Sunrise Ridge

The trail begins at a very small trailhead marked with informational boards. There is no staging area.

The trail immediately ascends into a loose sand wash, giving way to a mix of hard-packed sand and dirt as you progress. The trail climbs gradually through a series of hills, some featuring slight off-camber sections with patches of loose gravel. Expect to encounter a few small ruts carved by seasonal runoff.

As you crest these hills, you’ll find several excellent stopping points with scenic views of Brushy Mountain to the south—great spots to catch a photo or take in the landscape. The trail transitions into a steeper descent into a small valley, where you’ll come across a unique highlight: a broken-down, abandoned vehicle lying upside-down right off the trail. Likely from the 1960s or 1970s, it serves as an interesting historical relic along the way.

The steep climb out of the valley marks the most challenging section. This ascent includes a significant grade and deeper ruts, requiring careful throttle control and wheel placement.

Connect this trail with Sunrise Ridge Loop to gain additional views of Bartlett Lake. The trail ends at the intersection with Indian Springs. 

Due to the ridge line nature of most of the trail, there are no viable campsites along the route. 

This trail is part of the Tonto National Forest St. Clair OHV permit area. A permit is required. Use the permit link above for more information.