Where to ride
Where to ride in Arizona
7 official riding areas and the permits Arizona asks for, each from the managing agency's own page and dated. Areas close for fire, weather, seasons and repairs, so check the page before you go.
The state program
Off-Highway Vehicle Program, run by Arizona State Parks and Trails.
Off-Highway Vehicle Program, official pagechecked 2026-09-29
Permits and stickers
What the state's own pages say riders need, residents and visitors alike, quoted word for word.
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Residents
Arizona OHV Decal (resident, through ADOT MVD)
Arizona residents must register their OHV and obtain their OHV decal through the Arizona Department of Transportation's Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) or an authorized third-party service provider.
Official pagechecked 2026-09-29
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Non-residents
Arizona non-resident OHV Decal (Arizona Game and Fish Department)
If a non-resident does not have or is not eligible to obtain a 'street legal' registration, then they will need to purchase a non-resident OHV decal through the Arizona Game and Fish Department website by creating a portal account.
Official pagechecked 2026-09-29
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Non-residents
Arizona non-resident OHV Decal (scope)
Non-resident OHV decals ONLY allow travel on non-maintained roads and trails.
Official pagechecked 2026-09-29
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Everyone
Arizona OHV Decal
All OHVs designed by the manufacturer primarily for use over unimproved terrain, and weigh 2,500 pounds or less, are required by law to display a valid Arizona OHV decal to operate on public and state trust lands in Arizona.
Official pagechecked 2026-09-29
Riding areas
Places the managing agency describes for off-highway riding, grouped by who runs them. The list is a starting point, not every trail in the state: the Forest Service and the BLM publish motor vehicle use maps for everything else.
Bureau of Land Management 4
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Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area
This 2,000-acre area of rolling sand dunes provides a great opportunity for off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts.
Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area, official pagechecked 2026-09-29
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Copper Basin Dunes OHV Area
Copper Basin Dunes accommodates a wide range of OHVs, including dirt bikes, ATVs, UTVs, dune buggies, and more.
Copper Basin Dunes OHV Area, official pagechecked 2026-09-29
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Crossroads OHV Area
Crossroads OHV Area accommodates a wide range of OHVs, including dirt bikes, ATVs, UTVs, dune buggies, and similar vehicles.
Crossroads OHV Area, official pagechecked 2026-09-29
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Standard Wash OHV Area
Near Lake Havasu City, Standard Wash OHV Area is an unrestricted playground for off-highway vehicles (OHVs), ATVs, UTVs, Jeeps and others.
Standard Wash OHV Area, official pagechecked 2026-09-29
National Forest 3
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Cinder Hills Off Highway Vehicle Area
The Cinder Hills Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) area provides ample opportunities for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts.
Cinder Hills Off Highway Vehicle Area, official pagechecked 2026-09-29
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The Rolls OHV Permit Zone
Motorized use requires a Tonto NF OHV Permit.
The Rolls OHV Permit Zone, official pagechecked 2026-09-29
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Bulldog Canyon OHV Permit Zone
A Tonto OHV Permit is currently required for motorized use in this area, available at Recreation.gov.
Bulldog Canyon OHV Permit Zone, official pagechecked 2026-09-29
Before you go
Each area's own page has its current status, seasons, fees and which trails take which vehicles. Rules differ between areas and change with fire danger and weather, so read it on the day.
Official maps
- Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle Guide (Arizona State Parks and Trails OHV Program)
- Motor Vehicle Use Maps (USFS)
- Tonto National Forest OHV Permit Zones
The state law behind the permits, helmets and young riders, cited: Arizona electric dirt bike law.
Nothing on this page says anyone may ride anywhere: it points to the agencies that decide. Reviewed 2026-09-29.