The Hieroglyphic Mountains Loop, also called the Boulders OHV Area, is one of Arizona Outdoor Fun Rentals favorite off-road trail areas. Rent one of our ATVs, Dirt Bikes, Sport Quads or UTVs and spend the day in this scenic low desert area close to Phoenix. Read on for more details about what makes this off road spot so exceptional.

With Prescott National Forest to the north, Lake Pleasant to the east, and Wickenburg to the west, the Hieroglyphic Mountains Area has spectacular desert scenery. It is 35 miles northwest of Phoenix. To reach the staging area, called the Boulders OHV Area, take Interstate 17 north to exit 223B for Arizona 74, also called Carefree Highway. Drive 18 miles on Arizona 74. Boulders OHV Area entrance is between mile markers 11 and 12. Drive one mile north to reach the staging area.

The Hieroglyphic Mountains Loop has miles of trails and primitive camping is available at the Boulders staging area, so you can visit for hours or days. You will see plenty of plants and animals native to the Sonoran desert, such as Saguaro and Cholla cactus and desert tortoise, wild burros and many species of lizards and birds.

The Hieroglyphic Mountains Loop can be ridden as one large loop; however, it is often split into north and south areas, since it is so large. The north area is a 13 mile loop for more advanced riders. It has steep hills, sharp turns and rocky wash sections, and takes at least four hours to complete. The south area is a four mile loop around the Boulders staging area, and is an easier trail for beginners. It has easier trails with small hills and gentle turns, and can be completed in about an hour. There is also a fenced-in spot for training at the Boulders staging area so novices can practice before hitting the trails.

Preparations are needed before going to this outdoor recreation site. Drinking water is not available at the staging area or on any of the trails, so be sure to bring plenty with you. It is also a pack in/pack out site, meaning there is no trash collection, so everything you arrive with needs to leave with you. Finally, the area will be closed if a High Pollution Advisory for PM10 is issued by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, so be sure to check before you leave.