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Charouleau Gap

Saturday, December 14, 2024

Trail Map

Other Names

Charleau Gap, Coronado National Forest, Santa Catalina Mountains, Samaniego Ridge, Santa Catalina Ranger District

Last Known Status

Open

This is a moderately challenging 4x4 trail that stretches about 19 miles from N. Lago Del Oro Parkway all the way to Oracle. The terrain consists of rocky creek bed washes, deep ruts, some steep climbs, a few seasonal shallow water crossings plus some great desert scenery but there is not much in the way of actual motorcycle or ATV trails.

This can be a full day trip for 4x4s, or a couple of hours for dirt bikes and ATVs. Be sure to sign in at the gate and bring plenty of water because this is a very large area. This trail is maintained by the Tucson Rough Riders Club through a cooperative agreement with the Forest Service, so be sure to say thanks for the road work, maintenance and installation of signage.

Trail Map... Nearby ATV Trails...

REGULATIONS

Permit Required	Yes	AZGFD sticker required
Dates Open	Year-Round
Other ATV Stickers Accepted	No	All non-residents must purchase an Arizona OHV decal.
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
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	Some Areas
Campfires	Some Areas
Night Riding	Yes	Not Recommended
Trail Blazing	Prohibited	vehicles must stay on trail
Rule Enforcement	Few/Periodic

TERRAIN

Miles Of Trail	19
Climate Type	Desert
Elevation	3000 to 5400 ft.
Trail Maintenance	Marked, Not Rated, Lightly Maintained
Loose Dirt	Some
Hard Pack	Mostly
Sand	Some
Mud	Little
Dust	Some
Rocks	Some
Trees	Few
Steep Hills	Many
Water Crossings	Few
Small Jumps	Few
Large Jumps	None
Berms	Some
Sand/Gravel Pits	None
Single Track	None
Roads	All
Intersections	Few
Rider Traffic	Few
Shade	Few
Ranges/Gunfire	Few
Hazards	Few	(hazards not marked) steep banks
Novice	Some
Amateur	Mostly
Expert	Little

TYPE OF AREA

Area	Motorized Trails

Land	National Forest, State Trust Land

GPS POINTS

KEY SERVICES

Gasoline	1-5 Miles (SW)	Vallero/Tucson
Diesel	1-5 Miles (SW)	Vallero/Tucson
Water	1-5 Miles (SW)	Vallero/Tucson
RV Hookup	5-20 Miles (S)	Catalina State Park (520) 628-5798
RV Disposal	5-20 Miles (S)	Catalina State Park (520) 628-5798
Campground	5-20 Miles (S)	Catalina State Park (520) 628-5798
Conv Store	1-5 Miles (SW)	Vallero/Tucson

FEES & PASSES

Parking	(None)
Entry	(None)
Riding	(None)
Camping	(None)

RATINGS

Pros	free, great mountain scenery
Cons	no actual motorcycle trails, is really a 4x4 trail
Our Rating	Good
Recommended Stay	Full Day Fall/Spring
Comments	(Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments)

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

Nearest City

Tucson, AZ

Address

S Lago Del Oro Pkwy, Tucson, AZ 85739

Trail Map

From: Tucson, AZ
1) Take SR-77 (Oracle Road) to Golder Ranch Road intersection
2) Turn right (east) on Golder Ranch Road, continue 1.2 miles
3) Turn left (north) on N. Lago Del Oro Parkway, continue 3 miles
4) Look for a kiosk and cattleguard on the right, enter here.

OFFICIAL CONTACTS

Contact Info

Coronado National Forest - Santa Catalina Ranger District
5700 N. Sabino Canyon Road
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 749-8700
mailroom_r3_coronado@fs.fed.us
www.fs.usda.gov

Contact Info

Tucson Rough Riders
P.O. Box 78726
Tucson, AZ 85703-8726
www.tucsonroughriders.com

Contact Info	Arizona State Parks (602) 542-6942 (602) 542-2146 mrogers@azstateparks.gov meberhart@azstateparks.gov azstateparks.com
Comment	Arizona State Parks OHV Grants Program