Arizona Off-Road Trails

Considered the southern flagpole entrance, Black Hill is a main crossover type trail connecting several other trails that crisscross this region of the Florence, OHV area. Named after a nearby hill covered in black stones, the trail travels across the very flat and often muddy desert terrain. In dry conditions, the route can be completed in 2WD, but if it has rained within the last month, slippery mud puddles will likely require 4WD. The early portion of the route is used by boondockers in winter, making it a little more crowded. A mile into the trail, you will encounter more private and secluded scenic campsites hidden among the cactus. The views of the mountains to the east at sunrise are very welcoming to adventurous wheelers.

The Superstition Old Turk’s Head Loop Trail takes you on a journey through the Saguaro-filled desert to the edge of the Superstition Wilderness Area and a close-up view of Old Turk’s Head, a craggy rock outcropping .  Along the way, you may encounter long-horned cattle and will cross the Gila Monster and Lost Goldmine, two popular hiking trails. While the desert is in full bloom, yellow, white, and purple flowers cover the ground creating a colorful photo opportunity with the Superstition Mountains in the background.

This trail is primarily loose rock but not overly aggressive on the difficulty scale.  There are a few hill climbs and descents to tackle.  A high-clearance vehicle is needed.

There are a few opportunities for camping. The first is a rocky turnaround area at the wilderness border.  The second is at the top of the hill near the western end of the trail.  Both sites have wonderful mountain views.

This area is Arizona State Trust Land.  A recreational permit is required.

Park Link Camping Row is an easy trail that primarily runs parallel to Park Link Drive. The western end of the trail accesses a popular target shooting area along Desert Peak Mountain.  The middle section of trail closest to the intersection of South Cattle Tank Road accesses an extensive BLM dispersed camping area.  There are many sites available with fire rings.  Some can accommodate multiple vehicles, while others are smaller.  Sites are suitable for everything from a single tent to larger 5th-wheel campers.  The trail gets more narrow to the east as it climbs into the mountains surrounding Chief Butte and Big Mine. The trail ends at the intersection with Chief Butte Road.

This trail crosses BLM land and Arizona State Trust Land.  The section of trail surrounding the mine is private property, so please respect the landowner and do not venture off the trail. An Arizona State Trust Land recreation permit is required.

FR 9460T is the prototypical high country ranch road common in the Coconino National Forest. The trail winds through the Ponderosa pines, where elk and cattle comingle during the warm mountain summers. A loop of weathered rope from an old lariat drooped over a post keeps a rickety gate closed. Drift fences meander amongst the trees, tended even today by slender weathered cowboys on horseback. Earthen dams check small drainages capturing priceless runoff water for stock and wildlife. Nearby is Foxboro Ranch. In the early parts of the 20th century, well-to-do Eastern boys came to the "ranch school" at Foxboro. Besides the usual classes in mathematics, history, literature, and the sciences, the boys learned about work, cattle, and the feeling of being in a big land on a good horse. FR 9460T ends at a fence near the border of the small patch of private land left to Foxboro Ranch in the midst of this immense national forest. Those boys nearly a century ago rode that fence. It will still be there the next time you ride out on FR 9460T.

Large bodies of water in Arizona are rare and wonderful. Blue Ridge Reservoir sits high in the Coconino National Forest pine woodlands in the deep canyon formed by East Clear Creek. A few years ago, the lake was renamed C.C. Cragin reservoir when water rights management changed hands. But the signage and all the locals still call it Blue Ridge. Wonderful camping and hiking opportunities dot the trail leading to the reservoir. But the lake is the main draw. Anglers come to try their luck since the waters are regularly stocked with rainbow, brown, and brook trout. Colorful canoes and kayaks ply the lake's cold water. Paddlers often see elk and deer watering on the shoreline. Beyond the boat ramp facilities, the road gets a little rougher and less traveled as it winds around the lake towards the dam that blocks East Clear Creek to form the deep narrow reservoir. At the trail's end, a short walk along the lake leads to great views of the dam and its complex jigsaw-puzzle spillway. Come for the lake views, fishing, paddling, and even a campfire under starry skies. Blue Ridge has a lot to offer.

The NPS 153 trail, tucked away in the heart of the Arizona Strip, is an epic off-road adventure that is both thrilling and daunting. This unmaintained trail follows the perilous edge of the North Fork Canyon. Along the way, the trail offers breathtaking views of the rugged terrain and the remnants of the old Savanic Mine, a copper mining operation that dates back to the early 1900s. The challenging trail is also remote and difficult, thus not recommended for those without experience or proper equipment. Nor should this trail be run alone, as it could be potentially dangerous. If you're up for the challenge, the NPS 153 trail to the Savanic Mine promises an unforgettable experience.

Franconia Road has been a popular backcountry route for generations, attracting prospectors, adventurers, and explorers in search of elusive gold deposits. Today, it remains a sought-after destination for those seeking treasures and a taste of the area's mining history.

In addition to its rich mining heritage, Franconia Road also offers insight into the region's military past. Bell P-39 and P-63 fighters used to routinely fly overhead, practicing in the nearby Yucca Air to Air Gunnery Range. The landscape still bears remnants of past training exercises and .50 caliber spent ammo, adding to the area's unique charm and history.

Whether you're interested in history or simply want to enjoy the stunning views of the Buck and Mohave Mountain Ranges, Franconia Road is the main artery into the north side of the Mohave Mountains. From this popular backcountry road, you can explore other fascinating destinations, winding through beautiful desert scenery that showcases the region's natural beauty.

Wing Mountain Road is all about camping among the Ponderosa Pines of the Coconino National Forest in Arizona's high country. Just north of Flagstaff, the area is perfect for campers headed to the Grand Canyon, traveling I-40, attending Overland EXPO West, or just wanting to get away. There are dozens of great campsites along Wing Mountain Road. Ravens and blue jays will undoubtedly take note of where you choose to camp. In the Fall, you'll hear elk bugling. Named for the cinder cone volcano just south of the road, Wing Mountain Road cuts through the largest Ponderosa Pine forest in North America. You'll see plenty of old stumps. When the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad reached Flagstaff in 1882, numerous lumber yards sprung up. The mills heavily harvested the virgin pine forest. They shipped lumber by rail as far away as Albuquerque and Los Angeles. The stumps of the cut trees remain, but there are ancient Ponderosa Pines still residing in the forest. The bark of young pines is black. Once reaching a hundred years old, the Ponderosas have an orange-yellow color to their bark. Loggers differentiate the two by calling them "blackjacks" and yellow bellies." The wind in the tops of the pines sings a very relaxing song. Stop and take a listen.

Branching away from the plentiful Superstition trails to the north, this trail heads south from Peralta Road and leads deep into desert cattle ranching territory. Most of this trail is packed dirt and rock. Multiple areas of washouts, small ledge drop-offs, and wash crossings tip the rating to a low-end moderate. Portions of this trail run through active cattle ranching land. Please respect the ranchers and leave cattle gates as found or follow the gate signs where posted.

Several camping locations are on the north end, closest to Peralta Road. These are larger locations with fire rings and can accommodate multiple rigs. There are no camping locations once south of the red cattle gate.

The trail ends on the south, intersecting the old and abandoned US 80 roadbed. Heading east, you will find a washed-out bridge from days gone by, and it will also take you back to pavement.

This trail traverses Arizona State Trust Land. A recreational permit is required.

Traveling into the scenic Bulldog Canyon Off-Highway Vehicle Area, Trail 3512, is an ideal opportunity to have a memorable 4x4 experience and access to backcountry hiking. Stock 4x4 owners find the rocky hill climbs and tippy ledges exhilarating and challenging. Low-range gearing, high clearance, and durable tires are needed for this route. Please stay on the clearly marked trail. A Tonto Motorized Vehicle Use Permit is required to access this road, which is only available online. Permits are not available at the District Office.

Camping is sparse along the route, with only a few primitive campsites being found along the way. The best camping is at the north end, where the backcountry hiking trails begin. Due to Forest Order 03-12-03-22-34, camping is prohibited within 1 mile from Hackamore Staging Area until at least January 12, 2026.

Located in the Tonto National Forest, at 2,873,200 acres, the largest of Arizona's National Forests, Saddle Mountain follows the sycamore-lined east and west forks of Sycamore Creek before beginning a climb that offers long views across a vast landscape of rolling hills and deep canyons carved by small streams fed by runoff from the looming Mazatzal Mountains, one peak being named Saddle Mountain, elevation 6525 feet. You will know which it is just from the name. The name Mazatzal is difficult to pronounce. Locals often just refer to the Mazatzal Mountains as the Mazzies. The name is attributed to an obscure native language now only spoken in central Mexico. It means "place of the deer." As difficult as the name may be, traversing the Mazzies is infinitely harder. The rugged and nearly impenetrable mountains, encased in the Mazatzal Wilderness Area, form a north/south spine in central Arizona crossed by no roads and very few foot trails. Saddle Mountain leads to one of those trails, the famed Arizona Trail, a National Scenic Trail that traverses Arizona's entirety from Mexico to Utah. The trailhead at the end of Saddle Mountain is unimpressive, but it sits on the edge of the vast and remote Mazatzal Wilderness. However, if you wish to be truly impressed by this trail, backtrack to one of the idyllic campsites along the West Fork of the Sycamore and set up camp beside that babbling little brook under the shade of the white-trunked sycamore trees. Kick back. Listen to the water rushing over the stones and the song of the wind in the treetops. Life doesn't get much better.

If you like fire lookout stations and muddy roads, you'll love this trail. While the southern portion is muddy and rocky, the funniest part of this trail is easily accessed until you reach the gate that stops you from driving all the way to Turkey Butte Lookout Tower. The remaining trip to the tower will require hiking up a steep dirt road, and depending on who is manning the tower you may or may not be allowed a tour.

Franconia Wash backcountry road is located on the north side of the Mohave Mountain Range, which separates Lake Havasu City from the desert to the north. As the crow flies, this trail ends less than 10 miles from the outskirts of Lake Havasu City and offers much different scenery than the south-facing side of the mountains. The north side of this mountain range has lush green grass plus a large variety of plants, offering seasonal blooms in late winter and early spring. Along this drive, you pass through numerous gold mining claims and see old cabin sites, a game water collection structure, an old car, and a wood-framed water windmill structure. Some of these highlights require a quarter-mile hike over hilly terrain with prickly bushes and cacti all along the way. On a clear day, you can see Yucca and the surrounding area up to the power plant off Griffith Road and a little bit of Golden Valley.

Considered the early cutoff along Price Road, this crossover trail connects to the popular Cottonwood Canyon Road. The views and desert vegetation create a scenic leisurely cruise through the desert. Price Cutoff has deep washouts, rocky ledges up to 10 inches, and mud during winter months. Most of the route can be completed in 2WD, but there are sporadic rough spots. The trail is ideal for vehicles with 4x4 high clearance and durable off-road tires. There are no significant height or width restrictions for larger overland vehicles, but the off-camber washouts may be an issue.

Camping is more than abundant. You can stay close to the crowds or drive deeper to find a quiet primitive campsite.

The tremendous heat and pressure form gold, other heavy minerals, and most semiprecious stones deep under the earth's surface. Sometimes, that pressure forces its way to the surface through faults, bringing rare minerals and stones. Such forces formed the Kofa Mountains and the various surrounding mountain ranges. Gold and other valuable minerals lured fortune-seeking prospectors and miners to these mountains in the mid-1800s. Today, most of the mines are inactive. However, mild winters lure visitors to Quartzsite and its broad valleys and rugged mountains. Some visitors drive Blevens Road to Crystal Hill to scratch through the multi-hued soil on its slopes in search of a wide variety of rare stones. Even if you are not a gem collector, Blevens Road offers an easy drive through a sand and gravel desert filled with saguaro, ocotillo, cholla, ironwood, jackrabbits, and hummingbirds. To either side are inspiring views of the Kofa and New Water Mountains. The openness of the desert makes for leisurely strolls to take in the austere beauty of this arid environment. The adaptability of animal and plant life deserves to be examined and understood at arm's length. Just don't step on a cholla ball.