Now, some good news. While it's true that we've lost some prime wheel estate over the years, and that we all need to redouble our efforts to keep our trails open, we still have a few places we can go with our favorite trail toys. Actually, it's more than a few. We've compiled a list of BLM and Forest Service lands here that are still open to motorized access, as well as some state-run OHV areas and private ORV parks. Wherever you go, it's a good idea to have accurate maps so that you're aware of the designated trails for vehicles, especially for BLM lands and national forests, which may contain Wilderness Study Areas with restricted locations within their boundaries.
Also before you go, contact your destination to ensure there haven't been land closures due to weather, fire, or pressure from environmentalists. Calling ahead is just as important for the public and private off-road parks; many fill up quickly on weekends, depending on the season, and some require reservations ahead of time. We've included as many phone numbers and URLs as we could find here to make things easier for you. And if we've overlooked an open wheeling spot in your area, or you see some information here that appears out of date, by all means let us know.
Alabama
Gray Rock ORV Park
- Located: Mount Olive, 12 miles from Birmingham
- For More Info: www.grayrockorv.com
- FYI: More than 2,000 acres of hills, rocks, and more
Alaska
Chugach National Forest
- Located: Moose Pass and Hope area
- For More Info: www.fs.fed.us/r10/chugach, 907/743-9500
- FYI: There are a couple of side trails for OHV use
Kincaid Park Outdoor Center
- Located: West side of Anchorage
- For More Info: www.muni.org/parks/ParkDistrictSW, 907/343-4355
- FYI: Use the Diamond entrance
White Mountains National Recreation Area
- Located: About 30 miles north of Fairbanks
- For More Info: www.aurora.ak.blm.gov/WhiteMtns/html/
800/437-7021, 907/474-2200
- FYI: 1,500-pound limits in most areas, but some creek beds within Nome Creek Valley are OK for trucks
Arizona
Club: Arizona State Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs, www.asa4wdc.org
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
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Located: From Flagstaff, take I -40 east to Holbrook, south on U.S. 180 to U.S. 191, and head about 30 miles to Springerville
- For More Info: www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf, 928/333-4301
- FYI: Named for Captain Lorenzo Sitgreaves, a government topographical engineer
Coconino National Forest
- Located: Central AZ; nearby towns include Flagstaff, Sedona, and Clarkdale
- For More Info: www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino, 928/527-3600
- FYI: Cinder Hills OHV area is here
Copper Basin Dunes OHV Area
- Located: 12 miles northeast of Parker
- For More Info: www.az.blm.gov/OHV/copper.htm, 602/417-9200
- FYI: Sand dunes, trails, and canyons
Coronado National Forest
- Located: Southeastern Arizona; I-10 east of Tucson
- For More Info: www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado, 502/388-8300
- FYI: OHV areas such as Catalina and Santa Rita
Crossroads ORV Area
- Located: 9 miles northeast of Parker
- For More Info: www.az.blm.gov/OHV/crossroa.htm, 928/505-1200
- FYI: Fall to spring is the best season
Ehrenberg Sandbowl OHV Area
- Located: I-10 to Ehrenberg, about 3 miles from Ehrenberg/Cibola Road
- For More Info: www.az.blm.gov/ohv/ehrenberg.htm, 928/317-3200
- FYI: Road, trails, hills, and sand
Fourmile Canyon Campground
- Located: In Klondyke, 3/4 mile southwest of Fourmile Canyon Road
- For More Info: www.recreation.gov/detail.cfm?ID=2054, 928/348-4400
- FYI: Near Aravaipa Creek
Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area
- Located: From Safford, take 1191 South to Tanque Road, east to Haekel Road south
- For More Info: www.recreation.gov/detail.cfm?ID=2034, 928/348-4400
- FYI: Sand dunes and water
Kaibab National Forest
- Located: Southern part: From Williams, go north on State Hwy 64; for northern part: from Page, via U.S. Hwy 89, 89 Alt, and State Hwy 67
- For More Info: www.fs.fed.us/r3/kai, 928/635-8200
- FYI: Borders the north and south rims of the Grand Canyon