Sycamore OHV Staging Area
The Sycamore OHV Staging Area is the second parking lot on Forest Road 403, also known as the Lower Sycamore area. This is the larger of the two main OHV staging areas as you enter into Lower Sycamore Creek. This staging area provides ample parking for towing vehicles and trailers, but please be respectful of other users and do not block off areas or vehicles. There is no camping allowed in the staging areas. The main fun is out on the trails!
This area has experienced several wildfires over the last 5 years, so please stay on designated trails to allow this fragile ecosystem time to grow back. Designated routes are marked with trail numbers.
No permits are currently required for this area, but a permit will be required in the future. Please Pack-it-in Pack-it-out and recreate responsibly!
General Information
Year-round
Staging Area is day-use only. Camping may be allowed outside of the staging area (not blocking roads/trails, etc.), maximum stay 14 days within a 30 day period.
No Tonto NF permit or fee is currently required, but in the near future this area will be included in the Tonto NF OHV Permit and a permit will be required. Stay tuned for updates!
Note that OHV's must follow state laws and display an OHV decal. Visit Arizona Game and Fish Department's website for more information.
Restrictions
- No overnight camping and no campfires in the OHV Staging Area
- 14 day stay limit in other Forest areas outside the staging area
- Pack-it-in Pack-it-out!
- Follow all State Laws such as as helmet requirements, eye protection, spark arrestor and muffler, brakes, headlight and taillight, license plate and AZ State OHV Decal, and rearview mirror. Visit Arizona Game and Fish Department's website for more information.
- Target Shooting: Target Type restrictions are in place. Only target shoot with approved targets. Click here for more information on approved targets and to view the closure order.
Guided tours may be available. A Special Use Permit is required to operate commercially on the Tonto National Forest. Contact your local Ranger District Office for more information.
Address: 5140 E Ingram St, Mesa, AZ 85205
Phone: (480) 610-3300
Hours: Open Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (closed noon to 12:30 p.m.) Passes, permits and products not sold after 4 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Directions
Coordinates: Latitude: 33.641484; Longitude: -111.546357
Directions:
- North on SR 87; continue approximately 10 miles past Fountain Hills to the exit for Bush Highway.
- North on Bush Highway, approximately 1.5 miles to the second (and main) staging area at the bottom of a hill.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are not available at this site.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are allowed at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV)
OHV Road Riding
OHV Trail RidingRecreation Groups
Located in the Mesa Ranger District and less than an hour from Phoenix.