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Bobcat OHV Staging Area

The Bobcat OHV Staging Area is the second parking lot on Forest Road 402, also known as the Sugarloaf area. This staging area is just 1/2 mile past the first staging area and will be on your left hand side (south side) as you travel down FR 402 from State Route 87. This is a large staging area with ample space for towing vehicles with trailers. There is no camping allowed in the staging areas.

The first 2 miles of FR 402 has several dispersed target shooting pits along the hillsides. 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.

No permits are currently required for this area, but a permit will be required in the future. Please Pack-it-in Pack-it-out and recreate responsibly! This area has experienced several wildfires over the last 5 years, so please stay on designated trails to allow this fragile ecosystem time to grow back.

General Information

Year-round

Staging Area is day-use only. Camping may be allowed outside of the staging area (not blocking roads/trails, etc.).

No Tonto NF permit or fee is currently required, but in the near future this area will be included in the Tonto NF OHV Permit and a permit will be required. Stay tuned for updates!

Note that OHV's must follow state laws and display an OHV decal. Visit Arizona Game and Fish Department's website for more information.

Restrictions

No overnight camping and no campfires in the OHV Staging Area
14 day stay limit in other Forest areas outside the staging area
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.

Guided tours may be available. 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 Mesa Ranger Station building with a clear sky in the background.

Address: 5140 E Ingram St, Mesa, AZ 85205
Phone: (480) 610-3300
Hours: Open Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (closed noon to 12:30 p.m.) Passes, permits and products not sold after 4 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Directions

Coordinates: Latitude: 33.682755; Longitude: -111.510606

Directions:

North on SR 87; continue approximately 15 miles past Fountain Hills to the turn-off for Sugarloaf Mountain and Four Peaks Road.  
West towards Sugarloaf Mountain on FR402, approximately ½ mile from the gate to the staging area on the left.