Ready to head out there on your dirt bike and explore the many miles of tracks in Arizona? A few are near Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa and Chandler.
These are riding areas that we’ve curated for the Frontaer community. Instead of building a guide of MX clubs and closed-circuit racing, we wanted to show you were recreational riders and enduro enthusiasts were spending their weekends.
Best Dirt Bike Trails Arizona
The State of Arizona encourages dirt bike riding and they have many spots open to us 4-stroke warriors. It’s us that actually go and explore the region instead of turning on another episode on Netflix.
It’s fortunate that the state allows us to go riding here. Better yet – most of them allow camping and we recommend staying the night since most of these tracks aren’t really suited towards day-tripping. Just remember that you’ll need an Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle decal to keep the state tropper off your back.
Remember – it gets hot out there in summer! Seriously hot! You’ll feel it even more if you’re from out of state, so bring plenty of water and an emergency device.
Here are Arizona’s best dirt bike tracks:
1. Florence Coke Ovens
Florence Coke Ovens is the most popular riding area in Arizona and is popular with dirt bike riders across the state. The area is famous for Box Canyon and be wary of flash flooding that can happen throughout the year, especially after heavy rainfall sometimes 20 miles from the actual area. You won’t be disappointed here.
2. Cinder Hills OHV Area
Cinder HIlls might be a short route but an epic place to let loose with your throttle. You’ll be riding through some deep volcanic craters and through scenic pine plantations. It feels a little like riding on the sand as you head along tiny lava pebbles which can really wear out your rear tire, so bring a spare if you’re down quite a bit. Aim for Bonito Campground to stay overnight.
3. Table Mesa Recreation Area
We love Table Mesa becuase it’s open desert and you can really let youself go wild! Our recommendation is the Little Pan Staging Area which doubles as a free campground with a toilet (though no showers or water). This spot is popular on weekends so rock up early on Friday afternoon to get a good spot to stay overnight.
4. Arizona Cycle Park
Arizona Park is a motocross and supercross arena that is also welcoming of pit bikes. THere are four tracks and a spot for kids to hone in on their skills. Regular competitions are held here and some seriously good racing that’s worth watching if you don’t feel like heading out on one of Arizona’s dirt bike trails this weekend.
5. Boulders OHV Area
Many people like Boulders because it’s more scenic and ideal for the solo rider with its easy to moderate trails on offer. Heaps of camping spots around sand some ADV riders go stealth camping here, so don’t be surprised to see a random tent off the side of the trail during the late afternoon.
6. Crown King
Crown King is well known for 4×4 enthusiasts but dirt bike riders love this spot too. The terrain is more rugged but there is some sandy sections too and you’ll be rewarded with excellent views of the Bradshaw Mountains. Crown King is within Prescott National Forest, though the ‘forest’ part is questionable.
7. Fort Valley Trail System
Fort Valley Trail System is near Flagstaff and is within Coconino National Forest. This spot is smaller and we recommend White Hills (below) but you may as well do both on the same day. About 20-miles of single track waiting for you.
8. Thin Air Offroad Park
Thin Air is good if you’re looking for a motocross track which is more open. They run the occasional enduro race here which is a longer form of motocross with many thrills and spills. It gets real boggy here after rain so be mindful!
9. Hot Well Dunes
Prefer the sand dunes? Then you’ll love it here! THe surface isn’t as deep or ‘sandy’ as your typical saharian dune system but certainly you’ll need some throttle but no paddle rear tire is needed. If you are crossing over the dune systems then a spotter would be ideal especially on weekends as the area is popular with 4×4’s. You can camp here overnight and take a bath in the hotsprings.
10. White Hills Trails
You can certainly go dirt bike riding in the Coconino National Forest and our pick is the WHite Hills Trails. It only recently opened a couple of years ago and there are plenty of easy and more challenging trails in which you can explore on 2-wheels. No camping unfortunately but you can find a few nearby towns with motels.
11. Desert Wells Multi-Use Area
FOr the person learning to ride a dirt bike, Desert Wells offers the best for learnrs in all of Arizona. IF you do crash, the sand will absorb your fall but it’s not that deep that you need to lean back and go hard. The best part? You can camp anywhere!
12. Redington Pass
Not many people know of Redington Pass but it certainly has some great trails which are well marked. This spot is looked after by the Tucson Rough Riders and is popular with dual-sport adventurers looking to camp away from prying eyes for the night. Aim for Tanque Verde Creek if you’re looking for an area to wash off the dust and dirt…or those arm pits.
13. Standard Wash (Lake Havasu City, AZ)
While it has a strange name, the area is free to ride in as well as stay overnight too. You can even bring your big toy hauler here or boat to drop into the lake. For those living in Lake Havasu City, Standard Wash isn’t too far out of town and the perfect day trip. Just ride your bike in and start exploring the trails.
14. Sheridan Mountain Smith Mesa OHV Trail System
Sheridan Mountain provides some forest cover but it’s minimal. Much of this track is still an open country riding area where you’ll need to bring plenty of water during the warmer months. Quite rocky in spots. Aim for Camp Wood to stay overnight and there aren’t any toilets or showers.
15. Shea Pit and Osborne Wash Area
For being remote, head for the Shea Pit and Osborne Wash Area. You’ll feel a million miles away in the scrubs and be able to camp just about anywhere you need.
