Skip to main content
Site Open
Recreation Region: Cave Creek Ranger District

2119 OHV Trailhead

This OHV trailhead provides access to the Desert Vista OHV Permit Zone from Needle Rock Road. MT-2119 is accessible from Needle Rock Road or along 176th Street near Wildcat Drive. There is no staging or parking at either end of MT-2119; this area merely provides access into the Desert Vista OHV Permit Zone. 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]

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

Access Point: 2119 from Needle Rock Road

Coordinates: Latitude: 33.7598390, Longitude: -111.6769960

Directions:

  1. Exit AZ-101 at North Pima Rd.
  2. Continue North on Pima Road to East Dynamite Blvd and travel 3 miles to where it merges with Rio Verde Drive.
  3. Follow Rio Verde Drive for another 9 ½ miles to Forest Road (FR) 20 and turn left.
  4. The access for MT-2119 is just less than 2 miles down FR 20 on your left. 

Access Point: 176th Street & Wildcat Drive

Coordinates: Latitude: 33.766610, Longitude: -111.700202

Directions:

  1. Exit AZ-101 at North Pima Rd.
  2. Continue North on Pima Road to East Dynamite Blvd and travel 3 miles to where it merges with Rio Verde Drive.
  3. Head North on North 172nd Street for approximately 1.2 miles.
  4. Turn Right onto East Windstone Trail.
  5. Turn Left onto North 174th Street.
  6. Turn Right onto East Wildcat Drive.
  7. Turn Right onto N 176th Drive.
  8. The Access Point is immediately on your left.

See Map of the Desert Vista OHV Permit Zone that includes the location of the 2119 access point(s).

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

Desert Scenery with Motorized Trail in the Distance

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

Last updated April 23rd, 2025