Other Permits

Bulldog Canyon & St. Clair OHV Permit Zones

Recreationists who operate motorized vehicles, including off-highway vehicles (OHVs) in the Bulldog Canyon OHV Permit Zone on the Mesa Ranger District and St. Clair OHV Permit Zone on the Cave Creek Ranger District must obtain a permit online through www.recreation.gov. Paper permits are no longer available at the District Offices.

The online permit process includes a $6 administrative fee to cover the cost of operating the online service. One permit gives you access to both OHV Permit Zones. Each operator must have a permit issued to their name. Passengers not operating a motorized vehicle in the permit zones do not need a permit. OHV operators under the age of 16 do not need a permit as long as they are accompanied by an adult with a permit.

To reserve a permit on www.recreation.gov, search for “Tonto National Forest Off-Highway Vehicle Permit” and follow the prompts to purchase the permit. You can have the permit digitally on your mobile device or printed, but you must be able to display the permit if asked by a law enforcement officer. Note the confirmation email is not the proof of permit. The permit will also include gate combinations to unlock the access gates to the Bulldog Canyon OHV Permit Zone. Please close and lock the gates behind you.

For additional information, contact the Mesa Ranger District about the Bulldog Canyon OHV Permit Zone at 480-610-3300 or the Cave Creek Ranger District about the St. Clair OHV Permit Zone at 480-595-3300 weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Coming Soon!

New Tonto NF OHV Permit Required for motorized access to Bulldog Canyon, The Rolls, St. Clair, and Desert Vista OHV Permit Zones starting January 1, 2025. OHV Permit Frequently Asked Questions

A new fee has been approved for 5 OHV Permit Zones on the Tonto NF. Four of the five locations will begin implementation 1/1/25; the last location, Lower Sycamore, will not begin requiring the permit until after all National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements have been met, date TBD.

Go to the OHV Riding and Camping webpage for more information about each OHV Permit Zone.