St. Clair 2109

Trail 2109, located in the St. Clair OHV Permit Zone of the Tonto National Forest, winds its way down a dirt and rocky path toward a vista overlooking the Verde River. As your vehicle descends the rugged, sun-baked tracks, you will watch the harsh, saguaro-studded Sonoran desert-scrub give way to a striking geologic overlook of the Verde River canyon. Golden limestone cliffs and volcanic rock formations frame a sprawling visual reward: the dense, winding canopy of bright green cottonwood and willow trees tracing the water below. Looking out across the valley, you will see a thriving riparian refuge where bald eagles, common black hawks, and turkey vultures ride the midday thermals at eye level.

A short section has a small ledge, an off-camber washout that will flex your suspension, and baseball to bowling ball-sized rocks. Once you reach the end, there’s parking, and a place to set up a tent to spend the night. Be mindful of the overlook, so you don’t fall off the edge in the dark.