Cinder Hills Off-Highway Vehicle Area in the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Ariz., consists of about 13,500 acres and offers riding opportunities on designated routes.

Cinder Hills was created by active volcanoes as recently as a thousand years ago. Lava flowed across the area and also left behind deep deposits of volcanic cinders and ash. The area is now graced with Ponderosa Pine and Aspen at higher elevations.

There are miles and miles of tight, winding trails through the trees that get whooped out and challenge your suspension and endurance. Occasional tall cinder-mountain hill climbs are challenging as well. Certain forest routes within the Cinder Hills are restricted to licensed vehicles only for safety purposes. April to November are the most popular months for riding in the area.

Areas closed to off-highway vehicle travel include Sunset Crater National Monument and Strawberry Crater Wilderness. A “No Glass Container” policy is enforced in the Cinder Hills to help reduce the problem of broken glass and to provide a safe and healthy environment for all users.

Developed camping is available at the nearby Bonito Campground where there are 44 single unit sites with tables, fire rings and cooking grills, paved roads and spurs, a campfire program auditorium, drinking water, toilets (flush type), one accessible campsite, barrier-free toilets and two educational sites.

The Cinder Hills OHV Area is13 miles northeast of downtown Flagstaff, south of Sunset Crater/Wupatki National Monument. To get there, drive northeast of Flagstaff on U.S. 89 about 7 miles north of Flagstaff Mall. Turn east (right) on FR 776.

For more info, contact: Coconino Nat’l Forest Supervisor’s Office, 1824 S. Thompson St., Flagstaff, AZ 86001. Phone: (928) 527-3600. Website: fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=70996&actid=34