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Recreation Region: Mesa Ranger District

Hackamore OHV Staging Area

The Hackamore OHV Staging Area is one of the southern entrances to the Bulldog Canyon OHV Permit Zone. Located at the end of Hackamore Road near Apache Junction, this access point is adjacent to other agency lands such as BLM and State Lands; be aware of your location at all times and please be respectful of homeowners when driving through neighborhoods.

There are several unique non-motorized trails throughout this area, known as the Sonoran Desert Trail System. Feel free to explore the area and enjoy the beautiful Sonoran Desert, along with magnificent views of the Superstition Mountains! Please stay on marked routes; motorized vehicles must stay on motorized routes and should not drive on the non-motorized trails. 

OHV use is a large attraction for Wolverine OHV Staging Area; all motorized vehicles entering the Bulldog Canyon OHV Permit Zone need a Tonto NF OHV Permit. Vehicles parked in the staging area do not need a permit, but once you pass the entrance gate you will need an OHV Permit. Check out the FAQ sheet for more information on when and where a permit is required. Please stay on designated trails and check out the Rules and Regulations of the area before heading out on the trails. 

General Information

The gate remains open and no locks or gate combinations are needed. The gate will only be closed if an emergency closure (i.e. flooding, wildfire, etc.) is in place. 

Year-round

Staging Area is day-use only. No camping within 1 mile of the entrance.

Permits are required for motorized vehicle use in Bulldog Canyon 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
  • Camping is prohibited for the first mile from each access gate, with the exception of Blue Point access gate; camping is prohibited for the first two miles from this gate. See closure order for more details on camping restriction within Bulldog Canyon.
  • Where camping is allowed beyond the 1 mile mark, 14 stay limit within a 30 day period.
  • 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.
  • Stay on designated trails; there is no access to the river within Bulldog Canyon OHV Permit Zone. 

No fees are required to park at the OHV Staging Area. Motorized vehicle use into Bulldog Canyon 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. 

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

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 33.4665482

Longitude: -111.5081438

Directions

Coordinates: Latitude: 33.466617, Longitude: -111.508122

Directions:

  1. Exit US 60 Superstition Freeway at SR 88 Apache Trail.
  2. Continue northeast on SR 88 Apache Trail approximately 3 miles to Hackamore Road.
  3. North on Hackamore Road approximately 1.5 miles to the access point.

See Map of Bulldog Canyon OHV Permit Zone that includes the location of the Hackamore OHV Staging Area. 

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.

Recreation Opportunities

Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV)

OHV Road RidingOHV Road Riding
OHV Trail RidingOHV Trail Riding

Recreation Groups

Scenic OHV Trail in Bulldog Canyon OHV Permit Zone

Bulldog Canyon OHV Permit Zone motorized use area on the Mesa Ranger District.

Last updated April 22nd, 2025