The Tonto National Forest (NF) offers a wide variety of riding opportunities for Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts. Whether you ride motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs/Side-by-Sides (SxS), or full-size four-wheel drive (4wd) vehicles, the Tonto NF provides a unique riding experience through the Sonoran Desert where you'll encounter hundred-year-old Saguaros, sandy washes, ridge tops with beautiful views, and weather permitting, running creeks and river or lake access.
As a part of the Tonto NF Travel Management Plan, the Forest has multiple OHV Permit Zones and Areas designated primarily for OHV use and motorized recreation (more information here ). Access to these special use areas requires a Tonto National Forest OHV Permit for motorized vehicle use. A single permit provides access to all of the OHV Permit Zones and Areas across the Forest, subject to any special Forest Closure Orders that may be in effect. This is a motorized use permit and is required for all motorized uses in the Tonto NF OHV Permit Zones.
Within each Permit Zone are motorized trails that vary in difficulty, design, and width. Trails that are marked as single track are designed as such; please only use the routes for your type of vehicle to reduce impacts to the natural resources and ensure everyone has an enjoyable recreation experience. Non-motorized trails also fall within the Permit Zones; please do not drive on non-motorized trails for everyone's safety.
Tonto NF OHV Permits are not transferrable between individuals, however, one (1) permit can cover any one (1) vehicle the permit holder is recreating in/on that day. See FAQs for more information about permits. Vehicles parked in the staging areas do not require a permit. Non-motorized uses in the Tonto OHV Permit Zones such as hiking and horseback riding do not require a permit.
Permit options include:
3-Day Permit: $10
6-Month Permit: $60
Annual Permit: $80
Tonto NF OHV Permit Zones:
Bulldog Canyon (map )
The Rolls (map )
Desert Vista (map )
St. Clair (map )
See the Tonto NF website for additional information about each Permit Zone including staging areas, access points, directions, and rules and regulations for each Permit Zone.
These trails and OHV Permit Zones are open year-round subject to severe weather and other special Forest Closure Orders.
Maps of OHV Permit Zones: Bulldog Canyon , St. Clair, Desert Vista, The Rolls .
Visit the Tonto National Forest website for more information including a permit FAQ sheet and area Rules & Regulations.
Every vehicle in a Tonto NF OHV Permit Zone must have at least one rider in possession of a Tonto NF OHV Permit, issued in their name as listed on their Drivers License. For youth under 16 years of age operating an OHV in the OHV Permit Zones, they do not need their own permit but must be accompanied by a guardian with a Tonto NF OHV Permit.
This permit must be in your possession while in the Tonto NF OHV Permit Zones, either digitally or printed. You must be able to present a copy of the permit to a Law Enforcement Officer if asked, so be mindful of your device's battery power and functionality. If you have the Recreation.gov app, cell service is not needed to display proof of permit.
Vehicles parked in staging areas do not need a Tonto NF OHV Permit. Camping is not allowed in staging areas. Non-motorized uses (i.e. hiking, mountain biking, equestrian use, etc.) in the OHV Permit Zones does not need a permit unless the activity requires motorized vehicle use beyond the staging areas.
OHV users should follow all state laws regarding OHV operation, including displaying a valid Arizona State OHV Decal on their vehicle(s). For more information, visit https://www.azgfd.com/off-highway-vehicle .
All vehicle operators are required to stay on designated routes, as displayed on the maps provided. Traveling off-trail, damaging resources, or violating any other laws, rules, or regulations may result in citation and revocation of this permit.