Off roading in Az (Prescott: moving, swimming pool, castle)

[rambrush]

This is info I pulled down from the Az game and fish website.

Yes. You must have a recreational permit or a hunting or fishing license to be on State Land. However, a hunting or fishing license is valid only if you are actively engaged in hunting or fishing. Recreational Permits are available for individuals and families and are issued for one year from the date of purchase. The Individual Permit is $15.00 and the Family Permit is $20.00. Non-profit group and event recreational permits are also available. They require a different permit and usually require a longer processing time. You may pick up your recreational permit in person at the State Land Department main office at 1616 West Adams, Phoenix AZ 85007. Permit applications can also be requested by mail or by telephone during normal business hours by calling (602) 364-2753. Learn more about Arizona off-highway vehicle law, rules and regulations


State motor vehicle laws apply on many Forest Service and BML roads, meaning your vehicle must be registered and you must be licensed. A good rule of thumb is if a passenger car can use the road, your vehicle will need to be "street legal". Some roads and trails are open to unlicensed recreational motor vehicles. Check with the local land manager for information on road status. Learn more about Arizona off-highway vehicle law, rules and regulations

[kdog]

Originally Posted by rambrush

Yes. You must have a recreational permit or a hunting or fishing license to be on State Land.

Rambrush, two questions. 1) Do you get recreational permits? I don't know anybody who does. And 2) Is there much in the way of state land to worry about? I thought most of the open land around here was BLM, which of course is federal. Thanks.

[Mouser]

Gregsrollin,

Here some more information

The 1st thing to do is to get a State Land Permit;
http://www.land.state.az.us/programs/natural/recreation_permit.htm

When Arizona became a State the Federal Government set aside
a huge portion of land to fund education known as 'State Trust Land'
endless miles of trails you can ride all over the state !

The above link will take you right to the permit section and be sure
take a look at the home page for the most current updates & information.

Add to that,

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en.html

U.S. Forest Service;
http://www.fs.fed.us/

Arizona State Parks;
http://www.pr.state.az.us/


I would recommend two books to get and also a GPS
is a Great tool and investment.

(1)Guide to Arizona Back roads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails
By Charles A. Wells
http://4x4books.com/az.htm

(2)Arizona Back Country Adventures
By Peter Massey And Jeanne Wilson
Plus this book Includes GPS Coordinates.
ARIZONA 4X4, 4WD, Jeep & Offroad Books, Trail Guidebooks, Maps & Videos

Arizona Trail Etiquette:

Arizona is 'OPEN RANGE' So Livestock and Wildlife can be anywhere at anytime
this is also most important when Night Driving.

When approaching horses on the trail, it is very important to pull to the side and turn off your engine to prevent spooking a horse and potentially throwing it's rider. This simple action also helps to build good will between the off roaders and equestrian communities. Additionally, removing a helmet while stopped is highly recommended.

A note on Personal & Family Protection:

Arizona, Although Very Beautiful can also be very Dangerous
Always be aware of what and who's around you and Expect the
Unexpected.

Arizona is an "OPEN CARRY' State meaning,A deadly weapon which is immediately accessible and carried openly by a means that makes it obvious to a casual observer the person is carrying a deadly weapon ("OPEN CARRY")

If your a licensed CCW holder in your home state, Please review the following
links for the most update current information;

http://www.azdps.gov/ http://opencarry.org/ http://www.usacarry.com/

http://www.carryconcealed.net/packngo/index..php

[Sensimilla]

There is a HUGE community of outdoor enthusiasts in Arizona, they're just not around here, try looking for area specific off road forums, like loco4x4, which is a local rock-crawling forum.

[rambrush]

Originally Posted by kdog

Rambrush, two questions. 1) Do you get recreational permits? I don't know anybody who does. And 2) Is there much in the way of state land to worry about? I thought most of the open land around here was BLM, which of course is federal. Thanks.

No
I have plates on my truck and a drivers license, figure that is good enough. I have a 06 Tundra with plenty of desert pinstripping been up and down most every wash and drainage around Oatman / Silvercreek and never been questioned.

[kdog]

Well, if you ever see a Jeep around town that looks like this, wave, because it's me.

[rambrush]

That looks way to clean and purty

This is mine outside of Oatman

[Gregsrollin]

Thank you all for responding. I knew there had to be an off road community in Ph, just take a little more to find them. Thanks for the all the links plus the heads up on the "open carry" policy. That takes responsible riding to a whole new level

[notmuch69]

There are hundreds of miles of trails in AZ. We regularily ride our ATV's 80+ miles in a day on old mining roads. Crown King is a great living ghost town hub in the mountains with numerous trails in all directions.

[KarmaPhx]

There is a "back road" from Lake Pleasant to Crown King, it's fun if you have never done it before, but you do need 4x4 for some of it.

I do suggest getting the permit, I have been stopped MANY times while shooting/off roading out near lake pleasant since much of it is the trust land. The permit is only $15 I believe for a year.

BE SAFE and watch out for other people, tons of kids on ATVs who don't know what they're doing, even worse the 16 year olds in daddys 4x4.