PHOENIX - Arizona State Parks and Trails has completed Phase 1 construction on a new off-highway vehicle trailhead and staging area between Buckskin Mountain and River Island state parks. An official ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for June 12, 2025, at 10 a.m. 

Desert area trails south of SR 95 can now be accessed from this new staging area. The OHV staging area allows riders a secure location to stage their tow vehicles, perform OHV  pre-ride safety checks, and gear up before hitting the trail. The staging area provides access to a variety of riding opportunities throughout Arizona's OHV region 4, including connections with the Arizona Peace Trail and direct access to the Nellie E. Saloon, also known as the Desert Bar.

The new parking facilities feature a paved and fenced parking area for vehicles and trailers, and signage kiosk.. Phase 2 of development includes lighting, restrooms, picnic ramadas and tables, and other enhancements.

This trailhead development project was made possible by a grant from the Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Fund, generated from Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) decal sales and gas tax revenues. The fund provides opportunities for OHV education, outreach, trail building, trail maintenance, law enforcement, signage, support facility development, as well as emergency repairs and vandalism prevention.

OHV visitors inject local economies with tourism dollars; the value of motorized trail use to Arizona is $5.2 billion per year, as reported in the 2020 Economic Value of Trails report by Arizona State Parks and Trails. Among Arizona OHV users, the majority of motorized trail use in La Paz County is by residents of La Paz, Pima, and Maricopa counties, for which top destinations include Parker, Quartzsite, and Bouse. The project also aligns with Arizona State Parks and Trails Motorized Trail Plan released in 2020, which identified the connection of trails, parks, and communities as a first-level priority of Arizona trail enthusiasts. 

The Off-Highway Vehicle Program of Arizona State Parks and Trails works to provide accurate and relevant information to Arizona trail riders and to promote safe and ethical use of motorized trails. For the most up-to-date information on Arizona State Parks and Trails Statewide OHV Program and riding opportunities, visit the website at azstateparks.com/ohv.

Connecting people with the outdoors and history of Arizona to build a lifetime of memories.

For information about the more than 30 Arizona state parks and natural areas, trails, Off-Highway Vehicle program, and State Historic Preservation Office, call 1-877-MY-PARKS or visit AZStateParks.com. 

PRESS CONTACT: Michelle Thompson at (480) 589-8877 - Email: pio@azstateparks.gov