I’ve seen ATVs in the washes. Is it legal to ride motorized vehicles in the Queen Creek or Sonoqui washes?

All the trails in Queen Creek other than the wash bottoms (reserved for equestrians) are multi-use trails. Shared-use is defined as non-motorized use including such activities as hiking, bicycling, equestrians, jogging and rollerblading. Signs are posted throughout the washes and parks indicating the prohibition of All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs).

To comply with state legislation, the Town of Queen Creek adopted Ordinance 419-08 including additional air quality and fugitive dust requirements. The requirements became effective March 31, 2008.

It is property owners’ responsibility to control dust on their property, and the washes are Town property. Ordinance 419-08 prohibits the operation of any vehicle, ATV or other off-road vehicles on an unpaved surface that is NOT public or private road, street or lawful easement and that is closed by the landowner.

State ATV tracks and trails are available at Desert Wells Multiuse Area in Pinal County as well as several other Arizona State Parks. ATV enthusiasts can also search the Internet for local private businesses that offer facilities for ATV riders.

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