Arizona is the sixth-largest state in the USA, and its nearly 114,000 square miles are packed with beautiful, diverse landmarks and geography, including three national parks and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. There's so much to see in Arizona, you could spend weeks exploring and still have more to discover.
Arizona makes up the Southwest corner of the Four Corners region, with Utah to the North, New Mexico to the East, and Colorado to the Northeast. The lowest elevation in the state is 72 feet above sea level, and the highest elevation is a stunning 12,637 feet at the top of Humphreys Peak.
World-famous natural phenomena like the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, and the Petrified Forest draw visitors to Arizona each year. And if you're looking for a great spot in the USA to haul your aluminum ATV or side-by-side trailer and get some serious off-roading in on your next vacation - Arizona is the place to go!
If you need a new four-wheeler trailer, start here: ALCOM's ATV trailer guide breaks down the pros and cons of our open and enclosed aluminum trailers. Your local ALCOM dealer can help you choose the right size, style, and options -- like tie-downs, cabinets, or light and power packages -- for your trailer. Once your trailer, tow vehicle and ATVs are ready, it's time to plan your trip to Arizona.
Wide, open spaces and stunning views are waiting on Arizona's off-road trails. To ride in the Grand Canyon state, your OHV (off-highway vehicle) must be registered, and you'll need a decal, which is available online from the Arizona Game & Fish Department. Take some time to learn about the regulations and read the Arizona State Parks & Trails guide for more important insider details on four-wheeling in the Grand Canyon state.
One important thing to remember: Arizona is huge. It's jam-packed with national monuments, natural wonders, and beautiful sights to see. The biggest challenge when planning an Arizona trip is how to narrow down your choices! With so many miles to cover, you might decide to choose one part of the state to explore on your next trip -- and return again for more adventure.
The Cinder Hills OHV Area, located in the Coconino National Forest, delivers a four-wheeling experience with stunning views. Explore the 13,500-acre Cinder Hills wilderness with its volcanic landscape and ponderosa pines (download a map here!) for an unforgettable day on your ATV.
For high-elevation adventure, nearby Flagstaff makes a great home base. This high-elevation city offers outdoor activities year-round, from hiking to skiing. If you’d rather camp out than stay in town, choose rustic camping in the Cinder Hills OHV area or reserve a spot at the nearby Bonito Campground. While you’re in the area, don’t miss a visit to Sunset Crater to explore lava flows created 1,000 years ago during the most recent volcanic eruption in Arizona. For a thrilling hike with access to historic cliff dwellings, explore Walnut Canyon National Monument.
Separated from the rest of the state by the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River, this wild section of northwest Arizona has only three major roads. With a population of fewer than 10,000 people, the Arizona Strip is easier to access from neighboring Utah than from the rest of Arizona, and much of the land is protected in national monuments.
Famous sights like Horseshoe Bend and the Vermilion Cliffs are found in the Arizona Strip, and this remote area is a perfect place to rev up the ATV (or a Jeep, if you prefer) and put some miles under your tires. Choose the Point Sublime Trail to venture into Grand Canyon National Park and see the canyon from the North Rim, or explore the stunning Vermilion Cliffs and head for White Pocket, near the Utah/Arizona border.
Don't forget to pack your first aid kit and plenty of water, plus any extra supplies you need while exploring the Arizona Strip, since cell phone service is limited in some areas. If Lake Powell is among your bucket list to-visit spots, consider staying in Page, Arizona, where you can access the lake, the Arizona Strip, and the rest of the state. This lakeside city is a gateway to outdoor adventure in the Southwest.
Head south from Sedona on Route 17 and enter the Sonoran Desert region of Arizona. It's more square miles than you can cover in one vacation, but this region offers something for everyone. The Sonoran is the hottest desert in North America, and you'll find the cities of Phoenix and Tucson within its borders. These cities are about two hours' drive apart and comprise the largest population centers in the state.
Whichever hub you choose, you won't have to travel far to hit the ATV trails! Near Phoenix, The Rolls OHV area has about 65 miles of trails to explore. Montana Mountain's 45-mile loop trail is an exciting challenge for adventurous riders. The Phoenix ATV/UTV Club compiled a list of trails around the area.
If you opt to stay near Tucson, check out Redington Pass, a 27-mile ATV trail featuring small jumps and water crossings. Explore the Charouleau Gap if you dare -- it's a challenging route for UTVs! While you're exploring the desert, don't miss a sight you can only find in one part of the world: the Saguaro cactus, which grows in the Sonoran Desert.
Still need more trail details? Check out AZOffroad.net's guide to Arizona off-roading trails for a tried-and-true local perspective. Now that you've had a taste of the UTV and ATV adventures waiting for you in Arizona, it's time to make sure your trailer is ready, your tow vehicle is gassed up, and your bags are packed!
Still need a trailer? ALCOM builds ATV and UTV trailers in open and enclosed styles, featuring our all-aluminum construction. Our network of local dealers are standing by, ready to help you find the perfect trailer for your Arizona vacation and the road beyond.