Anderson Mill to Ruby Wash

The trail starts off narrow, forcing you to thread your way through tight brush where vehicle pinstripes from stray mesquite and palo verde branches are entirely possible. It immediately tests your driving skills with a tricky, washed out ledge climb that sets the tone for the adventure. As you navigate the path, you will find yourself winding through a vibrant Sonoran Desert landscape densely populated with towering saguaro cactus, branching ocotillo, native palo verde trees, and clusters of prickly pear cactus.

Along the way, you must carefully negotiate a few minor washouts, and off-camber sections, before the trail drops into a sandy wash. It eventually climbs out of the wash, and slowly transitions into a smooth shelf road with amazing views in every direction. No campsites were located on the trail.

Any stock high clearance 4x4 vehicle, with a moderately skilled driver, can traverse this trail if you can get up the first hill. Beginners may find it intimidating, but it's doable. The trail ends at the Ruby Wash trail, where you have a few choices on where to go next. You can either exit through the last part of Ruby Wash, or go back a bit and take Trilby Wash south to Castle Hot Springs Road.