Find Arizona's top spots for OHV adventures, from deserts to mountains, with this in-depth guide to the best trails and ATV rentals.

Arizona's vast public lands are ideal for ATV, UTV, and OHV (off-highway vehicle) adventures, with endless opportunities to explore deserts, mountains, and canyons.

With so many incredible trails, deciding where to ride can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve created this guide to highlight eight key areas across the state.

If you want to stay near the trails, renting an RV in Phoenix from Blacksford adds convenience and comfort to your adventure.

Read on for our guide to the best places to ride in Arizona!

Before You Go: Tips for Off-Roading in Arizona

Whether you’re on a self-guided trip or professionally guided tour using ATVs, UTVs, Jeeps or any other type of OHV, safety should be your main focus.

Off-roading is inherently dangerous, and accidents do happen. Come prepared, follow all rules, and use all recommended safety equipment for a fun and safe ride.

Guidelines to Help Reduce Your Risk:

Rent from Reputable Companies: Find established ATV/OHV rental and tour operators. Check online reviews thoroughly.
Wear All Safety Equipment: Helmets, goggles, seat belts, protective clothing, etc., and pay close attention to any safety training, videos, brochures and instructions.
Inspect Your OHV: Check your vehicle before and during each adventure to help ensure it's in good working order.
Bring Outdoor Essentials: Water, sunscreen, a first aid kit, and viable communications devices (cell phones may not work in some areas, so consider walkie talkies, etc.)
Know Your Skill Level: While the harder trails may look like a lot of fun, they require skill and experience. OHV trails are often marked for level of difficulty.
Strength Matters: Some riders are not strong enough to operate heavy vehicles with manual steering. Don’t push your limits.
Always Stay on Designated Trails: Going onto private property or non-permitted land can result in fines and other legal issues.
Check for Trail Closures, Detours, and Weather: These can cause delays and unsafe conditions. Arizona has scorching summers, cold winters and can flood in even moderate rain.
Know your Health Conditions: If you have pre-existing health issues that could cause problems when you are operating an OHV or are far from medical care, don’t risk it.

General Rules for OHV Riding in Arizona

Most OHV trails require an OHV decal. Any rental or tour company can provide these or tell you where to obtain required permits. Get an Arizona OHV decal online from the Arizona Game & Fish OHV website.
Check Tribal Lands Requirements: Tribal lands in Arizona may require a private tribe member guide to participate in activities on tribal lands, such as Antelope Canyon.
Leave No Trace: Bring back everything you brought with you (including trash) and always protect the natural landscape by riding only on designated trails.

ATV Trail Maps & Resources

For a comprehensive list of major OHV trails in Arizona, check out:

Top Areas to ATV in Arizona

Tonto National Forest

Distance from Phoenix: 40–80 miles

With over 2.9 million acres and located about one hour northeast of Phoenix, Tonto National Forest has some of the most popular OHV trails in the state. The terrain includes desert, mountains, lakes and rivers.

Tonto National Forest requires permits, valid driver’s licenses (unless under age 16), and an Arizona OHV Decal. Trails vary greatly in difficulty so know your riders’ skill levels before you go.

Popular OHV Trails near Tonto National Forest

Globe
Miami
Box Canyon
Table Mesa
Four Peaks
Bulldog Canyon
Sycamore Creek
Montana Mountain
Superstition Mountain
Apache Trail

Several Phoenix outfitters offer guided or self-guided rides, including Desert Monster Tours, AZ ATV Adventures, Arizona Outdoor Fun Adventures, and Extreme Arizona.

ATV Outfitters Outside Phoenix

Arizona ATV Adventures (Florence, AZ)
Time to Ride AZ (Cave Creek)
Extreme AX (Cave Creek, AZ)
Arizona Outdoor Fun Adventures & Tours (New River, AZ)
Western Offroad Adventures (New River, AZ)
New River Off-Road (New River, AZ)
Desert Dog Offroad Adventures (Fountain Hills)

Where to Stay Near Tonto National Forest

Stay close to the trails in the towns of Payson, Fountain Hills, or Globe. You can also camp in the Roosevelt Lake area or inside Tonto National Forest at one of their many developed, primitive or off-grid campgrounds.

Private campgrounds close to Tonto National Forest are scarce.

North of Phoenix – Prescott National Forest

Distance from Phoenix: 100 miles

An hour north of Phoenix, the 400,000-acre Prescott National Forest has a mix of desert, mountains, lakes, rivers, wildlife and historic mining sites. One of the most popular OHV trails in the state—Crown King—draws many ATV enthusiasts.

Prescott National Forest offers wonderful, varied terrain, from rocky paths and creek crossings to steep hill climbs. The National Forest also has fun historic sites – keep an eye out for old mining equipment and remnants of ghost towns dotted along the landscape.

Popular OHV Trails in Prescott, Arizona

Senators Highway
Mingus Mountain
Crown King

Chino Valley to Jerome
Cooper Creek
Smiley Rock

ATV Rentals and Tours in Prescott National Forest

Nearby rental and tour options include:

Prescott ATV Rentals (Prescott, AZ)
Western Offroad Adventures (New River, AZ)
Vortex ATV Rentals (Cottonwood, AZ)
Adventures of a Lifetime ATV (Wickenburg, AZ)
Happy Trails Adventure Company (Wickenburg, AZ)

Where to Stay near Prescott National Forest

Hotels and peer-to-peer rentals are easy to find in the towns of Prescott and Sedona.

Top private campgrounds in Prescott include Point of Rocks RV Campground and Willow Lake RV & Camping Park. Dewey-Humboldt offers the AZ Whistlestop Luxury RV Park.

Camping and cabin rentals inside Prescott National Forest are plentiful.

For Sedona camping options (which has more private campgrounds), continue reading below.

Sedona & Red Rock Canyon

Distance from Phoenix: 115 miles

Sedona is one of the top spots in Arizona for off-roading, since it’s adjacent to the massive Coconino National Forest which includes the gorgeous Red Rock State Park. OHVs are allowed on many of its dirt roads, with a permit.

All OHV trails in the Sedona area require a Red Rocks Pass which is available in kiosks at most trail heads as well as many local stores and government offices (the cost is $5/day, $15/week and $20/year).

After you’ve enjoyed some off-roading, hike some of Sedona's most popular trails (Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Airport Mesa) and visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross (built into the red rocks) and visit the center of Sedona’s art scene.

Popular OHV Trails near Sedona

Outlaw
Broken Arrow
Schnebly Hill Road
Van Deren Cabin
Diamondback Gulch
Edge of the World Drive
Soldier Pass

https://www.flickr.com/photos/coconinonationalforest/25964548160

coconino NF.jpg

ATV Rentals and Tours in Sedona

The Visit Sedona website lists nine off-road rental shops in Sedona including: Arizona ATV Adventures, A Day in the West, Sedona Off-Road Center, Arizona Safari Jeep Tours, and others.

Where to Stay in Sedona

Sedona offers plenty of hotels, resorts, short-term rentals and campgrounds. One of the more popular and highly-rated RV campgrounds in Sedona is Rancho Sedona RV Park.

Coconino National Forest also offers many campgrounds and cabins.

Book a Blacksford RV for your Arizona ATV tour!

Rent in Phoenix

Flagstaff

Distance from Phoenix: 144 miles

A haven for ATV and UTV enthusiasts Flagstaff has mix of challenging and easy trails with breathtaking scenery.

If you plan to focus on ATV riding in Flagstaff, be sure to allow enough time to enjoy this vibrant mountain town. The Lowell Observatory (where Pluto was first discovered), Walnut Canyon National Monument (with ancient cliff dwellings), the Museum of Northern Arizona, and downtown Flagstaff are worth the time.

Popular OHV Trails near Flagstaff

Turkey Hill
Kelly Canyon
Cinder Hills
Schultz Pass
Casner Mountain
Fort Valley Trail System

Check Discover Flagstaff OHV Info and All Trails - Flagstaff OHV Trails.

ATV Rentals and Tours in Flagstaff

Nearby Sedona has ample off-road rentals and tours, but Flagstaff has a couple rental and tour options – Flagstaff ATV Rentals/Munds Park and Extreme Arizona.

Note: Most Flagstaff outfitters close during the late fall and winter months.

Where to Stay in Flagstaff

Flagstaff has many lodging options from short-term rentals to hotels to glamping. If you want a cabin or campground in Coconino National Forest, you’ll find many options near Flagstaff.

Private campgrounds near Flagstaff include J&H RV Park, Woody Mountain Campground & RV Park, and Flagstaff KOA Holiday.

Page, Arizona

Distance from Phoenix: 273 miles

In northwest of Arizona, by the Utah, New Mexico and Colorado borders, sits Page which is brimming with amazing things to do in and around it.

High season in Page spans May–September. Some tour operators may close in the winter, but many are open year-round.

Many of the top off-roading places are on tribal lands and require advance reservations and a private tribe member guide.

Popular OHV Areas Near Page, Arizona

Grand Staircase-Escalante

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Vermillion Cliffs National Monument

Antelope Canyon
Cottonwood Canyon Road

ATV Rentals and Tours in Page, Arizona

Check out Epic Adventure Rides, Lake Powell Rentals, and Glen Canyon Power Rentals.

Head to Visit Page AZ – Off-Roading for more information.

Where to Stay in Page, Arizona

Page and its surrounding areas have plenty of lodging options especially near Lake Powell.

Some good campgrounds include Roam Horseshoe Bend (new and top-notch), Page Lake Powell Campground, Lone Beach Campground, Antelope Point RV Campground, Lees Ferry Campground, Beehive Campground (in Glen Canyon NRA) and Arrowhead Campground.

Mohave County – Lake Havasu – Kingman

Distance from Phoenix: 190 miles (approx)

The northwestern corner of Arizona (along the California and Nevada borders and the Colorado River on its western border) is the massive Mohave County which attracts visitors for its diverse blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure and historical charm.

Yes, it is a vast and unforgiving desert, but it also has rivers, lakes and mountains and a lot of natural beauty – making it an ATV paradise!

Mohave County boasts a BLM-manager wilderness area, several state parks, three Native American tribes, plus the Grand Canyon, the Colorado River, and Lake Havasu – many of which offer OHV trails. Map out what you want to do so you can cluster activities in this large county to avoid unnecessary driving.

Popular OHV Areas Near Mohave County, Arizona

Hualapai Mountains
Kingman Wash
Black Mountains
Oatman
Lake Havasu City
Arizona Peace Trail

For more information visit Beginner OHV Trails near the Mohave Valley and Off-Roading in the Lake Havasu Area.

ATV Rentals and Tours in Mohave County, AZ:

Off-roading is so popular here that it’s easy to find rental and tour companies throughout the county. A few popular outfitters include Desert Experience Off-Road Rentals, and Rocky River Off-Road Rentals.

Where to Stay in Mohave County, Arizona

With more than 13,000 square miles, Mohave County is large. Consider staying near your desired OHV trails.

Popular towns with hotels are Havasu City, Bullhead, Kingman, Oatman, Grand Canyon West, and Lake Havasu State Park. Needles, California, also offers many options.

Popular Mohave County campgrounds (both public and private) include Cattail Cove State Park Campground, Havasu RV Resort, Adobe RV Park, BLM Burro Creek Campground, and Islander RV Resort.

Quartzsite and Yuma

Distance from Phoenix: 127–184 miles

Nestled in the heart of the southwestern Arizona, Quartzsite and Yuma (80 miles apart) offer some of the best ATV trails and off-road escapades in the state. With a variety of trail types, a range of difficulty levels and exciting challenges, it’s no wonder these towns are a haven for thrill-seekers.

The tiny town of Quartzite (population 3,600) draws millions of visitors each year to its famed gem and mineral show, massive RV shows and rallies, and tons of seasonal events. Just outside the town, an ATV paradise awaits, known for its desert rock formations, washed and wide-open trails.

Nicknamed the "Sunniest City on Earth," Yuma’s Imperial Sand Dunes are iconic for off-roading.

Popular OHV Trails Near Quartzite and Yuma, Arizona

Quartzite: Plomosa Road, Tyson Wash, Copper bottom Pass
Yuma: Imperial Sand Dunes, Muggins Mountains, Buttercup Sand Dunes
Ehrenberg Sand Bowl: Midway between Yuma and Quartzite is this classic off-roading destination, known for its expansive dunes and thrilling terrain

ATV Rentals and Tours in Quartzite and Yuma, AZ

Popular ATV rental companies in Quartzite include Split Rail RV Park, Quartzite Off-Road, Quartzite Adventure and Desert Experience UTV Offroad Rentals.

Or book an ATV and/or tour in Yuma from Yuma Tours & Adventure, Jet Rent ATV Rentals, Nomad Off Road, or Polaris Adventures.

Where to Stay in Quartzite and Yuma, Arizona

The tiny town Quartzite has several chain hotels, but RV camping on BLM lands is by far the most popular way to stay (with no hook-ups so be sure to have a generator and come prepared). The Kofa National Wildlife Refuge also offers dispersed camping.

Popular private campgrounds in Quartzite include River Sands RV Resort, Split Rail RV Park, Quail Run RV Park, The Scenic Road RV Park, and Black Rock RV Village, Kofa Mountain RV Park, Arizona Sun RV Park.

RV Life has reviews and information on Quartzsite RV Parks & Campgrounds for both public and private options.

Yuma’s camping is plentiful with both public land and many private RV campgrounds and resorts. A few popular RV parks are: Shady Acres RV Park, Country Roads, RV Village, Western Sands RV Park, Villa Alameda RV Resort, and The Palms RV Resort.

Check RV Life’s list of popular Yuma RV Parks & Campgrounds.

Midway between Yuma and Quartzite is the Arizona Oasis RV Resort, which has direct access to OHV trails.

Southeastern Arizona – Tucson, Oracle, Nogales

Distance from Phoenix: 112 miles

Three of Arizona’s best off-road areas are in the Southeast: Tucson, Oracle and Nogales. Oracle is about 35 miles north of Tucson, while Nogales is about 70 miles south of Tucson (on the U.S. border with Mexico).

Tuscon has plenty of fun things to see and do, and you’ll find great Wild West sites like Old Town Tucson and Tombstone, Arizona (site of the gunfight at the OK Corral). Don’t miss the chance to see Tucson’s Saguaro National Park and the Coronado National Forest.

Popular OHV Trails in Southeastern Arizona

Tucson: Redington Road, Chiva Falls, Oracle Road Scenic Backway, and Bull Springs.
Oracle: Charouleau Gap, Rice Peak, Peppersauce Canyon, and Oracle State Park.
Nogales: Coronado National Forest – Nogales District, Ruby Road. Whipple Observatory, Yellow Jacket Loop, and Backway to Mount Lemmon.

ATV Rentals and Tours in Tucson and Southeastern Arizona

Tucson: Rent ATVs and join tours with outfitters like Tucson Adventure Rentals, Tucson RZR Rentals, One Offroad, and Trail Dust Jeep Tours.
Oracle: Tucson Adventure Rentals also operates in Oracle, offering convenient access to nearby trails.
Nogales: Options for ATV rentals and tours include Apache ATV Tours, Desert Adventures, and Wild West Off-Road Safari.

Where to Stay in Tucson and Southeastern Arizona

All three towns have hotel options, with Tucson offering the most variety – from budget to luxury resorts as well as peer-to-peer rentals.

Dispersed camping options in the area are plentiful in and near Tucson – both private campgrounds and public lands. The BLM operates more than 2 million acres in southern Arizona and nearby state parks include Pichado State Park, Catalina State Park, and Golder Ranch Road.

Oracle and Nogales do not offer many private campgrounds, so consider staying near Tucson at some of these well-rated RV campgrounds:

Tucson/Lazy Days KOA Resort
Winterhaven RV Community
Gilbert Ray Campground – Tucson Mountain Park
Rincon Country West RV Resort
Voyager RV Resort & Hotel

Plan Your Arizona ATV Trip Today

Arizona’s extraordinary natural beauty and its rugged terrain combined with the plethora of designated OHV areas, means that ATV, UTV, Jeep and other OHV riding is a great way to experience the Arizona outdoors.

Since many of the best OHV areas in Arizona are located in fairly remote BLM and other public lands, RV camping makes off-roading easier since you can camp near these areas.

Blacksford RV’s Phoenix rental location offers new, premium RV rentals which are the perfect way to see Arizona and experience its many OHV adventures!

Browse available Phoenix RVs now!

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Where to Off-Road in Arizona – ATV, UTV & OHV: 8 Top Areas