ArizonaShooting.com

I just saw a post informing of closed desert shooting areas. I put this post here so people can tell people about closed to shooting desert areas. Post if its closed and when it re-opens PM me and let me know or modify your post.

Tonto Shooting Restrictions

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/recreation/rec-shooting-index.shtml

I have heard rumors that the BLM land in south Rainbow Valley has been closed to shooting. I haven't been there in quite some time so can anyone validate this rumor?

Is it this wilderness area?

http://www.blm.gov/az/rec/nmarcopa.htm

Yeppers-That's it. I know it was closed during fire season, but it's BLM land, so can't you do pretty much what ever you want there?

East valley?

Southern Rainbow is open.
Short lived closure after the big rains.

Rainbow valley area is open. I and several friends have been out there several times in the past month.

I've been browsing the forums the last few days mostly researching a good west side shooting spot (I live near the Cardinals Stadium).

Sounds like the Rainbow Valley area is probably the closest, about 45 minutes from me (takes me 25-30 to get to Estrella Mountain Ranch).

From what I read I just continue south from where Rainbow Valley Road ends, all the way to the mountains (it looks like from Google Earth that there are two pretty good dirt roads leading SE from the end of the road?).

I also saw a thread with a map of a spot near a hill just west of the end of Rainbow Valley. This hill is just west of 187th Ave. right before that road ends.

Are both of these the locations I keep reading about on the forum? Do either require 4wd for access? Is one spot better than the other, or easier to get to? Both locations are BLM land and legal, correct?

Thanks for helping out this forum newbie!!

The area that i go to you don't need a 4X4. I take my roommates cars, an elantra and a 626. both handle it just fine just need to slow after the end of maricopa county road maintenance sign.

Basically go south on Rainbow Valley to Riggs, turn east (left) go to Bullard (watch out for the washs it would suck to hit them at high speed) turn south (right) and follow. The road takes a turn to the east keep following. there will be a blue sign saying end of maricopa county road maintenance. then there is a wash and the road turns southeast.

Go about a mile and there are several roads towards a mountain that you can take just pick a road and head toward the hill. pick a spot and have some fun.

Also headed out there wednesday night to party and camp and have a full day of shooting on thursday. will be there about 10pm after i get out of class.

Make sure you pack out what you pack in.
That whole area is getting to look like a dump.
It will be closed to all of us if this shit continues.

Pack out MORE then you pack in.

Sounds like I won't be disappointed just heading south on Rainbow towards the mountain and find a spot with a good backdrop. Looks pretty accessible from the aerials on google.

It seems to be a pretty popular place as well, hopefully room enough for me to find a spot!

Thanks for all the excellent advice...for sure I plan on cleaning up what I bring, and hopefully more.

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