For Immediate Release
April 29th, 2008
Contact: Pamela A. Mathis 623/580/5509 or 602/402/7690
 
 
BLM Arizona Dedicates Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Site
22-Mile OHV-ATV Loop – “The Boulders”- Northwest of Phoenix
 
(PHOENIX, Az.)—Recreation enthusiasts join the Bureau of Land Management May 3rd in the dedication of an off-highway vehicle ride ‘n’ camp area northwest of Phoenix.
 
Referred to as “The Boulders,” the site features a 10-acre back-country camp that stages into a 22-mile loop of ATV, OHV, and Jeep trails through the Hieroglyphic Mountains.      
 
Using a $125,000 grant from the Federal Highways “Recreation Trails Program,” the Bureau of Land Management, Arizona State Parks, and four Arizona motorcycle groups are credited for building the base camp and restrooms, fences, a “tot lot,” and crafting signage at the loop entrance just 35 miles northwest of the Metro area.  Sports enthusiasts ride four-wheel-drives, motorcycles and quads, meandering through hills and mounds of public land that feature classic Sonoran desert landscapes, Saguaro and Cholla cacti, and wildlife viewing. Eagle Scout candidates created hiking opportunities with interpretive plant walks. Here, youth riders learn about the terrain and what to watch for and protect while riding the loop system.
 
The Dedication and Ribbon-Cutting: Saturday, May 3rd – Events Begin at 2:00 pm
 
3:00 pm           Show and Shine Displays – Vintage Bikes, Jeeps, Decked-out Quads
4:00 pm           Welcoming Remarks – BLM Phoenix District Manager Teri Raml
                        Volunteer Recognition – USFS/BLM Trials Specialist Tom Bickauskas
                        Ribbon Cutting - “The Boulders” and Group Photos with Participants
5:00 pm           Competitions:
·                       Kids Parade – Ages 5-13 –all vehicles at the -Child Education Tot Lot
·                       Slow Riding Competition - for two-wheeled vehicles, bikes, cycles
5:30 pm           BBQs – ATV, Quad, Jeep Groups, Volunteers, Organizers grill and gather  
 
Getting to the Boulders:
Just eight miles west of Lake Pleasant, riders stage at a 10-acre base camp that provides a flat ground and accessibility for RVs, trailers, and sports equipment.  Travel north on Interstate 17, exiting at Carefree Highway. Head west 18 miles to mile marker 11.5. Turn off at the mile marker 11.5, reaching the Boulders in one mile. From west Phoenix, drive on State Route 60 towards Wickenburg, turning east on State Route 74 for 11 miles, until reaching mile marker 11.5. Camping is allowed for up to 14 days. There is a vault restroom facility, but no running water.