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| Home > Arizona > Desert Wells |
Desert Wells Multiuse Area
Monday, March 18, 2024
| Other Names | Desert Wells Multiuse Area, Arizona |
| Last Known Status | Open |
This large area has miles and miles of very flat terrain. There are some marked trails, but they are really just smooth wide jeep roads with occasional dips into the sand washes.
The trails are usually very dry and dusty but they do wind through some interesting desert vegetation that consist of scrub brush, saguaro and cholla cactuses. The trails eventually go near a small pond which serves a watering hole for some of the local livestock.
There are multiple access points with plenty of space for parking. A recreation permit is required and must be obtained prior to arrival.
Overall this is a good place to bring a beginner but if you are looking for more challenging terrain try Bulldog Canyon, Florence Coke Ovens or Mescal Mountain.
REGULATIONS
| Permit Required | Yes | AZGFD sticker required AZ State Trust Land Recreation Permit |
| Dates Open | Year-Round | |
| Spark Arrestor | Yes | A spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles. |
| Noise Limit | Yes (96 dB) | |
| Whip Flags | Not Required | |
| Maximum Vehicle Width | No Restriction | |
 Motorcycles & Dirt Bikes | Permitted | |
 ATVs | Permitted | |
 UTV & SXS | Permitted | |
 SUVs & Jeeps (registered) | Permitted | Not Recommended |
| Dune Buggy & Sand Rail 4x4 (unregistered) | Permitted | |
| 2 Stroke Engines | No Restriction | |
| MX Helmet Required | Youth Only | required for persons under 18 by state law (RiderPlanet strongly recommends helmets for all riders.) |
 Camping | No Restriction | (camp anywhere) |
 Campfires | No Restriction | |
| Night Riding | Unknown | |
| Trail Blazing | Prohibited | stay on trail |
| Alcohol | Prohibited | |
| Rule Enforcement | Few/Periodic |
TERRAIN
| Approx Size | 48,000 acres (75 sq mi) | |
| Miles Of Trail | 25 | |
| Climate Type | Desert | |
| Elevation | 1600 to 1800 ft. | |
| Trail Maintenance | Marked, Not Rated, Lightly Maintained | |
| Loose Dirt |  Little | |
| Hard Pack |  Mostly | |
| Sand | Little | |
| Mud |  None | |
| Dust |  All | |
| Rocks | Little | |
| Trees |  Few | |
| Steep Hills | None | |
| Water Crossings | None | |
| Small Jumps | Few | |
| Large Jumps | None | |
| Berms | None | |
| Sand/Gravel Pits | None | |
| Single Track | None | |
| Roads | All | |
| Intersections |  Many | |
| Rider Traffic | Few | |
| Shade | None | |
| Ranges/Gunfire | None | |
| Hazards | None | |
 Novice | All | |
 Amateur | None | |
 Expert | None |
TYPE OF AREA
| Area | Motorized Trails |
| Land | State Trust Land |
GPS POINTS
KEY SERVICES
 Gasoline | 1-5 Miles (NW) | Shell (480) 671-7182 |
| Diesel | 1-5 Miles (NW) | Shell (480) 671-7182 |
 Water | 5-20 Miles (NW) | Mesa Apache Junction KOA (480) 982-4015 |
 RV Hookup | 5-20 Miles (NW) | Mesa Apache Junction KOA (480) 982-4015 |
 RV Disposal | 5-20 Miles (NW) | Mesa Apache Junction KOA (480) 982-4015 |
| Campground | 5-20 Miles (NW) | Mesa Apache Junction KOA (480) 982-4015 |
 Conv Store | 1-5 Miles (NW) | Shell (480) 671-7182 |
FEES & PASSES
| Parking | (None) |
| Entry | (None) |
| Riding | Yes ($15.00 per rider) AZ Trust Land Recreation Permit |
| Camping | (None) |
RATINGS
| Pros | large area, many access points, neat desert scenery, stage anywhere |
| Cons | very dusty, no real actual trails, nothing challenging, no services, very flat |
| Our Rating |  Fair |
| Recommended Stay | Half Day Spring/Fall |
| Comments | (Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments) |
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
| Nearest City | Gold Canyon, AZ | ||
| From: Phoenix, AZ
1) Take US-60 east about 30 miles to mile marker 207 2) Look for a sign and cattle guard on the right, enter here. |
OFFICIAL CONTACTS
| Contact Info | Arizona State Land Department 1616 W. Adams Street Phoenix, AZ 85007 (602) 364-2753 (602) 542-4631 land.az.gov |
| Contact Info | Arizona State Parks OHV Program (602) 542-6942 (602) 542-2146 mrogers@azstateparks.gov meberhart@azstateparks.gov azstateparks.com |
| Comment | Arizona State Parks OHV Grants Program |
Desert Wells Trail Photo
The terrain is mostly flat but there are a few small dips but no real challenging sections. This is the place to go if you are looking for a place to bring a beginner.
Desert Wells Trail Photo
There are some really cool sand washes to explore.
Desert Wells Trail Photo
The only challenging terrain can be found in the sand washes, but it doesn't last long. The sand wash is narrow but is wide enough for ATVs.
Desert Wells Trail Photo
Desert Wells Trail Photo
The terrain may be flat but the scenery is beautiful. Lots of rugged mountain views and various cactuses can be found here.
Desert Wells Trail Photo
Desert Wells Trail Photo
You may encounter a few cows at the small pond.
Desert Wells Trail Photo
This is a good place to go for a half day ride on an ATV or UTV.
Desert Wells Trail Photo
Desert Wells Trail Photo
The trails can be a bit dusty during dry weather.
Desert Wells Trail Photo
Desert Wells Trail Photo
Desert Wells Trail Photo
Desert Wells Trail Photo
Desert Wells Trail Photo
Desert Wells Trail Photo
Desert Wells Trail Photo
Desert Wells Trail Photo
Desert Wells Trail Photo
Desert Wells Trail Photo
Desert Wells Trail Photo
Another view of the small pond.
Desert Wells Trail Photo
RIDER COMMENTS & REVIEWS