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Boulders OHV Area

Saturday, December 14, 2024

Other Names

Lake Pleasant, Mile Marker 11.5, Boulders Staging Area, Hieroglyphic Mountains Area, Shirttail Mountains, Shirt Tail Mountains, Picacho Wash Road

Last Known StatusOpen

This area has many miles of designated off-road trails with 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 near Phoenix, as long as people take care of it.

Trail Map... Nearby ATV Trails...

REGULATIONS

Permit RequiredYesAZGFD sticker required
AZ State Trust Land Recreation Permit
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 FlagsNot Required
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)PermittedNot Recommended
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 CampingNo Restriction(camp anywhere)
Campfire Restrictions CampfiresNo Restriction
Night RidingYes
Trail BlazingProhibitedvehicles must stay on trail
Rule EnforcementSomeDedicated Rangers/Officers
Jeep/SUV Patrol
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TERRAIN

Approx Size38,400 acres (60 sq mi)
Miles Of Trail200
Climate TypeDesert
Elevation1700 to 3500 ft.
Trail MaintenanceMarked, Not Rated, Lightly Maintained
Loose DirtThis trail has little loose dirt.Little
Hard PackThe trail has some hard pack terrain.Some
SandThis trail has some sandy areas.Somegravel sand washes
MudThe trail has no mud after it rains.None
DustThe trail has little dust on typical days.Little
RocksThis trail has little rocks.Little
TreesThe trail has few trees.Few
Steep HillsThis trail has few steep hills.Few
Water CrossingsThe trail has few water crossings.Fewseasonal
Small JumpsThis trail has some small jumps.Some
Large JumpsThis trail has no large jumps.None
BermsThe trail has many berms.Many
Sand/Gravel PitsThis BLM land has no sand or gravel pits.None
Single TrackThis BLM land has few single track trails.Few
RoadsThis BLM land has some roads.Some
IntersectionsThis trail has few intersections.Few
Rider TrafficThe BLM land has many rider traffic on typical days.Many
ShadeThis BLM land has few shaded areas.Few
Ranges/GunfireThis BLM land has no shooting ranges or gunfire.None
HazardsThis trail has few hazards.Few(hazards not marked)
scattered debris, trails have some blind corners on sand washes
Easy Terrain NoviceThis trail has mostly beginner terrain.Mostly
Moderate Terrain AmateurThis trail has some intermediate level terrain.Some
Difficult Terrain ExpertThis trail has some expert terrain.Some

TYPE OF AREA

AreaMotorized Trails
LandBLM, State Trust Land

GPS POINTS

KEY SERVICES

Gasoline Gasoline5-20 Miles (E)Chevron (623) 780-3221
Diesel Diesel5-20 Miles (E)Chevron (623) 780-3221
Potable Water Water5-20 Miles (E)Chevron (623) 780-3221
RV Hookups RV Hookup5-20 Miles (NE)Lake Pleasant Regional Park (928) 501-1710
RV Dump Station RV Disposal5-20 Miles (NE)Lake Pleasant Regional Park (928) 501-1710
Primitive Camping Campground5-20 Miles (NE)Lake Pleasant Regional Park (928) 501-1710
Convenience Store Conv Store5-20 Miles (E)Albertsons (623) 582-4985

FEES & PASSES

Parking(None)
Entry(None)
Riding(None)
Camping(None)
CommentVisitors should obtain a state trust permit prior to arrival.

RATINGS

Proslarge staging area, nice trails, nice scenery
Consno services, blind corners in sand washes
Our RatingRatingVery Good
Recommended Stay1-2 Days
Winter/Spring
Comments(Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments)

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

Nearest CityPeoria, AZ
Go Back To Arizona List
Trail MapGo To Trail Map
From: Phoenix, AZ
1) Take I-17 North to Exit 223A (Carefree Hwy Exit)
2) Turn left (west) off the exit ramp, continue 18.7 miles to mile marker 11.5
3) Turn right (north) onto gravel road, continue .8 miles toward staging area.

*Note: The main entrance road is not marked from the highway. If coming from the west begin to slow down at mile marker 12, then look for a gravel road on the left (a kiosk will be visible from the highway), enter here.

OFFICIAL CONTACTS

Contact InfoBLM - Phoenix Field Office
21605 N. 7th Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85027
(602) 867-5400
blm_az_pdoweb@blm.gov
www.blm.gov
Contact InfoArizona State Land Department
1616 West Adams Street
Phoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 364-2753
land.az.gov
Contact InfoArizona State Parks
(602) 542-6942
(602) 542-2146
mrogers@azstateparks.gov
meberhart@azstateparks.gov
azstateparks.com
CommentArizona State Parks OHV Sticker Info

RIDER COMMENTS & REVIEWS

Boulders OHV Trail Photo

Boulders OHV Area Trail

This is a large area with all types of terrain, including some single track. The scenery and surrounding cacti vegetation is spectacular, especially during the spring months.

Boulders OHV Trail Photo

Man riding on Honda CRF250X dirt bike going up small hill.

All of the motorized trails are marked to show what off-road vehicles are permitted. This trail is open to dirt bikes, ATVs and Jeeps.

Boulders OHV Trail Photo

Scenic photo of man riding on Honda dirt bike on ATV trail.

A good portion of the ATV trails are wide and hard packed with some loose gravel. This is a good place to bring beginners, families or a group ride.

Boulders OHV Trail Photo

Photo of wide and open area set aside for beginners.

There is a flat novice / pee-wee learning area at the staging area which is fenced off for safety. This area is limited to small riders and ATVs 40 inches or less in width.

Boulders OHV Trail Photo

Man on Honda CRF250X popping a wheelie.

With mild fall and winter temperatures and hundreds of miles of motorized trails, Boulders OHV is a good choice to plan your next off-road vacation.

Boulders OHV Trail Photo

Rider on Honda dirt bike riding down narrow single track surrounded by various cactuses.

There are some designated single track trails just for dirt bikes. These trails are rocky and hard packed, which is typical of Arizona terrain.

Boulders OHV Trail Photo

Man on Honda CRF250X dirt bike getting a little jump off an ATV trail.

Some of the ATV trails have small hills where you can get a little air.

Boulders OHV Trail Photo

Rider on Honda CRF250X dirt bike riding on wide ATV trail.

Another view of the type of terrain you will encounter at Boulders OHV Area.

Boulders OHV Trail Photo

Man on Honda CRF250X dirt bike landing from a small jump.

The ATV trails are still fun even on a dirt bike.

Boulders OHV Trail Photo

Man wearing black and yellow Thor riding gear on Honda CRF250X dirt bike going through a sandy wash.

You can even rail a small berm in the sand washes.

Boulders OHV Trail Photo

Man on Honda dirt bike riding through a rocky section.

Some of the sand washes have a few rocky sections but they can easily be avoided.

Boulders OHV Trail Photo

Rider on Honda dirt bike riding on wide and hard packed ATV trail surrounded by desert vegetation.

This area has panoramic views of the Hieroglyphic Mountains.

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Boulders OHV Trail Photo

Man on Honda dirt bike going up section of steep and narrow single track surrounded by various barrel and cholla cacti.

This section of single track motorcycle trail is rugged and steep but still a lot of fun.

Boulders OHV Trail Photo

Man on Honda dirt bike riding down section of steep and narrow single track surrounded by various cactuses.

Coming down on this single track motorcycle trail is a lot easier than going up.

Boulders OHV Trail Photo

A close up photo of vehicle barrier metal gate at trail entrance.

The trails are maintained by local ATV clubs and the Boy Scouts.

Boulders OHV Trail Photo

Man on Honda dirt bike riding through an ATV trail surrounded by saguaro cactuses.

The saguaro cactus is plentiful here. This is also the Arizona state flower.

Boulders OHV Trail Photo

Honda CRF150R on the trail.

Due to the width and light moderation changes, these trails are mostly geared for ATVs and UTVs but are still worth exploring on a dirt bike.

Boulders OHV Trail Photo

Rider wearing black and yellow Thor motocross gear on Honda CRF250X going through gravel wash.

The sand and gravel washes are a lot of fun.

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Boulders OHV Trail Photo

A scenic photo of single track trail with desert vegetation.

The view at the top of this single track motorcycle trail is amazing.

Boulders OHV Trail Photo

A close up photo of rugged, steep and narrow single track.

The single track is rough and rugged with steep climbs. Get a good run and choose your lines wisely.

Boulders OHV Trail Photo

Honda dirt bike and rider going down small hill that leads to a sandy wash.

The ATV trails have some light to moderate elevation changes but nothing to scary.

Boulders OHV Trail Photo

Scenic photo of rider on Honda dirt bike riding on an ATV trail in the desert.

Most of the trails are fast, smooth and easy.

Boulders OHV Trail Photo

BLM brown carsonite trail marker designating difficulty level and permitted use.

Another view of the trail markers. Most trails are open to all off-road vehicle types but some are only open to ATVs and dirt bikes.

Boulders OHV Trail Photo

Honda dirt bike on hard packed ATV trail in the desert.

This is another view of one of the ATV trails.

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Boulders OHV Trail Photo

A rider wearing Fox motocross gear riding a Honda CRF150R going through a rocky section on ATV trail.

You will encounter the occasional section of loose chunk rock but most of the motorized trails are hard packed with loose gravel.

Boulders OHV Trail Photo

A rider on Honda dirt bike riding on a wide ATV trail surrounded by giant saguaro cacti.

This trail system is unique thanks to the beautiful Sonoran desert landscape.

Boulders OHV Trail Photo

A scenic portion of the ATV trail surrounded by a variety of cacti and desert vegetation.

The cholla cactus can also be found in the area.

Boulders OHV Trail Photo

Rider on Honda CRF150R dirt bike riding through a wide sandy wash.

You can really lean in on the turns in the gravel washes.

Boulders OHV Trail Photo

A scenic photo of an old wind mill surrounded by various desert trees and scattered debris.

Another view of an old windmill and water tank, possibly remnants of an old homestead.

Boulders OHV Trail Photo

Rider on Honda CRF150R on wide ATV trail going past windmill.

There are some old windmills and corrals to be found.

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Boulders OHV Trail Photo

A scenic photo with two ATVs and one dirt bike riding through the Sonoran Desert.

Off-road riders of all skill levels will enjoy this place.

Boulders OHV Trail Photo

A scenic photo of ATV trail surrounded by cactuses and desert vegetation.

You will find occasional wooden signs reminding you to stay on the trail. Heed this warning.

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