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Recreation Region: Cave Creek Ranger District

136th Street OHV Trailhead

This OHV trailhead provides access to the Desert Vista OHV Permit Zone at the end of 136th Street. There is no staging or parking here; this area merely provides access into the Desert Vista OHV Permit Zone to the north. Please be respectful of homeowners when driving through neighborhoods, follow all state laws, and stay on designated routes.

All motorized vehicles in the Desert Vista OHV Permit Zone need a Tonto NF OHV Permit. See the OHV Permit FAQ for details about when a motorized use permit is needed. Be sure you’ve reviewed the Rules and Regulations of the OHV areas and please recreate responsibly!

Desert Vista OHV Permit Zone Map [PDF, 1 page]

Current Conditions
This area recently burned, please drive with care and stay on designated trails to protect our fragile desert ecosystem.

General Information

Year-round

Trailhead is day-use only. Camping may be allowed beyond the trailhead and within the Desert Vista OHV Permit Zone (not blocking roads/trails, etc.). 

Permits are required for motorized vehicle use in the Desert Vista 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 the trailhead
  • 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 Desert Vista 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. 

Front view of the Cave Creek Ranger Station building with a clear sky in the background.

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: 33.813902, Longitude: -111.786875

Directions:

  1. Exit AZ-101 at North Pima Rd.
  2. Continue North on Pima Road to East Dynamite Blvd.
  3. Head East on Dynamite Blvd as it turns into Rio Verde Drive.
  4. Head North on North 136th Street.
  5. The Access Point is approximately 2.8 miles at the end of 136th Street.

See Map of the Desert Vista OHV Permit Zone that includes the location of the 136th Street access point.

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

Recreation Groups

USDA Forest Service Logo

Desert Vista OHV Permit Zone motorized use area on the Cave Creek Ranger District. 

Last updated April 23rd, 2025