Best Places for Outdoor Riding Adventures near Goodyear

Living in the beautiful West Valley provides Estrella residents with a plethora of outdoor activities to savor. One of the more popular choices, especially in the picture-perfect winter months, is riding ATVs, UTVs and dirt bikes. Many of our residents own them and find places near and far to ride. We’re sharing many great places to ride, and multiple options for guided tours or rentals if you’re just starting to discover this adventurous hobby. Be sure to wear proper footwear, a helmet and goggles for each exploration and adhere to posted Arizona Parks and Recreation signage.

Margie’s Cove

Great route for side-by-sides and four-wheel drivers of all skill levels just a few minutes from Estrella in Buckeye. This is a 16.6 mile trail in and back with sandy washes and elevation gain of more than 600 feet. Tough for dirt bikes due to deep sand in spots. Enter from S. Woods Rd. and take a hard left, just past the cattle guard. Dogs on a leash are allowed. Check updates as the last section of the trail was recently adjusted for hikers and those on horseback. Picnic tables, outhouse at top.

Location: 26.2 miles from Estrella

Vulture Mine Adventure Ride

Another off-road trail near Estrella in Buckeye, this moderately rated point-to-point trail is 16.1 miles long and features a cave! Near Beaumont Mountain, it is accessible year-round and great for ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes and vehicles with four-wheel drive.

Location: 27 miles from Estrella

Castle Hot Springs

Open up the throttle on this graded gravel road that runs through several creek beds and river bottoms. Getting there might be tricky so be sure you have four-wheel drive. Pack a picnic to eat al fresca or stop in Wickenburg for lunch. 

Location: 53 miles from Estrella

Hieroglyphic Mountains and Boulders 

Options abound in this State Trust Land playground! Choose your own adventure as you navigate the routes between Lake Pleasant, Wickenburg and Prescott. Permits are required and you’ll need to have your decal with you at all times, so be sure you plan ahead. Camping options are also available if you’d like to spend the night in the gorgeous low desert.

Location: 65 miles from Estrella

Arizona Peace Trail

This trail loop is known as the ultimate off-road adventure so grab your helmet and head west if you’re up for a thrilling ride! At more than 675 miles long, it’s the most extensive in the country. You won’t run out of views as you careen up and down hills, bends and desert washes.

Location: 115 miles from Estrella

Harquahala Mountain Summit Road OHV Trail

Beginner? No worries! This popular trail west of Phoenix is a great option for people just starting out on their off-road journey. With more than 20 miles of trail, this destination offers just the right distance, and treats you to amazing views along the way. Be ready for a climb as you gain more than 4,100 feet in elevation traversing toward the summit.

Location: 93 miles from Estrella

La Posa OHV Routes

Head west to enjoy the distinct La Posa OHV routes. With the Yuma Proving Ground nearby, you’ll feel the need for speed. This is a great route to experience the beauty of the desert any time of the year with marked trails that lead to abandoned mines, cabins and scenic overlooks.

Location: 120 miles from Estrella

Looking for more options, see this full list of designated trails in Arizona.

If you don’t yet own an off-road vehicle, it’s not a problem as the West Valley is home to numerous reputable operators and rental companies that can get you safely and properly outfitted for adventure. Here’s five of our favorites below:

AZ ATV Adventures

Based in Buckeye, ATV Adventures pays respect to the origins of the land by sharing the history of Arizona’s Native American tribes on each tour. Buckle up for a journey through the rugged landscape surrounding Lake Pleasant inside their Polaris UTVs.

Arizona Outdoor Fun

With Arizona Outdoor Fun, you’ll find some of the most affordable prices for off-roading and rentals in the Valley. They’re also conveniently located near some of the area’s best trails up on New River. Choose from ATVs, UTVS or shooting adventures.

Stellar Adventures

Venture deep into the Sonoran Desert with this outfitter, where you’ll navigate creeks, sandy washes, rocky slopes and beautiful desert trails. Stellar Adventures has been guiding adventurers for more than two decades with a variety of tours including ATVS, UTVS, Hummers and M1009 Blazers. 

UTV Offroad Adventures

Offroad Adventures aims to bring people together through the fun of UTV and ATV riding. Formed during the COVID-19 pandemic when most places were shut down, a group of friends decided to share their bond with the rest of Arizona by starting a UTV group that hosts events and introduces people to the thrill of the ride. 

Western Offroad Adventures

Experience the fun of an overnight drive to Prescott, Crown King and other cities by booking an ATV/UTV excursion with Western Offroad Adventures. You’ll enjoy excellent pricing, high-quality equipment and the latest vehicle models for your Sonoran Desert tour. 

Safe riding West Valley friends. 

Find your new home at Estrella.com and discover why 7,000 families already call this diverse, welcoming West Valley master-planned community home. Located in Goodyear, Arizona amongst pristine mountains and a dramatic desert landscape, Estrella offers new homes from seven builders, with 17 model homes to tour, and 39 distinct floor plans. Estrella amenities include multiple Residents’ Clubs, resort-style pools and a waterpark, 72 acres of lakes, 50-plus miles of paths and trails, the Yacht Club of Estrella, the award-winning Nicklaus Design course at the Golf Club of Estrella, community welcome center Casa Lucero, and more than 40 signature and neighborhood parks.