Telegraph Line East OHV Trailhead
The iconic Telegraph Line Trail (MT-42) lies within the St. Clair OHV Permit Zone on the Cave Creek Ranger District. This challenging 4WD trail is just under 10 miles long of rugged trail with off-camber terrain, beautiful views of Bartlett and Horseshoe Lakes, and the Sonoran Desert. Experienced drivers with modified vehicles are highly recommended. Please do not go around challenging features or damage resources to make your trip easier; help us keep this route challenging and fun!
The Telegraph Line East OHV Trailhead is the main access point for the Telegraph Line Trail MT-42. This is a one-way route, and should only be travelled from east to west due to the narrow nature of the trail and lack of pull-outs. This access point is not a large staging area; it is merely an air-down location off North Lake Road prior to entering St. Clair OHV Permit Zone. Please do not stage vehicles or trailers here and block the entrance.
The entrance is designed with a "gate keeper" challenge feature to prevent inexperienced drivers from entering the trail. It will give you an idea of the kind of terrain and environment you will have to put your vehicle through on MT-42.
All motorized vehicles in St. Clair OHV Permit Zone need a Tonto NF OHV Permit. For more information about the OHV Permit, check out the FAQ sheet.
St. Clair OHV Trails map [PDF, 1 page]
See the St. Clair handout for more information about the St. Clair OHV Permit Zone.
General Information
Year-round
Trailhead is day-use only. Camping may be allowed within the OHV Permit Zone, with the exception of Devil's Hole recreation area which is also day-use only.
Permits are required for motorized vehicle use in the St. Clair OHV Permit Zone. For more information on when a permit is required, see the FAQ sheet. Purchase an OHV Permit at Recreation.gov. Permits are as follows:
- 3-day Permit: $10
- 6-month Permit: $60
- Annual Permit: $80
Restrictions
- No overnight camping and no campfires at the trailhead
- 14 day stay limit in other Forest areas outside of the trailhead
- The Devil's Hole destination is a day-use site. Because water levels can fluctuate at a moment’s notice, this area should not be used for camping.
- The Telegraph Line Trail MT-42 is one-way only; vehicles must travel this route from east to west to provide safety for all visitors. This route is very narrow and can not safely accommodate two-way traffic.
- 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.
Motorized vehicle use into the St. Clair OHV Permit Zone requires a Tonto NF OHV Permit, which can be purchased from Recreation.gov.
A Special Use Permit is required to operate commercially on the Tonto National Forest. Contact your local Ranger District Office for more information.
Address: 40202 North Cave Creek Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85262
Phone: (480) 595-3300
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (closed noon to 1 pm) Closed Saturday and Sunday (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Directions
Coordinates: Latitude: 33.865132, Longitude: -111.627234
Directions:
- Exit AZ-101 at North Pima Rd.
- Continue North on Pima Road to Cave Creek Road.
- East on Cave Creek Road to Bartlett Dam Road.
- Head East down Bartlett Dam Road until North Lake Road (FR 459).
- Continue North on North Lake Road.
- Access point is approximately 1.8 miles on your left; if you’ve reached the Yellow Cliffs Boating Launch site you’ve gone too far. This access point can be hidden from vegetation and comes up quick!
See Map of the St. Clair OHV Permit Zone that includes the location of the Telegraph Line Trail Entrance.
Parking
This is not a large staging area; please do not stage trailers or block the entrance to the St. Clair OHV Permit Zone.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
No restrooms are available at this time.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are not available at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV)
OHV Road Riding
OHV Trail RidingRecreation Groups
St. Clair OHV Permit Zone motorized use area on the Cave Creek Ranger District.