Tread Lightly

TREAD LIGHTLY on public and private land by. . .

Traveling only where you and vehicles are permitted.

Respecting the rights of hikers, horseback riders, campers, and others to enjoy.

Educating yourself by obtaining travel maps and regulations from public agencies, complying with signs and barriers, and asking owners' permission to cross their property.

Avoiding streams, lakeshores, meadows, muddy roads and trails, steep hillsides, wildlife and livestock.

Driving and traveling responsibly to protect the environment and to preserve opportunities to enjoy recreation on wild lands.

 

Backcountry Touring

Backcountry touring using motorized vehicles -- commonly called OHVs -- is increasingly popular.

The term Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) refers to any motorized vehicle that travels off the main highways, including motorcycles, ATVs, and four-wheel drive vehicles.

The Coronado National Forest and the Arizona State Parks Board have combined efforts to improve recreational experiences by educating OHV users about regulations and "Tread Lightly" practices, and by restoring land damaged by past abusive use of OHVs.

In addition, to make access safer, gates have been replaced with cattle guards, information boards with current rules and maps have been erected in high-OHV usage areas, and roads legal for OHV use have been clearly signed.

Most of what you need to know about proper, safe OHV use is contained in a new Guide to Backcountry Touring on the Coronado National Forest (pdf, 223 kb).

Clubs

You may also want to contact local backcountry touring clubs. Tucson Rough Riders or Arizona Rough Riders Four Wheel Drive Club can provide information about equipment, driving skills, safety, and events. For additional information about clubs, contact the Arizona State Association of 4 Wheel Driving Clubs.