Hieroglyphic Mountain Trails
Hieroglyphic Mountain Trails actually refers to a series of off-road-approved trails that crisscross through the Hieroglyphic Mountain park, and even link local communities like Lake Pleasant and Wickenburg. While ATVs are allowed on these trails, the rules are very clear that no off-roading off these trails is allowed. This area is usually open, but these trails can be shut down to ATV use when the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) issues a high pollution advisory for dust (known as a PM10). This information is available daily from Arizona's BLM website, or by calling them for an update. The easiest access close to Phoenix is through Hells Canyon Park, which can be contacted through the Hassayampa Field Office of the Arizona BLM.
Hassayampa Field Office
21605 N. 7th Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85027-2929
623-580-5500
Rolls OHV Area
The Rolls OHV Area is a huge 27,000-acre area supervised by the rangers at the Tonto National Forest. This ATV approved area is approximately one hour from downtown Phoenix and is north of nearby Saguaro Lake. These trails are set in a low desert ecosystem, and are open during the spring, fall and winter seasons--but closed during the summer due to dust issues. There are four separate access points to this ATV area to choose from to enter the Rolls OHV Area.
Rolls OHV Area
Ranger District
Mesa Ranger District
5140 E. Ingram St.
Mesa, AZ 85205
480-610-3300
fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/recreation/rec-ohv-index.shtml
Bulldog Canyon OHV Area
The Bulldog Canyon OHV Area boasts two main ATV trails, one that's relatively smooth and another that's rougher and offers a little more of a challenge. However, there are many side trails that go off both of the main two, giving off roaders a lot of area to explore. The Bulldog Canyon area is open all four seasons, and the desert scenery offers a lot of natural beauty for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy. Primitive camping is allowed in the area, but there are no facilities in the area, so campers will need to bring their own tents, water and emergency supplies. These trails are outside of Mesa, which borders Phoenix.
Tonto National Forest - Mesa Ranger District
5140 E. Ingram St.
Mesa, AZ 85205
480-610-3300
fs.fed.us
Article Written By Monty Dayton
Monty Dayton is a professional freelance writer who has worked for the ACLU, Touchstone Publishing LLC, the University of Alaska, Fairbanks and many other employers. He holds a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from the University of Alaska and loves writing about travel, the outdoors and health topics.
