Wildcat OHV Staging Area
Wildcat OHV Staging Area is accessed off Bartlett Dam Road, 3/4 mile east of the Cave Creek District Office. This popular staging area provides ample parking for trailers and tow vehicles to access Desert Vista OHV Permit Zone. A vault toilet is provided, and a tot lot for youth and new riders to safely practice their new skills will soon be under construction adjacent to the staging area!
The surrounding trails that lead from the Wildcat OHV Staging Area provide a variety of opportunity for motorized recreation. Please stay on designated routes, and note when routes are single track vs. full-size vehicle capable.
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. The magnificent saguaros stand tall throughout the area, although you'll notice efforts from volunteers to transplant young saguaros and other desert vegetation so that this area will remain a vibrant saguaro environment.
All motorized vehicles in the Desert Vista OHV Permit Zone need a Tonto NF OHV Permit. Vehicles parked in the OHV Staging Area do not need an 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!
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 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
OHV Permits are not required for vehicles parked in the OHV Staging Area.
Restrictions
- No overnight camping and no campfires in the 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 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.
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: 33.847650, Longitude: -111.816670
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 one mile to the turn-off for the staging area on your right
See Map of the Desert Vista OHV Permit Zone that includes the location of the Wildcat OHV Staging Area.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Vault toilet available at the staging area.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are allowed at this site.
Recreation Groups
Desert Vista OHV Permit Zone motorized use area on the Cave Creek Ranger District.