About Boulders OHV Staging Area
A popular staging area for the Lake Pleasant/Hieroglyphic Mountain Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) recreation area which showcases a motorized off-highway route system in the scenic Upper Sonoran Desert landscape.With over 200 miles of unimproved backcountry roads and single-track motorbike trails, ranging from 1,700 to 3,500 feet in elevation, this recreation area is bound to please any off-highway vehicle enthusiast.The semi-primitive staging area has over 10 acres available for camping and includes a vault toilet and information kiosk. There are no designated campsites, drinking water, dumping stations, picnic tables or shade structures.The best season of use is between October and May.
How to Get There
The staging area is located in Maricopa County, 45 miles north of downtown Phoenix, Arizona, approximately 8 miles west of the Lake Pleasant Regional Park on State Route 74 (Carefree Highway).To access the staging area from the east on Interstate 17, take exit 223 to State Route 74 (Carefree Highway) and head west towards Lake Pleasant Regional Park. To access from the west on U.S. 60, take the Morristown–SR-74 exit and head east on SR-74. The unmarked turnoff to the staging area is on the north side of the road between mile markers 11 and 12. Slow down when approaching the area as the turnoff can be easily overlooked. The staging area is one mile north of the highway turnoff.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Boulders OHV Staging Area
Heading to Boulders OHV Staging Area? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Boulders OHV Staging Area?
No central reservation system listed for Boulders OHV Staging Area. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/262775) for the latest entry policy and availability.
Is Boulders OHV Staging Area accessible?
The toilet is accessible to wheelchair users.
How do I get to Boulders OHV Staging Area?
The staging area is located in Maricopa County, 45 miles north of downtown Phoenix, Arizona, approximately 8 miles west of the Lake Pleasant Regional Park on State Route 74 (Carefree Highway).To access the staging area from the east on Interstate 17, take exit 223 to State Route 74 (Carefree Highway) and head west towards Lake Pleasant Regional Park. To access from the west on U.S. 60, take the Mo…
How do I contact Boulders OHV Staging Area?
You can reach the park at phone: 602-867-5400 or email: blm_az_pdoweb@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources
