Arizona Off-Road Trails

Running along the east fork of the Little Colorado River, this short gravel road overlooks the main part of the town of Greer, one of Arizona’s smallest towns by year-round population but its highest in elevation. The road has houses and cabins along it, which ends at a church youth camp established in 1926. It has bumpy sections and is narrow, with few places to pull over until the turnaround at the end. Just after the start, there is a small parking area for those wishing to walk the half-mile Butler Canyon Nature Trail.

East Fork Road tells the story of disaster and recovery after the human-caused Wallow Fire of 2011, during which Greer was evacuated, and 538,049 acres in Arizona and New Mexico burned. The short drive gives one a good feeling for the destruction caused in a beautiful place but also of resiliency... nature’s resiliency, as healthy new growth takes over the forest floor, and Greer’s, as the town has returned to its role as one of Arizona’s escape-the-heat getaways for both short visits and second homes.

Camping within the Greer Recreation Area is limited to Forest Service campgrounds (the Hoyer campground is less than 2 miles away).

This trail begins at Woody Mountain Road. It is a simple out-and-back trail made of packed dirt and gravel. However, it's important to note that the trail is cut short by a barbed wire fence without a gate before the official end of the trail. A campsite near the fence line can accommodate 3-4 vehicles. According to the Forest Service, this area is not a designated dispersed camping corridor, and there are no other campsites available.

Coyote Wells is a nice utility trail to use as a shortcut between Waypoint 14 of Signal Road and Alamo Road if headed or coming in from the north. Decent road, but watch the speed. There are patches of soft sand around corners that, judging by the tracks, caught a few others by surprise as they nearly went off the road.

Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge in southern Arizona was established in 1985 for the reintroduction of masked bobwhite quail and the restoration of natural landscapes and their native wildlife, including the Sonoran Pronghorn. The 118,000-acre refuge lies in a broad Altar Valley between the Baboquivari Mountains, with their prominent main peak in the west, and the lower San Luis Mountains to the east. In the 1850s, Pedro Aguirre, Jr. built a homestead here in 1864 and named it Buenos Ayres, or "good air," because of the constant winds. His ranch changed hands several times before being purchased to form today's wildlife refuge. The refuge's visitor center is located in the adobe ranch house.

The refuge has over 80 designated campsites identified by a numbered sign. Camping is free and allowed for 14 days in a 30-day period, but only in the designated campsites. Most campsites have a fire ring/grill. Site sizes vary from a single vehicle to large enough for multiple RVs and trailers. Most are suitable for tents.

Fuel and limited supplies are available in the nearby small towns of Sasabe and Arivaca.

Garcia Ranch Road begins in Sasabe near the school and runs through the refuge to the abandoned Garcia Ranch homestead. The wide, well-maintained, graded road runs parallel to the Mexican border. Driving the spur trails south of Garcia Ranch Road is not recommended. The homestead is in disrepair and closed off. There is no camping along this trail.

The trail begins at a very small trailhead marked with informational boards. There is no staging area.

The trail immediately ascends into a loose sand wash, giving way to a mix of hard-packed sand and dirt as you progress. The trail climbs gradually through a series of hills, some featuring slight off-camber sections with patches of loose gravel. Expect to encounter a few small ruts carved by seasonal runoff.

As you crest these hills, you’ll find several excellent stopping points with scenic views of Brushy Mountain to the south—great spots to catch a photo or take in the landscape. The trail transitions into a steeper descent into a small valley, where you’ll come across a unique highlight: a broken-down, abandoned vehicle lying upside-down right off the trail. Likely from the 1960s or 1970s, it serves as an interesting historical relic along the way.

The steep climb out of the valley marks the most challenging section. This ascent includes a significant grade and deeper ruts, requiring careful throttle control and wheel placement.

Connect this trail with Sunrise Ridge Loop to gain additional views of Bartlett Lake. The trail ends at the intersection with Indian Springs. 

Due to the ridge line nature of most of the trail, there are no viable campsites along the route. 

This trail is part of the Tonto National Forest St. Clair OHV permit area. A permit is required. Use the permit link above for more information. 

The Launch Pad is just one obstacle that is part of the President's Choice Trail. Even though this is just an obstacle, people come from all over to watch people try this one spot, like Potato Salad Hill in Moab. Launch Pad is a 50-foot wide, 15-foot tall waterfall with multiple lines that can take you up to the top. The most common line is right up the center, which is basically a 60-degree incline with the risk of slipping down and rolling over your right rear tire. Whether you pick the hard line or the even harder line, this extreme 4x4 obstacle is going to put your nerves to the test.

Named for the route that once led to the historic Snow White Perlite Mine, this trail winds through the rugged terrain of the Hewitt Station OHV area. The mine, a small surface operation, reached peak production in the 1940s—turning out nearly 200 tons of perlite per day. Today, the mine stands silent, but the trail that bears its name offers a lively mix of rocky surfaces, mild climbs, and connecting routes that make it ideal for a full day of wheeling.

Along the way, you’ll be treated to scenic views of the inner Hewitt Station valleys and striking stone formations that define this corner of the desert. At the southern end, the terrain opens up into a couple of large, flat camping areas, perfect for larger groups or overnight stays before tackling the next trail in the network.

7383 is a short stretch of Alamo Crossing Road, a historical path the old miners and travelers followed when crossing this barren stretch of desert. There are multiple spurs off this trail going in all directions, along with several windmills and cattle pens. Picturesque Sheeps Mount Well is at the southern end of this trail at the northern border of Aubrey Peak Wilderness. This is a beautiful, lightly traveled stretch of desert.

Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge in southern Arizona was established in 1985 for the reintroduction of masked bobwhite quail and the restoration of natural landscapes and their native wildlife, including the Sonoran Pronghorn. The 118,000-acre refuge lies in a broad Altar Valley between the Baboquivari Mountains, with their prominent main peak in the west, and the lower San Luis Mountains to the east. In the 1850s, Pedro Aguirre, Jr. built a homestead here in 1864 and named it Buenos Ayres, or "good air," because of the constant winds. His ranch changed hands several times before being purchased to form today's wildlife refuge. The refuge's visitor center is located in the adobe ranch house.

The refuge has over 80 designated campsites identified by a numbered sign. Camping is free and allowed for 14 days in a 30-day period, but only in the designated campsites. Most campsites have a fire ring/grill. Site sizes vary from a single vehicle to large enough for multiple RVs and trailers. Most are suitable for tents.

Fuel and limited supplies are available in the nearby small towns of Sasabe and Arivaca.

Yellow Jacket Road, BANWR 243, climbs a steep hill with a 13-degree pitch to a ridgeline with a campsite and extraordinary 360-degree views. Campsite 82 sits atop the ridgeline. The pull-through site can accommodate two vehicles. It has a fire ring and outstanding views. It is exposed, however.

Combine this trail with the connecting Herman Tank for some actual wheeling inside the refuge.

Big Pine Flat is a perfect moderate road for a scenic drive through the forest, featuring rocky and packed dirt sections and views of the Tonto Basin. The road winds through towering pines and offers a peaceful, remote atmosphere. It branches off from the Edward’s Park Trail and links up with the more challenging Jolene Trail. At the end, you’ll find a beautiful, secluded campsite for 3-4 vehicles tucked among pine trees and massive boulders, making for an ideal spot to unwind and enjoy nature.

Running northwest from Bouse paralleling Highway 72, La Posa Road runs across a broad plain of creosote brush with small washes lined with pale green palo verde and thorny dark ironwood trees.  The area is dotted with broad, flat gravel playas, which make excellent campsites.  Most are large enough for a group of vehicles.  Brush the scattered rocks away to make acceptable tent sites.  The elevated playas have 360-degree views of the area’s mountain ranges.

The dirt trail is well-maintained.  On the eastern end, it is wide.  The western end narrows and crosses the sandy Bouse Wash before intersecting Highway 72 at a gate.  The trail is suitable for 2WD vehicles.  Never cross Bouse Wash if it is flooded. 

This flat, graded dirt road offers a smooth and easy drive, making it a great starting point for exploring the surrounding trail network. It connects to several popular routes in the area, including Red Rock Power Line on the northern end and Ranch Loop, allowing visitors to create longer and more varied rides. The road provides a mix of open desert views and glimpses of the striking red rock formations that define the region, with several pullouts and wide spots ideal for taking photos or short breaks. While the terrain is mild and suitable for most vehicles, drivers should note that the northern end of the road dead ends into private property and does not provide through access. Once the route crosses into the Coconino National Forest, camping is not permitted, but the road remains a pleasant and scenic drive for those looking to access other trails or simply enjoy the views.

Are you looking for a less traveled option to avoid backtracking on Franconia Road? 4348 is a great option that runs between Franconia Road and 4359. This single-lane trail offers a change in scenery and road conditions as it winds through the valley floor above the wash. Keep an eye out for rocks arranged in a line in the wash below - evidence of past prospectors who manually stacked them to follow the gold streaks in the wash. Watch for the old yellow truck 100 yards off the road too. Miner? Rancher? Explorer? You decide.

Old Fort Bowie Road travels to the Fort Bowie National Historic Site. Inconguiosly, it also passes a Buddhist healing retreat and a guest ranch. The dirt road is well maintained but narrows past the one-and-a-half-mile point. Signs suggest vehicles over 24 feet do not pass that point. One blind curve and a narrow one-lane road to the Historic Site reinforce the advice. There is a nice staging/parking area at the trailhead.

The highlight of the road is the remains of Fort Bowie, the centerpiece of the 30 years of war with the Apache Nation led by Cochise and Geronimo. The fort's strategic location helped maintain safe travel across Apache Pass by travelers, including the Butterfield Overland Stage, a passenger and mail service from St Louis to San Francisco. The Fort Bowie Visitor Center is a short walk from the end of the road. The remnants of the old fort lay spread out across a broad plain. Apache Spring, the most reliable water source in the area, is a short hike away.

There are no campsites along the road.

Colcord Ridge is a scenic and easy road running down the face of the Mogollon Rim. The trail boasts three free campgrounds and a fish hatchery along Canyon Creek.

Colcord Ridge Campground is near the western end of the road. It has vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, grills, and informational signage. The individual campsites are RV-sized.

Airplane Flat Campground is west of the spring-fed, gurgling Canyon Creek. The large campground is shaded by Ponderosa pines and equipped with vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and grills.  

Just east of Canyon Creek’s one-lane bridge, the Canyon Creek Fish Hatchery is sporadically open to visitors. The road narrows past the hatchery. Upper Canyon Creek Campground is just short of the gated end of the road, with amenities similar to Airplane Flat Campground. The campground is mostly frequented by anglers.  

The road has a few ruts and potholes. There is room to turn around at the gated end just past Upper Canyon Creek Campground. There is very limited dispersed camping along the trail. The campgrounds do not see heavy use, so they make the best option for camping along the trail.

Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge in southern Arizona was established in 1985 for the reintroduction of masked bobwhite quail and the restoration of natural landscapes and their native wildlife, including the Sonoran Pronghorn. The 118,000-acre refuge lies in a broad Altar Valley between the Baboquivari Mountains, with their prominent main peak in the west, and the lower San Luis Mountains to the east. In the 1850s, Pedro Aguirre, Jr. built a homestead here in 1864 and named it Buenos Ayres, or "good air," because of the constant winds. His ranch changed hands several times before being purchased to form today's wildlife refuge. The refuge's visitor center is located in the adobe ranch house.

The refuge has over 80 designated campsites identified by a numbered sign. Camping is free and allowed for 14 days in a 30-day period, but only in the designated campsites. Most campsites have a fire ring/grill. Site sizes vary from a single vehicle to large enough for multiple RVs and trailers. Most are suitable for tents.

Fuel and limited supplies are available in the nearby small towns of Sasabe and Arivaca.

Morman Lake Road passes a seasonal waterhole by the same name. The rough trail connects to Highway 286. Please keep the gate closed at the highway. Campsite 77 is large enough for two RVs and easily accessible from the highway. The flat site has views, a fire ring, and little shade. The northeastern portion of the trail is likely impassable when wet. Pin striping is likely for wider vehicles near the lake.

Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge in southern Arizona was established in 1985 for the reintroduction of masked bobwhite quail and the restoration of natural landscapes and their native wildlife, including the Sonoran Pronghorn. The 118,000-acre refuge lies in a broad Altar Valley between the Baboquivari Mountains, with their prominent main peak in the west, and the lower San Luis Mountains to the east. In the 1850s, Pedro Aguirre, Jr. built a homestead here in 1864 and named it Buenos Ayres, or "good air," because of the constant winds. His ranch changed hands several times before being purchased to form today's wildlife refuge. The refuge's visitor center is located in the adobe ranch house.

The refuge has over 80 designated campsites identified by a numbered sign. Camping is free and allowed for 14 days in a 30-day period, but only in the designated campsites. Most campsites have a fire ring/grill. Site sizes vary from a single vehicle to large enough for multiple RVs and trailers. Most are suitable for tents.

Fuel and limited supplies are available in the nearby small towns of Sasabe and Arivaca.

Big Bertha runs along the westernmost part of the refuge. The easy trail is signed as 271, 203, and 205 along its seven-plus miles. Dried ruts remind us that this well-maintained trail is likely impassable when wet. Abandoned water tanks, fencing, and an old line shack remind visitors of the area's ranching history. There's a gate at the southern end. Please remember to close it behind you. Campsite 74 has a fire ring, level ground, and shade. The appealing site is suitable for two or three rigs.

Willow Tree Road is a short, little over a mile long, dead-end spur road off Cottonwood Cove East that ends at a shoreline campsite on Airport Cove. The trail starts by crossing a soft, sandy desert wash not recommended for large travel trailers. After the wash, the road is a mix of hardpacked and soft dirt suitable for any vehicle with good ground clearance. The trail ends at a single campsite along the shoreline, large enough for 4-5 vehicles.

Although this road is within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area fee area, there are no entrance stations along the way to obtain a pass.

West Buzzard Ridge offers another way to enjoy views of the Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness and the canyons that surround the ridge. As you traverse the loop trail, you will have the opportunity to see Humphrey's Peak and Casner Cabin Draw to the north. There are only one or two campsites on this trail, almost guaranteeing solitude and a peaceful retreat in the forest. The trail is similar to others in the area, consisting of hard-packed dirt with scattered small rocks.

County Road and BLM Road 30 is known on maps as Navajo Trail. It connects the Mt. Trumbull Loop Main Street section with the Clayhole section. "Navajo Trail” likely harkens back to the old-time-honored travel corridors of native peoples, early settlers, and herders, but there is no known story. Additionally, when reviewing maps, a small area is labeled White Pockets. This is a local sandstone basin named for its light-colored rock and shallow “pocket” formations. It is not the same as the famous White Pocket formation near Vermilion Cliffs, though it shares the descriptive naming style used widely by early surveyors on the Arizona Strip.

The route is suitable for almost any high-clearance vehicle. On the west end, it travels through Dutchman Draw, where it can be narrow and steep in spots. Anticipate blind corners and limited passing opportunities as you navigate through the Hurricane Cliffs. The road does cross a few washes, and those can change due to rain, so use caution. Interestingly, if you drive the road from west to east, the way up Hurricane Cliffs will look intimidating, but it's an optical illusion from afar, and the road leading up the cliffs is rather tame.

A couple of nice camping sites with limited tree cover can be found on its far west end. The remainder of the trail in flat areas offers plenty of spots to pull over and camp, but nothing is already pre-disturbed.