Overview Of Cinder Hills
Open: Year Round
Latitude/Longitude: 35°19’41.0″N 111°31’23.0″W
Managed by: USDA Forest Service
Usage: Medium-Heavy
Fee: Free
Camping: Free dispersed camping (no amenities) or see below for Bonito Campground
Location: Northern Arizona / 15 miles north of Flagstaff AZ
Directions:
From Flagstaff
- Drive north on US 89 about 8 miles
- Turn right on FR 776.
Forest Service: Cinder Hills OHVA
Bonito Campground
Developed Camping Less than 15 minutes from OHV Area (by highway)
Open: Late May through mid-October
Latitude/Longitude: 35°22’13.5″N 111°32’37.0″W
Fee: $25 a night for up to 8 people with 1 vehicle, $8 for each additional vehicles
ADA Accessible: 1 site with 1 accessible toilet
Facilites:
44 single spaces with tables, fire rings and grills
Paved roads
Drinking water
Flush toilets
No hook-ups
Quiet hours 10pm – 6am (no generators allowed during this time)
- Directions:
- From Cinder Hills OHV Area
- Travel 7 miles north on Hwy 89
- Turn Right on Loop Rd (County Rd 395/ Fire Rd 545) This road is also the entry to Sunset Crater, so it is well marked and easy to find
Cinder Hills Sand Dunes
This heavy use dune area is easily accessed from Flagstaff.
Even at an elevation of 6,900 feet, it can still get into the 80s on hot summer days with maybe a couple 89 – 91 degree days. Compared to the 110 degree days of the lower desert it’s a big break from the heat, but late June through early September aren’t the best for riding.
Cinder Dunes is comprised of thousands of acres of dunes with 13,500 acres open to off-roading. It offers plenty of varied riding terrain on chunky volcanic cinder sand that is still plenty soft. Enjoy hill climbs as well as miles of high desert trails surrounded by ponderosa pines.
Surrounding the OHV area is an additional 53,000 areas closed to off road use to protect the delicate environment. This is a geographically interesting area with cinder cones and craters formed from a long dormant ancient volcano.
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is practically right next to the monument area, but you can not legally reach it from the OHV area. You must exit the riding area and access Sunset Crater from Hwy 89.
- Cinder Hills OHVA does not connect to the Sunset Crater National Monument or the Strawberry Crater. This area is closed to off-road use.
- No glass containers allowed.
Permits & Regulations For Cinder Hills
- Helmets are required by state law for all drivers and passengers under the age of 18.
- Only licensed motor vehicles will be permitted on Forest Roads 414 and 776.
- All vehicles are required to have a Forest Service approved exhaust system or spark arrester and be in good condition.
- Vehicles shall not be driven carelessly without regard for the safety of others or in a manner that is likely to endanger any person or property.
- Glass containers are not permitted in the Cinder Hills Off-Highway Vehicle Area.
- Camping is restricted on several portions of forest Road 776. These areas shall be posted (refer to map for locations).
- Campfire and smoking restrictions may be in effect during dry periods. Please check with any of our offices for current fire restrictions.
Arizona ATV / OHV Vehicle Registration
Arizona Residents
- All OHVs in Arizona are required to be titled
- All OHVs must have and properly display a license plate on the rear
- OHVs must display an OHV decal in the upper left-hand corner of the license plate to operate on public and state lands
Non-Resident OHV Decal Requirements
- Non-residents that meet all of the following are exempt from OHV Decal purchase:
- The person is not a resident of Arizona
- The person owns the vehicle
- The vehicle displays a current OHV Decal or registration from the person’s home state of residency
- The vehicle is not in the state for more than 30 consecutive days
- For more non-resident OHV Decal information visit Arizona Game & Fish OHV Information
Arizona ATV / OHV Rules
- Helmet that is properly fitted, fastened and has a USDOT safety rating for those 18 and under who ride on an OHV. (Riders in an OHV such as an ROV, while recommended for safety, do not need a helmet.) It is recommended that all OHV users wear a helmet.
- Spark arrestor that is USDA approved.
- Brakes adequate to stop and hold the vehicle.
- Muffler or noise dissipative device that prevents sound above 96 decibels.
- Eye protection for operators of vehicles not equipped with a windshield.
- Headlights and taillights for use from dusk to dawn. Safety flag at least 6” by 12” and 8 feet above the ground on sand dunes or areas designated by the land management agency.
- Brake light and at least one red rear reflector (if taillight does not reflect).
- License plate securely fastened to the rear of the OHV and clearly visible.
- Rearview mirror.
- Seat and footrests for the operator and passenger if vehicle is designed to carry a passenger.
Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle Guide: OHV Laws and Places to Ride