UTV Land Rules Near Phoenix: Tonto, BLM and Where Riding Is Off Limits

Where you can ride a UTV near Phoenix depends on who manages the land. The forest, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the county and each city set their own rules. This guide sticks to what those agencies publish. Every source is linked at the bottom. We checked these pages on November 9, 2026. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the agency before you ride.

Tonto National Forest: permit zones

Tonto National Forest requires an OHV permit for all motorized use in four OHV permit zones: Bulldog Canyon, The Rolls, Desert Vista and St. Clair. The permit is sold on Recreation.gov.

• Cost: $10 for 3 days, $60 for 6 months or $80 for a year. Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• One vehicle per permit per day, and you must have it with you in the zone.
• Staging areas do not need the permit, and neither do hiking and horseback riding.
• Riders under 16 do not need their own permit, but a guardian with a permit must go with them.
• Stay on designated routes. Leaving them can bring a citation and a revoked permit.
• Display a valid Arizona OHV decal on the machine.

The zones are open year round, subject to severe weather and any forest closure orders. Desert Vista covers 33,500 acres with more than 100 miles of open routes. It sits near Scottsdale, about an hour from Phoenix. Driving off road is prohibited on the Tonto National Forest. Check with the forest for current closures before you go.

BLM land: Sonoran Desert National Monument

Sonoran Desert National Monument is about 60 miles from Phoenix. The BLM says it has more than 460 miles of posted roads for back country driving.

• Motor vehicles must stay on routes posted with a BLM Route Number sign. Unnumbered roads and washes are off limits, and so is cross-country travel.
• About 20 percent of the monument is temporarily closed to motorized use while OHV damage is repaired.
• The Sand Tank Mountains, south of I-8, need a free Barry M. Goldwater Range permit, available online.
• Commercial, competitive and large organized events need a special recreation permit.

BLM land: Lake Pleasant and Hieroglyphic Mountain

The Boulders OHV Staging Area is about 45 miles north of downtown Phoenix on State Route 74. The BLM lists more than 200 miles of unimproved backcountry roads and single-track trails in the area. The fee is listed as free, and the best season is October to May.

Fire rules on BLM land

The BLM prohibits exploding targets, fireworks, sky lanterns and tracer ammunition year round on all BLM land in Arizona. Seasonal fire restrictions are issued separately and change, so check the BLM before each ride.

Where UTVs are not allowed

• Maricopa County parks. ATV and OHV use is not permitted at any county park, and the trails are for non-motorized use only. That includes Buckeye Hills and White Tank Mountain.
• Unpaved ground in unincorporated Maricopa County without lawful authority. County ordinance P-28 says vehicles must stay on roads or highways unless an agency rule, sign, approved map or the owner allows otherwise.
• Undesignated areas inside cities and towns. Local codes restrict off-road use there.
• Most of Maricopa County on High Pollution Advisory days, when the county says riding is prohibited.

The decal

The BLM says OHVs must display a valid Arizona OHV decal on public and state trust lands. Our guide to the Arizona OHV decal explains the rules. State trust land also has its own recreation permit rules.

Want to ride? See the UTVs at our Glendale pickup, or call us at 866-739-4114. Our Phoenix UTV rental guide covers the machines and the trail areas near town.

Five UTVs at our Glendale pickup, from $360 a day

Add the free UTV trailer at checkout with any rental while the offer runs. Rates are per 24 hours. The damage waiver, helmet and taxes are added at checkout, and the full cost breakdown is on the fleet page.

• Can-Am X3 Turbo R X32042 seatsFrom $360 a daySee dates and reserve
• Can-Am X3 Turbo X32062 seatsFrom $360 a daySee dates and reserve
• Can-Am X3 DS MAX X34094 seatsFrom $409 a daySee dates and reserve
• Can-Am Maverick Turbo X3 MAX X34104 seatsFrom $409 a daySee dates and reserve
• Polaris RZR PRO XP 4 1000 X34114 seatsFrom $409 a daySee dates and reserve

Looking for a different seat count? We also book Polaris RZR and Ranger models through Polaris Adventures. Renters must be 25 or older with a valid license. Planning to camp near the trail? See our Phoenix toy hauler rentals and RV rentals.

Quick answers

Do I need a permit to ride in Tonto National Forest near Phoenix?

In the four OHV permit zones, Bulldog Canyon, The Rolls, Desert Vista and St. Clair, yes. The permit costs $10 for 3 days, $60 for 6 months or $80 a year on Recreation.gov.

Can I ride a UTV in Maricopa County parks?

No. ATV and OHV use is not permitted at any Maricopa County park.

Is there free OHV riding near Phoenix on BLM land?

The BLM lists the Boulders OHV Staging Area, about 45 miles north of downtown Phoenix, as free. It has more than 200 miles of unimproved roads and single-track trails.

Sources

• Recreation.gov, Tonto National Forest OHV permit
• Recreation.gov, Desert Vista OHV Area
• BLM, Sonoran Desert National Monument
• BLM, Sonoran Desert National Monument map and guide
• BLM, Lower Sonoran Field Office
• BLM, Hassayampa Field Office
• BLM, Boulders OHV Staging Area
• BLM, Arizona fire restrictions
• Maricopa County, Off-Highway Vehicles
• Maricopa County, Ordinance P-28