Bulldog Canyon OHV
Bulldog Canyon OHV Permit Zone is a 34,000-acre designated vehicle corridor in the Mesa Ranger District of Tonto National Forest, located approximately 30 miles east of Phoenix near the communities of Mesa and Gold Canyon. The zone encompasses the Goldfield Mountains and a broad swath of Sonoran Desert terrain: saguaro and cholla cactus, rocky bajada slopes, sandy washes, and desert scrub that provides a dramatically different riding environment from the forested and mountain OHV systems found in other regions. Approximately 20 miles of routes are available, ranging from relatively easy desert wash driving to rocky technical sections among the Goldfield Mountain ridges. Full-size 4x4 trucks, Jeeps, ATVs, UTVs, and motorcycles are all permitted within the designated permit zone boundaries. Access points include the Usery Mountain Regional Park trailhead and the Blue Point Boat Launch staging area. A Tonto National Forest OHV Permit is required for all vehicle entry and must be obtained in advance through Recreation.gov, no walk-up purchases are available. The desert heat makes fall through spring the primary riding season; summer temperatures regularly exceed 110°F. Wildlife including desert mule deer, coyote, javelina, and Gila woodpeckers inhabit the zone.