Project: Pobrecito Staging Area Improvement
Location: Arizona
Description: On March 21, 2026, a dedicated group of 30 volunteers came together to complete critical improvements at the Pobrecito Staging Area and along MT1805. The project focused on mitigating recurring flooding issues, enhancing visitor education, and repairing trail damage caused by erosion while preserving the integrity of more challenging routes.
At the staging area, volunteers assembled and installed gabion baskets to help redirect water flow away from the parking area and into a natural wash. This proactive measure is designed to reduce the impact of heavy rains that have historically caused flooding and degradation of the site.
In addition to the drainage improvements, a new three-panel kiosk was installed at the south end of the staging area. The kiosk features updated educational signage to promote responsible recreation, along with QR codes that provide visitors with easy access to the fee payment website. This modernized infrastructure supports both user compliance and ongoing land management efforts.
Further work was completed along MT1805, where a section of trail that frequently washes out due to erosion was repaired. Heavy equipment, including tractor work, was used to move large rocks and boulders to stabilize the area and restore the primary bypass route. Special care was taken to protect the existing “challenge” lines, ensuring they remained untouched for experienced users while improving accessibility and sustainability of the main trail.
This project not only improved the resilience and usability of the staging area and trail system but also reinforced the importance of thoughtful trail design and stewardship to protect natural resources.
Thank you to the partners who made this possible:
• onX Off Road
• Toyota
• Tonto National Forest
• Tonto Recreation Alliance (TRAL)
• Arizona Plasma
• CB Offroad Adventures
• Thret Offroad
• KC HiLites
• Underdog Motorsports
“Thank you to all our wonderful partners, sponsors, and volunteers who braved the heat to come out and make a difference in The Rolls OHV Area! This popular OHV staging area and the nearby trail that accesses Saguaro Lake coves were in desperate need of repairs, which we couldn’t have done it without this great teamwork! We also got a fresh kiosk with beautifully displayed information for OHV users. Thank you everyone!”-Kelly Araiza, Tonto National Forest OHV Program Manager
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