Oak Creek

Oak Creek is an 8-mile scenic yet challenging connector trail. Beginning near Tonto Basin, the southern trailhead begins as a fairly easy two-track, passing several primitive campsites with great desert views. The middle section presents a couple of challenging sections that will test the nerves of experienced drivers. The trail climbs steeply over basketball-sized boulders and traverses a narrow off-camber shelf towards the downhill side. The tense drive is compounded by the rock steps you must traverse along this off-camber section. You will need a good articulating suspension and larger tires for max ground clearance to prevent high-centering. The next narrow section at mile 5.2 is for vehicles with a max 55 " width. This narrow path offers a bypass by following the wash. The bypass wash is rocky, and the exit is steep, but safe from a rollover. The route is slow and extremely bumpy, taking about 1.5 hours to complete.