The Complete Guide to UTV Trails Near Scottsdale

The Sonoran Desert surrounding Scottsdale and Phoenix is one of the best places in the country to ride a UTV. Miles of rugged terrain, stunning desert scenery, and year-round riding weather make this area a destination for off-road enthusiasts from all over the Southwest.

Whether you own a side-by-side or are renting one for the day through ThrottleShare, here is your complete guide to the best UTV trails near Scottsdale, Arizona.

1. Bulldog Canyon OHV Area

Distance from Scottsdale: 25 minutes east
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Permit required: Yes (free permit from Mesa Ranger District)

Bulldog Canyon is the most popular OHV area near Scottsdale for good reason. It offers a network of trails through classic Sonoran Desert terrain with saguaro cacti, rock formations, and views of the Superstition Mountains. The trails range from smooth dirt roads perfect for beginners to rocky washes that will test your suspension.

Important: you need a free permit from the Tonto National Forest Mesa Ranger District. Permits are limited to control traffic, so plan ahead and apply online.

2. Table Mesa Road / Bloody Basin

Distance from Scottsdale: 45 minutes north via I-17
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Permit required: No

Table Mesa Road runs north from I-17 exit 259 and connects to the Bloody Basin area, offering some of the most varied terrain in central Arizona. You will ride through high desert grasslands, rocky creek beds, and rolling hills with panoramic views. The further you go, the rougher it gets. Experienced riders love the challenge, while beginners can stick to the main road and still have an incredible time.

3. Four Peaks Wilderness Area (Perimeter Trails)

Distance from Scottsdale: 50 minutes northeast
Difficulty: Moderate
Permit required: Tonto Pass ($8/day)

While you cannot ride inside the designated wilderness, the forest roads surrounding Four Peaks are outstanding for UTVs. FR 143 (Four Peaks Road) climbs from the desert floor into pine country, offering dramatic elevation changes and views of Roosevelt Lake. This is one of the most scenic rides within an hour of Scottsdale.

4. Box Canyon / Florence Junction

Distance from Scottsdale: 55 minutes southeast
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Permit required: No

Box Canyon, off Highway 60 near Florence Junction, is a wide-open riding area with miles of desert trails. It is particularly popular during the cooler months from October through April. The terrain is mostly flat with gentle rolling hills, making it a great option for families or groups with mixed experience levels. Several trails connect to the historic mining areas east of Phoenix.

5. Rolls / Hackamore OHV Area

Distance from Scottsdale: 40 minutes north
Difficulty: Easy
Permit required: No

Located north of Carefree near the Rolls area, this network of trails is ideal for beginners and casual riders. The terrain is gentle, the trails are well-marked, and the scenery includes classic desert views with the Verde River valley in the distance. It is a popular staging area on weekends, so arrive early for the best parking.

Essential Tips for UTV Riding Near Scottsdale

• Hydration: Arizona heat is no joke. Bring at least one gallon of water per person, even in winter.
• Sun protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a buff or neck gaiter are essentials.
• Tires: Check tire pressure before and during your ride. Arizona terrain is full of sharp rocks and cactus spines.
• Permits: Always check whether your trail requires a permit. Fines are steep in Tonto National Forest.
• Flag: Arizona law requires a whip flag on all OHVs. Most rental UTVs on ThrottleShare come equipped with one.
• Stay on designated trails: Riding off-trail damages the fragile desert ecosystem and is illegal on national forest land.

No UTV? No Problem.

You do not need to own a side-by-side to enjoy these trails. ThrottleShare connects you with UTV owners across the Phoenix and Scottsdale area who rent their vehicles by the day. Browse available UTVs, book your dates, and hit the trails without the hassle of ownership, storage, or maintenance.