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By CJ Rena Johnson
Boulder OHV Park near Phoenix AZ
A riding area
you could really get stuck on!
Heading Into A Bottom Wash Out
Cacti of a different name pretty much
all stick you the same!
Getting Ready To Go Down A Hill
Traversing Through A Ravine
Coming Into the Stage/Training Area From
the Trails
View from one of the Higher Peaks in the
Park |
I was lucky enough to attend the
Kawasaki
2009 Teryx 750 FI 4x4 Sport Press Intro in
Phoenix, Arizona in December, 2008. They treated
us to a full day’s ride out on the Boulders OHV
park system, near Pleasant, Arizona so we could
fully test the Teryx in all the different
terrains and riding conditions. I was as
impressed with the OHV Park as I was with the Teryx.
In the Boulder OHV Park, there are approximately
200 miles of amazing desert trails at elevations
ranging from 1700–3300 feet elevations. Most of
the trails are considered easy and are marked
quite well. There is even a novice learning area
within the main staging area, where you can
learn to ride or even take an occasional safety
course. The wonderful trails in this park
meander through the very scenic and
awe-inspiring area of the Hieroglyphics Mountain
Range.
Much of the surrounding vegetation is protected,
so be very careful not to get off the trail. Not
only will you endanger the protected plants, but
you might also find yourself stuck on this new
terrain, and I do mean literally. The area is
covered with all kinds of cacti from the
towering Saguaro Cactus, which are fairly easy
to dodge, to the “Jumping Cholla Cactus” which I
am convinced is called that because if you get
anywhere near one of them, several of the tiny
spines seem to jump out and attach themselves to
you in a most determined, and sometimes quite
painful way.
So as tempting as that hill climb in the
distance might be, stay on the designated
trails. You will find everything you could want
from an awesome desert trail system if you just
keep going through the park. As you wind past
old windmills and corrals, which are typical of
this beautiful southwestern area, you will find
whoops, washes, rock-crawling areas, hill
climbs, gullies, flat areas to test out those
machines at higher speeds and even a cattle
crossing or two.
Boulders OHV Park is open year round. Most of
the land is BLM (Bureau of Land Management).
Many of the trails stretch all the way into
neighboring regions. You will want to carry a
map and watch your signs so as to avoid any
trespassing issues, as these trails do sometimes
go through a mix of public land as well as state
and privately owned property. Also, the trails
are well marked; so if you just pay attention,
there shouldn’t be any problems. There are a few
sections that State Trust Permits are required
to ride legally. Information about obtaining
these permits can be found in the information
section below or you can apply online by going
to
http://www.land.state.az.us/programs/natural/recreation_permit.htm.
Although quite flexible in a lot of ways with no
restrictions on ATVs, 4x4s, jeeps, buggies,
bicycles, horseback riding, hiking, night
riding, and the use of flags, camping, or
campfires, there are some rules that must be
followed.
Spark arrestors are required and noise limits
are enforced throughout the park. Firearms and
fireworks are prohibited. Trail cutting in any
form is strictly forbidden. There are dedicated
rangers/officers, Jeep and SUV patrol that
monitor this area to enforce these rules.
Camping is permitted in designated areas
throughout the park. Even though this park gets
very busy during the weekends, especially during
the winter and spring, there are a large number
of good camping spots, so you can usually find
an excellent place to set up.
This is a very nice and well maintained riding
area and well worth the trip to try it out for
yourself. So consider it the next time you want
to go out with your friends for a real adventure
in ATVing or to host a riding event. This was
the perfect location for the Press Event put on
by Kawasaki. The weather was perfect, the trails
diverse, and the staging area plenty big enough
for an elaborate set up hosted by the Kawasaki
team. There was also unlimited photo and video
opportunities throughout the park.
So head on out and see for yourself. From
Phoenix, AZ, you would take Hwy 17 north to exit
223 which is the Carefree Hwy exit. Turn left
going west off the exit ramp and go 18.7 miles
and take a right on a gravel road just past mile
marker 12. It is not marked but you can see a
kiosk for the park entrance. The GPS coordinates
are N 33º 50.550’ W 112º 26.477' for the main
staging area.
For up-to-date information on the trail system
and permit applications/purchases you can
contact either of the following:
Bureau of Land Management Phoenix Field Office
21605 N 7th Ave,
Phoenix AZ 85027
(623) 580-5500
www.blm.gov
Arizona State Land Department
1616 West Adams Street
Phoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 364-2753
inquiry@land.az.gov
www.land.state.az.us
And remember safety first! As always, decide now
to have an awesome day.
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