Cottonwood OHV Staging Area
This is the 3rd staging area you come to as you travel up FR143 (Four Peaks Road) from SR-87. It is located at the FR143 / 401 junction and accesses The Rolls OHV Permit Zone to the south. Cottonwood Trailhead (non-motorized) lies at the end of FR401 along with many popular dispersed camping areas along FR401. Please remember to Pack-it-in Pack-it-out!
Cottonwood OHV Staging Area provides beautiful views of the Four Peaks Mountains! However, this area has recently experienced several wildfires, so please stay on designated trails to allow this fragile ecosystem time to grow back. The magnificent saguaros stand tall throughout the area, although you'll notice efforts from volunteers to transplant young saguaros so that this area will remain a vibrant saguaro environment.
If you plan to travel south from this staging area into The Rolls OHV Permit Zone with a motorized vehicle (including on FR401), you'll need a Tonto NF OHV Permit. Traveling on Four Peaks Road does not require an OHV Permit.
General Information
Year-round
Staging Area is day-use only. Camping may be allowed outside of the staging area (not blocking roads/trails, etc.).
Permits are required for motorized vehicle use in The Rolls 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
OHV Permits are not required for vehicles parked in the OHV Staging Area.
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.
No fees are required to park at the OHV Staging Area. Motorized vehicle use south into The Rolls OHV Permit Zone requires a Tonto NF OHV Permit, which can be purchased from Recreation.gov.
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.
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: 33.666600, Longitude: -111.473851
Directions:
- North on SR 87; continue approximately 15 miles past Fountain Hills to the turn-off for Four Peaks Road FR143
- East on Four Peaks Road FR143, approximately 2 miles to the staging area, at the intersection of FR143 and FR401
See Map of The Rolls OHV Permit Zone that includes the location of the Cottonwood OHV Staging Area. Note FR143 is outside of The Rolls OHV Permit Zone, but FR401 is within the Permit Zone.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
No restrooms are available at this time, but they will be coming soon!
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.
