Rock House

Traveling 39 miles from the desert to the pines, Rock House is the longest and most remote stretch along the Tonto Discovery Trail. Open year-round and ideal for stock-type 4x4s, the trail makes for a wonderful day run or a memorable part of your overland adventure around the Tonto National Forest. The southern portion, beginning along Cherry Creek, is in the prickly desert and is a semi-graded road with long, loose hills winding into the pinyon pines above 6000'. The northern portion is within the pines, beginning along Young Highway, with cooler temperatures.

The moderate rating is because the trail is remote, has miles of exposed ledges, and loose hill climbs with small rock steps requiring off-road tires, high clearance, and low range. The entire route can be completed in 4-5 hours, but the camping along the route begs you to stick around a little longer. There are 6-8 wonderful campsites at various elevations along the trail. A couple of the campsites have room for a small overland group of 3-4 vehicles with tents. 

Tonto Discovery Trail is a 500-plus-mile OHV route that spans all regions of the Tonto National Forest.

Note: Cherry Creek is partially closed. The closure does not affect access to FR 202, Rock House.