2117 OHV Trailhead
This OHV trailhead provides access to the Desert Vista OHV Permit Zone from Needle Rock Road at MT-2117. There is no staging or parking; this area merely provides access into the Desert Vista OHV Permit Zone.
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]
This OHV trailhead is just a quick drive away from Needle Rock Recreation Site; if you're looking for a place to cool-off from the summer heat, the Verde River day use sites are just down the road! Note there is no motorized vehicle access to the river, and a Tonto Daily Pass is required at the Needle Rock Recreation Area. Motorized vehicles travelling down Needle Rock Road must be street legal.
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.
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: 33.7706987, Longitude: -111.6671303
Directions:
- Exit AZ-101 at North Pima Rd.
- Continue North on Pima Road to East Dynamite Blvd and travel 3 miles to where it merges with Rio Verde Drive.
- Follow Rio Verde Drive for another 9 ½ miles to Forest Road (FR) 20 and turn left.
- The access for MT-2119 is just less than 3 miles down FR 20 on your left.
See Map of the Desert Vista OHV Permit Zone that includes the location of the 2117 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 Groups
Desert Vista OHV Permit Zone motorized use area on the Cave Creek Ranger District.