404 OHV Trailhead

This OHV trailhead provides access to the Desert Vista OHV Permit Zone along Bartlett Dam Road at MT-404. There is no staging or parking here; this area merely provides access into the Desert Vista OHV Permit Zone to the south.

The first 1/2 mile of MT-404 has several dispersed target shooting pits along the east hillside. Please shoot responsibly by using a safe backdrop, picking up your empty shells and targets, and not shooting into vegetation. Be sure to follow all fire restrictions- check with the local Ranger District to see if the Forest is in fire restrictions. The Forest also has Target Type restrictions; only target shoot with approved targets. Click here for more information on approved targets and to view the closure order.

After the first 1/2 mile of MT-404, this route is designated as a "less than 60 inch" wide route. This means there is a narrow section of trail that travels through a narrow canyon; full-size vehicles will physically not be able to pass due to the steep, narrow rock walls. Be aware of this section and do not get stuck!

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: 33.8735193, Longitude: -111.7418502

Directions:

Exit 101 freeway at North Pima Road.
Continue north on Pima Road to North Cave Creek Road.
East on Cave Creek Road to Bartlett Dam Road.
East on Bartlett Dam Road, approximately 6 miles where you'll see the MT-404 access point on your right. This access point is almost directly across from the Horseshoe Lake Road junction.

See Map of the Desert Vista OHV Permit Zone that includes the location of the 404 access point.