump Station RV Disposal30+ Miles (NW)Roper Lake State Park (928) 428-6760
Primitive Camping Campground30+ Miles (NW)Roper Lake State Park (928) 428-6760
Convenience Store Conv Store30+ Miles (NW)Bashas/Thatcher (928) 428-6238

FEES & PASSES

Parking(None)
EntryYes ($3.00 per vehicle)
Riding(None)
Camping(None)
CommentAnnual Permit - $30.00

RATINGS

Prosunique area has hot tubs, sandy trails & dunes to explore, has nice picnic tables & shade ramadas scattered around, reasonable fees
Consfar away from any major cities (long drive), no services
Our RatingRatingVery Good
Recommended Stay1-2 Days
Fall/Winter
Comments(Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments)

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

Nearest CityBowie, AZ
Go Back To Arizona List
Trail MapGo To Trail Map
From: Tucson, AZ
1) Take I-10 East to town of Bowie (Exit 362)
2) Follow road 1.8 miles to N. Central Ave.
3) Turn left on N. Central Ave., continue 2 miles
4) Turn right (east) on Fan Road (you will see a blue sign that says "Hotwell Springs"), continue 8.3 miles
5) Turn left (north) on Heckle Road (you will cross a cattleguard and see a BLM sign on the right), continue 8.1 miles
6) Look for main entrance on the right (east).

OFFICIAL CONTACTS

Contact InfoBLM - Safford Field Office
711 14th Ave
Safford, AZ 85546-3321
(928) 348-4400
blm_az_sfoweb@blm.gov
www.blm.gov
Contact InfoArizona State Parks
(602) 542-6942
(602) 542-2146
mrogers@azstateparks.gov
meberhart@azstateparks.gov
azstateparks.com
CommentArizona State Parks OHV Grants Program

RIDER COMMENTS & REVIEWS

Hot Well Dunes OHV Area Photo

Hot Well Dunes OHV Area

The overall dune area is not very large here.  There is a lot of sand and vegetation, but really only one main sand dune.

Hot Well Dunes OHV Area Photo

Amenities at Hot Well Dunes OHV Area

The hot springs near the staging and camping area are a unique feature.

Hot Well Dunes OHV Area Photo

OHV at Hot Well Dunes OHV Area

This is one of the largest sand dunes.

Hot Well Dunes OHV Area Photo

OHV getting air at Hot Well Dunes OHV Area

Hot Well Dunes OHV Area Photo

OHV at Hot Well Dunes OHV Area

Hot Well Dunes OHV Area Photo

OHV at Hot Well Dunes OHV Area

Hot Well Dunes OHV Area Photo

Scenery at Hot Well Dunes OHV Area

Hot Well Dunes OHV Area Photo

Honda CRF Motorcycle at Hot Well Dunes OHV Area

Hot Well Dunes OHV Area Photo

Scenic view at Hot Well Dunes OHV Area

Hot Well Dunes OHV Area Photo

Scenery from Hot Well Dunes OHV Area

Hot Well Dunes OHV Area Photo

OHV at Hot Well Dunes OHV Area

Hot Well Dunes OHV Area Photo

Example of terrain at Hot Well Dunes OHV Area

Advertisement

Hot Well Dunes OHV Area Photo

Example of terrain at Hot Well Dunes OHV Area

Hot Well Dunes OHV Area Photo

Terrain example at Hot Well Dunes OHV Area

Hot Well Dunes OHV Area Photo

Scenic view of Hot Well Dunes OHV Area

Hot Well Dunes OHV Area Photo

OHV at Hot Well Dunes OHV Area

Hot Well Dunes OHV Area Photo

OHV at Hot Well Dunes OHV Area

Hot Well Dunes OHV Area Photo

RV Trailer Staging Area and Camping at Hot Well Dunes OHV Area

Advertisement

Hot Well Dunes OHV Area Photo

Terrain example at Hot Well Dunes OHV Area

Hot Well Dunes OHV Area Photo

Example of terrain at Hot Well Dunes OHV Area

Hot Well Dunes OHV Area Photo

OHV at Hot Well Dunes OHV Area

Hot Well Dunes OHV Area Photo

OHV at Hot Well Dunes OHV Area

Hot Well Dunes OHV Area Photo

OHV at Hot Well Dunes OHV Area

Hot Well Dunes OHV Area Photo

OHV at Hot Well Dunes OHV Area

Advertisement

Hot Well Dunes OHV Area Photo

Hot Well Dunes OHV Area

Hot Well Dunes OHV Area Photo

OHV at Hot Well Dunes OHV Area

Hot Well Dunes OHV Area Photo

Hot Well Dunes OHV Area

Hot Well Dunes OHV Area Photo

Some amenities at Hot Well Dunes OHV Area

Hot Well Dunes OHV Area Photo

RV Trailer Staging Area and Camping at Hot Well Dunes OHV Area

Hot Well Dunes OHV Area Photo

Scenery from Hot Well Dunes OHV Area

Hot Well Dunes OHV Area Photo

OHV at Hot Well Dunes OHV Area

© 2024 Misirena Digital, LLC Home  |   ATV Trails  |   Articles  |   Calendar  |   Support Center  |   Good Stuff