Arizona Forest Road Closures & MVUM Guide

Arizona’s National Forest road system is extensive — thousands of miles of legal motor vehicle access across the state’s six national forests. The system operates under Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs), documents that specify which roads are legal for motor vehicle travel and which aren’t. Ignoring the MVUM is one of the most common violations that hunters commit accidentally, and citations are expensive.

Here’s the practical guide.

Quick Facts: Arizona MVUMs

Detail	Info
What it is	Official map showing legal motor vehicle routes
Why it matters	Off-route travel is illegal, citable
Where to get it	Each Forest Service website; free download
Updated	Annually in most forests
Enforcement	Forest Service LEOs + AGFD wardens
Typical Fine	$100-$1000+ for off-route travel violations

What MVUMs Actually Regulate

Since the 2005 Travel Management Rule, each National Forest has designated specific roads, trails, and off-road areas where motor vehicle use is legal. Everything else is off-limits. The MVUM is the official document showing which is which.

Legal routes on an MVUM show with specific symbols indicating:

• Open to all motor vehicles
• Open to specific vehicle types (ATV only, etc.)
• Seasonal closures (specific dates)
• Wheeled-motor-vehicle-only
• Motorcycles only

Closed routes aren’t shown as legal, even if the road physically exists and looks passable.

Cross-country travel is prohibited except in specifically designated open areas.

Why Hunters Get Caught

Several patterns land hunters in violation:

1. Old road exists but isn’t on current MVUM. A logging road that was legal ten years ago may not be on this year’s MVUM.

2. Retrieving game off-route. Driving off an established route to retrieve a downed animal is generally illegal without specific permits.

3. Making new trails. Two vehicles driving the same path twice create a visible trail — but it’s still cross-country travel.

4. Parking off legal routes. Even stopping vehicles in unauthorized locations can draw citations.

5. Bypassing closed gates. Driving around a closed road is a specific enforcement priority.

How to Read an MVUM

Download the current MVUM for your hunt forest. Available at each Forest Service website:

• Apache-Sitgreaves: fs.usda.gov/asnf
• Coconino: fs.usda.gov/coconino
• Coronado: fs.usda.gov/coronado
• Kaibab: fs.usda.gov/kaibab
• Prescott: fs.usda.gov/prescott
• Tonto: fs.usda.gov/tonto

Use it offline. Download as PDF or integrate into mapping apps (OnX, GAIA both support MVUM layers).

Check for seasonal closures. Specific roads close for wildlife management, maintenance, or seasonal weather.

Cross-reference with GPS. Don’t just rely on the map — verify your location against GPS tracking.

Seasonal Closures

Many Arizona forest roads close seasonally:

Winter closures (November-April): High-elevation roads that aren’t maintained for winter access.

Wildlife closures (spring): Some roads close for elk calving, bighorn lambing, or other wildlife management.

Fire-related closures: During extreme fire danger, specific areas may close entirely.

Wet-weather closures: Some roads close during muddy conditions to prevent damage.

Check closure status before your hunt. Arizona forests post closures on their websites and at ranger stations.

Motor Vehicle Types

Wheeled motor vehicles: Standard rules apply.

ATVs and UTVs: Legal on routes designated for their use. Some routes restrict width or type.

Motorcycles: Generally allowed where ATVs are allowed.

OHV permits: Some forests require separate OHV permits beyond standard access.

Consequences of Violation

Forest Service citations: $100-$5000 depending on severity.

Resource damage: If your violation caused visible damage, restoration costs may be added.

Wildlife agency enforcement: AGFD may also cite for game-related violations if off-route travel occurred during a hunt.

Vehicle seizure: In severe cases, vehicles can be impounded.

Best Practices

• Download current MVUMs before your hunt
• Use apps (OnX) that overlay MVUMs on real-time GPS
• If retrieving game, research retrieval rules for your forest
• Don’t assume old roads are legal
• When in doubt, park on legal routes and walk

Related Arizona Articles

• Public land hunting overview

Frequently Asked Questions

Are maps the same across all forests? No. Each forest publishes its own MVUM with forest-specific rules.

Can I use last year’s MVUM? Risky. Roads change legal status annually. Download current.

What about hiking trails? MVUMs apply to motor vehicles. Hiking and horseback travel on non-motorized trails is generally unrestricted.

Is there a general “off-road permit”? No. Rules are route-specific.

Can I take my ATV to retrieve game? Depends on forest rules. Research specific rules before assuming.

What if a gate is open? Still check the MVUM. Open gates don’t mean legal travel.