Arizona Off-Road Trails

Located in northern Arizona, within an area known as the Arizona Strip, the Mount Trumbull Scenic Loop is a picturesque drive through the Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument that takes drivers through nearly every aspect of terrain the monument offers. Cutting through the desert, shrubland, and montane habitats, drivers are rewarded with picturesque views of deep canyons, vast valleys, lonely buttes, and 8,000-foot mountains.

Clayhole is the eastern section of the CR 5, Mount Trumbull Loop, and connects Colorado City to Tuweep. This is a primary access road for those visiting the Toroweap Overlook. The road winds through Clayhole Valley, traversing a scenic volcanic field and the dramatic Hat Knoll cinder cone. The road surface is generally very easy, with hardpacked clay mixed with sections of gravel and small protruding rocks. However, the clay quickly turns to a peanut butter consistency after any rain, making the road totally impassable and very dangerous until it dries. Users should always check recent and future weather forecasts before traveling on this road. In dry conditions, this is a 2WD road that is suitable for any vehicle with good ground clearance and rugged tires, such as all-terrain tires.

Unlike the many canyon and wash-type trails in the Florence OHV area, Rollercoaster weaves up and down along the ridgelines high above the canyon floors providing unobstructed, 360-degree views in all directions. This trail leaves you open-mouthed and white-knuckled as it traverses consistent 20-25 degree slopes and reaches brief moments as high as 32 degrees.

The eastern half of the trail starts near the Orville Waterfall obstacle and passes one campsite near the valley floor, which is suitable for a few vehicles. After traveling up a series of ridgelines, the trail crosses the intersection of Box Canyon, North Box Canyon, and Mineral Mountain before sharply climbing to the top of the ridgelines again. The trail's western half is the most difficult, with the steepest climbs and descents. Several sections of deep erosion ruts will also need to be navigated. The western edge of the trail drops down to intersect with Mineral Mountain at the Sunset Mine.

A reliable 4x4 with low gearing, high clearance, and aggressive off-road tires will be needed to traverse the entire trail. Traction aids are highly recommended, as losing traction and momentum in the middle of a steep climb could result in losing control of your vehicle. The trail is generally only one vehicle wide. Tight sections between cacti make this trail unsuitable for full-width vehicles. Rollercoaster is good for novice wheelers looking to push their mental abilities and their vehicle's physical abilities.

Vulcan's Throne, a cinder cone volcano, erupted 72,000 years ago, sending a 1200-foot-high wall of lava into the Grand Canyon. One of at least 17 in the Grand Canyon's history, the resulting lava dam created a lake that ran as far back as the present-day Phantom Ranch. The silt-filled Colorado eventually overcame the dam, grinding away the basalt and returning the river to its present state. Today Lava Falls, one of the largest rapids on the Colorado River, marks the existence of this massive volcanic dam. A sandy trail leads to the western slopes of Vulcan's Throne and then on to a hiking trail that leads down into the Grand Canyon. The geological history of the region is written largely along the trail. A part of the six million-year-old Uinkaret Volcanic Field, Vulcan's Throne's dark volcanic cinders stand in dramatic contrast to the red and orange Toroweap Formation sedimentary sandstone through which the volcano rose. Both were tectonic forces instrumental in shaping the Grand Canyon. In the quiet of the area, you can pause and contemplate the wonder of the ever-evolving earth on which we reside.

In an effort to manage the number of visitors to the area, all motor vehicles entering the Toroweap area of the Grand Canyon National Park require a backcountry permit or a day-use ticket available through Recreation.gov.

Woodcutters Pass is primarily moderate with a few challenging sections—for that reason, it's rated difficult. Multiple deep washes are filled with soft sand, large rocks, and deep ruts. There are steep, short inclines/declines and off-camber sections. The most difficult parts include rocks and boulders that are unavoidable. Most of the trail is unmarked. Driving in the washes can make it confusing to follow the trail, so pay close attention to the GPS. The trail also passes by several old mines and abandoned vehicles. 

Don't forget your permit before driving in the Barry M. Goldwater Range.

Located north of Lake Pleasant in the southern foothills of the Bradshaw Mountains, Champie Road is an easily traveled winding trail connecting Cow Camp Road (aka the iconic Backway to Crown King) and scenic Castle Hot Springs Road. Named for Charles Edward Champie, an early pioneer in the area, the trail traverses a rugged landscape of striking geology, stately saguaro cacti, palo verde, ​and creosote bushes before dropping into the lush green riparian French Creek. The craggy Bradshaw Mountains provide visual treats while the pinnacle of Eagle Rock lords over the trail.

The Big Eye Mine trail is an out-and-back two-track road that winds through the rugged Kofa National Wildlife Refuge. Most of the trail is relatively easy, but there are sections where high clearance would be helpful but unnecessary.  This trail has multiple sandy or loose gravel wash crossings and some driving in a wash bottom. There are some sections with exposed rocks. Heavy rain could easily affect the trail's condition, and several areas show erosion and ruts from recent weather. 

There are multiple flat camping spots along the entire trail. 

The Kofa NWR has beautiful scenery, endless Teddy Bear Cholla, Saguaro cacti, and 360-degree mountain views, including Thumb Butte. At the trail's end is a 1/2-mile hike to a cabin and other structures associated with the Big Eye Mine.

Located just outside Flagstaff in the Coconino National Forest, FR 518 provides easy access to fantastic camping and scenic forest trails. Travelers en route to the Grand Canyon or just passing through on I-40 or the old Route 66 will appreciate the peaceful campsites afforded by this well-maintained forest road. The sound of the wind in the tall Ponderosa Pines will quickly erase the stress of a day on the road. Listen carefully, and you might hear a bull elk bugling from somewhere deep in the forest. While Flagstaff is only a few minutes away, you'll feel like you are a million miles from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether spending one night or staying for the 14-day camping limit, this trail is a great place to unwind.

Rolls 1830 provides access from 1813 to Saguaro Cove #2. The beginning of the trail is rocky, very similar to 1813. It has one aggressive hill descent on the way to the lake. Getting out and walking this obstacle is recommended to find the proper line. A spotter would be helpful. After the downhill obstacle, you will have a blind hill climb that peaks and immediately descends into a sandy wash. The remaining section of the trail to the lake is very easy. Just be cautious on the blind corners, as you may have oncoming traffic. The beach area is large and can be used for camping. In the summertime, arrive early to get the best spot on the beach since it will get crowded.

Please note that an OHV permit is now required on this trail.

Robbins Butte, named for the prominent 807-foot hill near the eastern end, is a moderate trail only minutes from Buckeye. The trail runs between Highway 85 and Old US 80. There is an abundance of large saguaro cacti and other Sonoran Desert plant life. The best time to do this trail is mid-October through April.

The eastern end of the trail is easygoing for approximately eight miles. At 8.19 miles, the trail crosses an open cattle crossing and turns south. The trail degrades after this point. Several areas with significant washouts require attention to good tire placement and four-wheel drive to navigate. There are bypasses for the worst washouts, but these may worsen after a good rain. The hardest obstacle on this route is at mile 12.5 (33.245899°N 112.749176°W). There is a bypass just to the west of this obstacle. The final ascent at the 13.3-mile mark contains a couple of small rocky ledges.

The trail passes through a patchwork of BLM land, AZ State Trust, and private property and passes just south of the Powers Butte Wildlife Area.

The best camping on the trail is on the eastern end from the 0.80-mile mark to the 1.80-mile mark. This is BLM land and open for camping. There are numerous camping spots. The area is generally populated with RVs.

Robbins Butte is approximately 3.2 miles from State Route 85. It borders Robbins Butte Wildlife Area to the east and is part of the Gila River Waterfowl Management Area. Gila River is on the north side of the Butte. There is no camping or target shooting allowed in this area.

East Clear Creek serves as the gateway to the heart of the wild and wonderful Mogollon Rim area of the vast Coconino National Forest. The road draws its name from its crossing of the picturesque mountain stream of the same name. The stream's deep canyon, with its soaring sandstone cliffs, is a perfect natural barrier and only one road crosses it. The East Clear Creek crossing offers a chance for the kids to splash in the shallow water and chase crayfish under rocks. Anglers hike along the stream locating deeper pools in search of trout. Beyond the crossing, a variety of fantastic adventure opportunities await. The Cabin Loop, a series of interconnected trails, is one of the top backpacking destinations in Arizona because of its beauty and the sheer number of reliable springs along the route. Campsites set among the pines, fir, and spruce provide a basecamp for exploring down into canyons or driving the seemingly endless maze of forested trails. It's almost a certainty you will see elk and lots of them during your time along this trail and all the smaller roads and trails that branch from it. Finally, the road drops you off near the vertical precipice of the Mogollon Rim, 3000 feet above the northernmost reaches of the Sonoran Desert below. The views from atop the Rim are truly inspirational. Snagging a campsite right on the edge of the Rim is a highly unique experience. East Clear Creek is indeed the gateway to this amazing section of the Mogollon Rim, a virtual magic carpet to adventure. Take a ride on it and see what adventure you can find.

BLM 1017 is the first leg of the southern route into White Pocket. There are several dispersed campsites along the first 3 miles of the trail. The road passes Pine Tree Pocket Ranch. Please be respectful and don't stop within a quarter mile of the ranch. BLM 1017 is well maintained, though it may have a few mudholes. The mudholes have hard bottoms, so don't widen the road to go around them. 2WD vehicles are fine on BLM 1017, but the next leg going to White Pocket requires 4WD.

The Apache Maid fire tower arguably has the best views in central Arizona. Be kind to the fire watch in the tower, and you will likely receive an invitation to the top. Getting there requires climbing the 30-foot scaffold holding up the tower's cab, and negotiating over 2 miles of narrow shelf road. The views are definitely worth the effort. From the summit of Apache Maid Mountain at 7301 feet, the entire topography of the heartland of Arizona surrounds you. Vistas of pine forests, open grassland meadows, the San Francisco Peaks north of Flagstaff, the red rocks of Sedona, the Mogollon Rim, and Mingus Mountain all lay at your feet. Both the road and the tower were completed in 1961. The drive up switchbacks along the southern side of the mountain provide stunning views at each turn. A picnic table at the summit makes for a sweet place to grab a bite. Enjoy!

With a name like Lost Eden, you know the area has to be something special. The name is derived from an old homestead and ranch of the same name near Todds Draw, south of the current Lost Eden road. The remains of the ranch still exist but are on a small plot of private land. Today, far more visitors roam the area than in the old ranching days. Lost Eden is a popular playground for the outdoorsy. Summer weekends find the road lined with campers, often in large impromptu villages. ATVs full of happy smiling faces parade the main road. If the exuberant crowds aren't your thing, blissful solitude can be quickly found along some of the more challenging side trails. The stately Ponderosa pines and occasional open grassy valleys offer lots of chances to see elk and other area wildlife. No matter what your idea of Eden might be, you can find it on Lost Eden.

The Total Wreck Mine Trail is a prime spot for all offroad enthusiasts seeking an adrenaline-pumping adventure near Tucson, AZ. The trail offers very challenging terrain, with rocky, rutted, off-camber areas and several steep, rocky inclines that will test your skills and your vehicle's capabilities. Additionally, this trail features several wash crossings and medium to large ruts that may have water present depending on the recent rainfall. Rain or snow could affect the road, so definitely check the weather conditions before you head out. Be aware of open-range cattle that line and occasionally block the trail.

This trail is best suited for modified vehicles with at least a rear locker and a lift. A spare tire is also highly recommended. Having a good and experienced spotter should be considered essential along this trail.

Riders looking to start this trail can either begin on the Power Line Trail to the north or ride in what is typically considered backward, by starting at East Yucca Farm Road or East Empire Ranch Road.

The Total Wreck Mine has a rich historical significance in the mining industry. It was initially discovered in 1879 by a cowboy named John Dilden, who also is credited with naming the Empire Mountains, and his boss, Walter L. Vail, owner of the Empire Ranch and the namesake (along with his brother Edward) for the town of Vail. In 1883, with the mine in full swing, there were about 50 homes, four saloons, three hotels and a bank and brewery. Around 1884 or 1885, the mining operation lessened and eventually stopped. In 1890, with just a small population remaining, the post office closed, and most of the residents slowly moved away in search of work elsewhere in Arizona’s thriving mining districts.

Step back in time following the footsteps of pioneers and adventurers along this short section of the National Old Trails Road in Arizona, part of a 3096-mile road that once connected the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Established in 1912 as part of the Ocean to Ocean Highway, this iconic road passes through the starkly beautiful desert landscape south of Yucca. Along the route, you'll encounter a fascinating chapter in American history. This area played an important role in World War II. During the war, the Army used a radar gap filler station along the National Old Trails Road, while nearby Bell P-39 and P-63 fighters routinely flew overhead, practicing in the Yucca Air to Air Gunnery Range. Today, visitors can still see evidence of this activity, with bullets and casings from the fighter planes scattered across the rugged desert landscape.

If you are up for a small challenge, fantastic scenery, and bragging rights, head to Guajalote Flat. You travel through juniper, oak, and pine forests on your way to the top of the mountain and Guajalote Flat. The terrain is stunning. This large, shade tree-sprinkled flat area abounds with good camping spots. Although you may feel apprehensive about camping here, being just 4 1/2 miles from the US/Mexico international border! Guajalote means Turkey in Spanish. You may wish you had feathers for the 24-degree-grade "Insane Downhill" section that drops 1,000 feet in less than a mile.

Located in the beautiful Coconino National Forest, Stoneman Lake Road begins in a juniper and scrub pine forest on the west end and climbs steadily into towering Ponderosa pine forests, Gambel oaks, and grassy alpine meadows. Elk, deer, turkeys, coyotes, and the occasional black bear all reside in the area and are often spotted along the drive. Stoneman Lake is an 8 million-year-old geological oddity, a large bowl-shaped depression that holds rainwater and snowmelt. More a marsh than a lake, geologists disagree on whether it is the caldera of a small volcano or a sinkhole. KT Ranch is a highlight of this trail. Its bucolic pastoral setting evokes every kid's dream of being a cowboy. An active ranch, its cattle graze on the expansive open meadows and laze under in the shade of old-growth pines. Stoneman Lake Road is a wonderful place to escape the desert's summer heat for some relaxed camping and enjoy all this beautiful area has to offer.