Off-Road Trails: Arizona

Arizona is one of the most diverse off-road states in the country. Known for the high ambient temperatures in the summertime, especially in lower elevations, Arizona OHV areas are very popular in the winters with perfect riding conditions. The higher, mountainous terrain is enjoyed by everyone in the summer time with cooler temperatures compared to the desert.

While the weather fluctuates big time in this state, you can always find a riding area to enjoy no matter what time of year. Many of the desert locations offer the opportunity to enjoy primitive camping and pretty much unlimited riding areas, while the mountainous trails are confined to either two-track trails and fire roads.

Vortex ATV Rentals

Arizona is a beautiful state to head off-road in, and Vortex ATV Rentals, a Destination Yamaha center, can get you behind the wheel of a Yamaha RMAX, Wolverine or Viking in short order. You can load up in any one of their fleet of Yamaha SxSs and do a self-guided tour in multiple directions - the area is that loaded with amazing trails. There is always something to see and some challenging trails to ride. Some of the local hot spots include Sedona Red Rocks, Honanki Ruins, Sycamore Canyon, Shaman’s Cave, Mingus Mountain, Outlaw Trail, and Diamondback Gulch. If you’ve never explored the trails of the Southwest, this is one of the best ways you can do so at your own pace.

• Distance 700 Miles
• Skill Level Experienced
• Trailhead Multiple starting points

Arizona Peace Trail

One of the most unique trails in all of the United States is the Arizona Peace Trail, which is approximately a 700-mile trail that hits some of the most unique and scenic desert spots in all of the southwest. This route is designed for the most adventurous UTV drivers on the planet, mainly because it takes at least four days to complete. Luckily, there are plenty of resources on the Peace Trail website, including maps, places to stay along the way, terrain expectations, sample itineraries, gpx map files, and other resources, to help you plan such an adventure. This would definitely be one for your memory book!

• Size 13,500 Acres
• Skill Level All
• Trailhead Near Flagstaff, Ariz.

Cinder Hills Off Highway Vehicle Area

Located just northeast of the main city of Flagstaff, Cinder Hills OHV Area is a very unique riding area. It consists of dormant volcanoes all around the riding area, giving you breathtaking, forest-laden views along with tiny cinder rocks to ride on. Some locals choose to run paddle tires while many stick with knobbies. Camping is primitive, so bring your supplies with you from nearby Flagstaff.

• Distance 200+ Miles
• Skill Level All
• Trailhead Peoria, Ariz. on SR74

Boulders OHV Staging Area

Located northwest of the main metropolitan area of Phoenix, Boulders OHV Staging Area has the open land to enjoy hundreds of miles of off-road trails, perfect for all types of side-by-side family off-roading excursions. With a large 10-acre primitive camping area, pit toilet facility, and a secluded area for beginners to learn the ropes of an off-road vehicle, this is the perfect area to enjoy some great off-roading with friends and family.

• Size 2,000 Acres
• Skill Level All
• Trailhead 20 Miles North of Bowie, Ariz.

Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area

Who doesn't love a combination of riding, camping, and hot springs, all in one location? Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area is a unique location in southeastern Arizona that offers all three of these amenities, plus about 2000 acres of riding in a mix of sand dunes, desert, and rocky terrain. Fitting for all riders, RV campers can utilize the on-site camping area. Summer times have hot temperatures, so the fall/winter/spring months are the best time to visit. Nearby towns include Bowie, which is about a 30-minute drive, so count on bringing all of your supplies with you to the camping area.

• Distance 20.6 miles
• Skill Level Moderate
• Trailhead Wenden, Arizona

Harquahla Mountain Summit

This is a cool trail that takes you up the tallest mountain in Arizona. The trail, for the most part, is easy, although a couple of tricky areas may be better suited for a moderate skill level. At the top of the trail, there is an interesting observatory that was built by the Smithsonian Institute. This trail is somewhat remote, so traffic is usually pretty light. There are other, more challenging trails in the area, but this trail, with its view at the summit, is definitely worthy of being on your list if you’re looking for a cool place to ride in Arizona. The remoteness of the trail should be something you keep in mind for hot summer days.