Arizona Off-Road Trails

Reservation Line Road is a C-shaped trail connecting on both ends to the Young Highway.  Both ends of the C offer excellent dispersed camping.  The northern sites sit along a ridge with excellent views eastward into the White Mountain Apache Reservation across a wide valley with the Mogollon Rim in the distance.  The southern sites are flat, and one is large enough for a sizable group.  All the campsites are large enough for several vehicles with shade from the large Ponderosa pines.

The road is rough dirt with a center portion with fist-sized rocks embedded and loose.

This trail covers the second half of Crapshoot as it winds through the rugged landscape of the Sonoran Desert, following a series of power lines north toward Windmill Trail. The route features stretches of dirt with scattered softball-sized rocks and a rocky ledge obstacle that must be carefully driven up. A stock 4x4 can complete the trail with careful tire placement and moderate driving experience. There is a large open area towards the end of the trail for camping, which can accommodate a large group.

This trail is on Bureau of Land Management land, but an Arizona State Trust Land Recreation Permit is required to access it.

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.

BANWR 254 begins across from the main entrance to the refuge. The easy trail ends abruptly at Tony Tank with little room to turn around. The easy crossings at Bailey Wash and Los Encinos Wash are the most difficult portion of the trail. Campsite 72 is nestled in trees and large enough for an RV or two smaller vehicles.

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.

Compartidero Road runs from Pronghorn Loop to Mormon Roas in the southwestern portion of the refuge. This two-track is impassable when wet. Campsite 78 is midway along the trail. The site has excellent views, level ground, and a firepit. It is large enough for two vehicles.

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.

BANWR 270 runs from Highway 286 to BANWR 254. The easy winding two-track trail parallels Bailey Wash. Grass grows between the two worn tracks that comprise the trail. There are no designated campsites along 270.

Nestled deep in the desert landscape, the Anderson Mill trail begins as an easygoing, smooth dirt road before transitioning into a scenic and smooth desert wash. As you navigate the route, the trail is richly framed by classic Sonoran Desert flora, featuring towering saguaro cactus, resilient palo verde trees, prickly cholla, sturdy creosote bushes, and vibrant ocotillo. Along the way, keen-eyed drivers will likely spot plenty of local wildlife, including an abundance of quail darting through the brush.

Past the historic remnants of the mill, the trail adds a touch of excitement with a single small-step obstacle to test your vehicle's clearance. This manageable challenge adds just the right amount of off-road engagement without sacrificing the overall cruiser-friendly nature of the drive. Combining fascinating local history, diverse desert scenery, and lively wildlife encounters, Anderson Mill offers a thoroughly rewarding getaway for off-roaders looking to soak up the desert's natural beauty.

Please use extreme caution if you decide to explore the site, as the structure is very old and rusty. On the north side of the mill, you will find a parking area with a fire ring for camping. Any stock, high clearance vehicle can enjoy this trail, but keep in mind it’s a sandy wash, and there's always the possibility of getting stuck. 4x4 is recommended. If you don't want to do any trails that are more difficult, turn around and follow the map back to the beginning. All other trails beyond this route are rated moderate or difficult.

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.

Herman Tank crosses a wash and climbs a rocky hill onto a ridgeline. The trail is narrow and requires clearance. The trail ends at Yellow Jacket Road and Campsite 83, a small one vehicle site with a fire ring, views, and no shade.

BLM Road 2003 has a rugged, remote personality, offering technical wash driving, changing conditions, and a strong sense of solitude for those venturing deeper into the Arizona Strip.

It runs north–south through a narrow wash on the Arizona Strip, following intermittently through a confined corridor between mudstone and sandstone walls. Much of the route stays within the wash itself, creating a strong sense of isolation as the canyon walls rise close on both sides. Near the southern end, the trail climbs out onto a higher plain, where the landscape opens up to wide views of distant buttes and cliffs. From here, you can loop back toward Hurricane and St. George or continue south on Road 1036 to push farther into the Strip.

The surface is mostly dirt with scattered rocky sections, but conditions vary significantly depending on recent weather. Three ledge or waterfall-style obstacles are encountered in the wash, with the most technical reaching roughly three feet tall. An aggressive SUV with a mild lift is recommended. When dry, the route is manageable, but rain can quickly introduce deep mud, erosion, and flash-flood risk. This road should be avoided during storm events.

The road is not suitable for camping due to the terrain.

4446D provides a great way to bypass a rocky section of BLM 4446, Franconia Wash, cutting through the slopes just above the wash. The vegetation along the trail is quite different from that in the wash, providing a welcome change in scenery. Along the way, you'll also encounter many claim markers and prospects on the hillsides above.

BLM Road #2004 connects 1035, 2003, and 1036, providing access between them. The road is moderate but non-technical, with loose rock present nearly the entire way. High clearance is required. There are several steep ascents and descents, and depending on your vehicle, you may choose to use 4-low to manage them. The terrain is not suitable for camping.

Visually, there’s a lot going on, with several truly picturesque spots along the trail. However, a high-power line follows the route, detracting from the overall experience. It’s a great road for connecting various routes in the area and spending a few hours on the trail.

Uncover this hidden gem, where a unique red-colored mine and its surrounding prospects lie hidden beneath the unforgiving sunburnt desert surface. This mine is the only one in the immediate area with such a distinctive hue, making it a must-see for any adventurer or history buff. Visit in the morning when the sun is low, illuminating the failing wood platforms that once supported the miners, offering a peek into the mine's other dark cavities and a glimpse into the area's mining history. Don't forget your camera or binoculars to capture the beauty of this hidden treasure.

Crossover Road is a short, straight-through road connecting Cottonwood Cove East and Arizona Bay Road. The graded road surface is primarily small, loose gravel with occasional washboard. The road is primarily used as a shortcut and offers no camping. It is 1.5 vehicles wide, with room to pass on the shoulders. This road is suitable for any vehicle.

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.

As an extension of El Paso Gas Pipeline Road, Chalk Hill Trail offers a noticeably more demanding adventure, featuring larger obstacles, off-camber sections, and terrain that requires careful tire placement and driver focus.

The trail's most notable challenge is Chalk Hill, a technical obstacle that tests both vehicle capability and driver skill. A bypass route is available, and anyone wanting to attempt the obstacle should avoid doing so alone. The risk of a rollover is real.

The trail rewards those willing to take on its challenges with expansive desert views and a true sense of backcountry exploration. However, the terrain demands constant attention. Steep climbs, moderate ledges, and rocks ranging from baseball-sized to bowling-ball-sized create a relentless and engaging drive from start to finish.

A scenic campsite, overlooking a rock quarry, provides a place to stop and take in the surroundings before continuing on. The trail concludes with a steep, rocky descent, and then a steep ascent that connects to Table Mesa Road. Drivers should remain alert for cross traffic as they re-enter the more traveled route.

What to say about a wash that connects to connects two fun trails as well as access to 7387 Pipeline Road? When the sand is dry, it's very soft. The wash is prone to flash flooding, with the water left behind nourishing the sharp prickly overgrown plants that sink their needles and branches into the paint of passing vehicles. Avoid it? No, this wash is a blast trying to navigate all the twists and turns!

This is an easy connector trail from Woody Mountain Road to FR6399. When combined with FR6399 and FR6416, it conveniently provides access to Little Round Mountain Trail and the amazing campsites overlooking the Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness. The trail is hard-packed dirt with scattered small rocks, and it can be easily completed with most high-clearance stock vehicles. There are no campsites along this trail.

FR 546 is a scenic ten-mile cinder two-track loop around O'Leary Peak starting at the Sunset Crater National Monument and ending back at US-89. This is a great trail to take if you're already planning to visit Sunset Crater (and you should!) or if you're going to hike in the Strawberry Crater Wilderness to the east. There is a lot of open space and high-quality dispersed camping along spurs off FR546. Views range from decent to excellent as the mountainous heights of the San Francisco Peaks to the west drop quickly down into the Painted Desert canyons of the Hopi and Navajo Nations to the east, with O'Leary Peak and Sunset Crater thrown in for good measure. You'll find several roadside campsites along the road as well, and they'll usually be vacant because this part of Flagstaff gets little traffic. The closed roads on the north slopes of O'Leary Peak are excellent for mountain biking, hiking, and backpacking, with no cars, great views, and your choice of elevation gain.

Whether you’re going up or down Bear Head Spring, the drive has numerous opportunities to enjoy Mother Nature during all four seasons. The trail follows a section of the Tonto Discovery Trail, a 500-plus-mile OHV route that spans all regions of the Tonto National Forest. The western portion of Bear Head Spring begins in the desert before winding up along steep, narrow ledges with large rockfall and blind washouts. Once above 6,000 feet, the tall pines help cool down the summer heat. The trail has a large natural cave located right off the trail at 33.93900, -111.08807.

The trail is ideal for beginners, stock-type 4x4s, and high-clearance vehicles with durable tires. There is abundant camping near both trailheads, and less in the middle section, while driving through the trees. It’s quiet, remote camping, with a couple of campsites that can accommodate 4-5 vehicles or camper trailers. 

This is a short connector trail between Power Tank Trail and Little Round Mountain Trail. The western end of the trail has suffered wildfire damage, leaving downed trees, burned pines, and a swath of empty space. While not the scenic refuge many seek in the forest, it provides insight into the power of Mother Nature. There are no good camping opportunities along this trail. Most of the trail is packed dirt with scattered small rocks mixed in, but there is one dip into a drainage crossing that could get a bit messy with heavy rainfall.

If you have been driving in the wide-open areas of Sunshine Trail Road or Main Street, going through this draw will provide a different view than you have already seen. A draw is a shallow, natural drainage with broad, gentle slopes that funnel water during storms and is typically more open than a canyon, but more defined than a flat desert.

Salaratus means aerated salt, so we can only surmise that at one point in time, ranchers and other inhabitants would come here for what is essentially baking soda.

The route can be driven in either direction and hugs and crisscrosses a wash with taller walls on each side. The wash crossings require a higher clearance vehicle and can change depending on the weather. Camping can be found in flat areas, but there are not many pre-disturbed sites available.

If you drive the trail in mid to late spring, you'll likely find the Fickeisen Plains Cactus flowering in the draw, which is both beautiful and endangered. Enjoy them if you find them, but please leave them be!

Road 1032 forms a U-shaped route connecting Mud Mountain Road (101) with Jump Canyon (1033), St. George Canyon(1034), and Tweeds Point (1616). The driving experience varies noticeably depending on which side of the "U" you’re on. The western side of the route travels through Hobble Canyon, which feels less traveled and noticeably bumpier. The eastern section of the "U" follows Upper Jump Canyon, offering a smoother but equally scenic drive through a narrower passageway.

Both sections provide excellent scenery. Numerous locations are flat and suitable for camping, although most are not pre-disturbed. It is recommended to air down, particularly for the western side, as it can be rocky and bumpy. Be advised that a potential washout is located just south of Jump Canyon and could pose a problem after heavy rainfall.

Towers Mountain, located in the Bradshaw Mountains just northwest of Crown King, gets its name from the historic fire lookout tower built at its summit. The 7,590-foot peak features a rich history of the 1860s gold rush and a century of active wildfire monitoring.

Unfortunately, as of April 2025, the tower is no longer accessible. If you connect Old Towers Mountain Road to Gladiator Mine Road, you will get a nice tour of the mountain and see great views to the north and south. This route travels through residential areas, so please be courteous and keep dust to a minimum.

The road has a few mild washouts, scattered baseball-sized to softball-sized rocks, many twists and turns, a few steep hills, and tight switchbacks.

No camping is available.