Cinder Hills OHV Area – Arizona Off-Roading
Cinder Hills OHV Area, located just northeast of Flagstaff, Arizona, is a unique playground for off-roading enthusiasts seeking dramatic volcanic landscapes.
Renowned for its cinder cones, craters, and sweeping ponderosa pine forests, this 13,500-acre swath of public land has long been a favorite among adventurers riding 2-, 3-, and 4-wheel vehicles.
With plenty of open terrain for free-roaming in sparsely vegetated areas and a network of designated routes elsewhere, Cinder Hills offers diverse options for both newcomers and experienced off-roaders. The area’s striking geology and forested environment create a distinctive setting for scenic drives, dispersed camping, and extended overlanding trips.
Destination Details
| Season | May–October (best conditions) |
| Location | Cinder Hills OHV Area, near Sunset Crater-Wupatki National Monument |
| General GPS | 35°19’41.0″N, 111°31’23.0″W |
| Management | Flagstaff Ranger District (USFS) |
| Size | ~13,500 acres designated for OHV use |
| State | Arizona |
| Nearest Major City | Flagstaff, AZ (13 miles southwest) |
Getting Oriented
Situated at an elevation of roughly 6,900 feet, Cinder Hills lies in a ponderosa pine forest interspersed with volcanic cinder cones—remnants of ancient eruptions that shaped the high-desert plateau.
The area experiences warm summers and snowy winters, though May through October is generally the optimal season for OHV adventures. Adjacent to the Sunset Crater and Wupatki National Monument, Cinder Hills offers a dramatic contrast of black cinder fields against green forests. While the main draw is off-highway vehicle exploration, visitors also enjoy nearby hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and glimpses of local wildlife among volcanic ridges and dusty cinder dunes.
Getting to Cinder Hills OHV Area
From Flagstaff:
Head northeast on US Highway 89 from downtown Flagstaff. About seven miles past the Flagstaff Mall, look for Forest Road (FR) 776 on your right (east). Turn onto FR 776; this entrance provides direct access to the designated OHV area. Note that certain forest roads are restricted to licensed vehicles for safety, so keep an eye out for signage and refer to the Motor Vehicle Use Map or the georeferenced Cinder Hills OHV Trails Map via the Avenza app.
From Phoenix (for reference):
Travel north on I-17 toward Flagstaff. Once in Flagstaff, follow the same directions as above, continuing onto US Highway 89 north. If you need a fuel or supply stop, Flagstaff is the nearest full-service city before venturing into Cinder Hills.
Trail Overview
Cinder Hills OHV Area spans rolling terrain dotted with volcanic cinder cones, creating a range of riding surfaces—loose cinders, sandy patches, and compacted dirt roads—suitable for different skill levels.
The designated OHV zone covers about 13,500 acres, split between open riding areas and networks of marked routes. Areas completely devoid of vegetation allow relatively unrestricted travel, giving novices a chance to practice driving on soft volcanic soils. Meanwhile, more advanced riders can seek out steeper slopes and cinder ridges for technical climbs.
Trail difficulty varies. You’ll find wide, graded forest roads that are well-suited for beginner overlanders and conventional high-clearance SUVs. In contrast, unmaintained or narrow paths require more experienced driving, potentially with four-wheel-drive low range.
Safety is paramount: dust plumes can limit visibility, so keep speeds reasonable and always respect closures, especially around Sunset Crater National Monument and Strawberry Crater Wilderness, which are strictly off-limits to cross-country vehicle travel.
Because conditions can shift seasonally—rain can compact cinders or create ruts—it’s wise to check with the Flagstaff Ranger District for current maps, road updates, and potential fire restrictions before heading out. The free Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) is an essential companion, clarifying which roads and trails are legally open to motorized travel.
Where to Camp?
The nearest developed site is Bonito Campground, located close to Sunset Crater National Monument. It offers 44 single-unit campsites with picnic tables, fire rings, and grills, as well as flush toilets and drinking water.
This campground is paved, which is convenient for larger vehicles or trailers, and includes one accessible campsite. Bonito’s proximity to interpretive sites, hiking trails, and lava flows makes it an excellent basecamp if you want both off-roading opportunities and some classic sightseeing around the volcanic fields.
For a more rugged experience, dispersed camping is allowed in certain areas of Cinder Hills, but you must follow local regulations. Look for spots that are already established or clearly used as campsites, and avoid creating new impacts on vegetation.
Check the Motor Vehicle Use Map (see link below) to ensure your campsite is in a legal area. Dispersed campers should practice Leave No Trace principles—pack out trash, minimize campfire impacts, and respect closures around sensitive wildlife habitats or archaeological sites.
A “No Glass Container” policy is enforced in Cinder Hills to reduce litter and protect both visitors and wildlife. Always verify current fire restrictions and road conditions with the ranger district before you arrive, especially during wildfire season.
Points of Interest
- Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
Just south of Cinder Hills, Sunset Crater features hiking trails through lava fields, interpretive displays, and remarkable views of the volcanic landscape. No off-road travel is allowed within monument boundaries, but you can park and explore on foot. - Wupatki National Monument
Further along the scenic loop drive, Wupatki offers a glimpse into ancient pueblos and cultural sites. The red-rock desert vistas contrast sharply with the black cinder terrain you’ll find in Cinder Hills. - Strawberry Crater Wilderness
Closed to motorized vehicles, this wilderness area preserves additional volcanic cones and scenic backcountry. Explore by foot to witness expansive views of the Painted Desert and beyond. - Lava Flows and Ponderosa Pine Forests
Take time to appreciate the dramatic geological features. The cinder slopes, lava fields, and tall pines create striking photo opportunities, especially at sunrise or sunset.
For more information, contact the Flagstaff Ranger District at (928) 526-0866 or refer to the free Motor Vehicle Use Map and the georeferenced Cinder Hills OHV Trails Map through the Avenza app.
