Arizona Off-Road Trails

This trail is a challenging Arizona desert 4x4 route featuring softball to bowling ball-sized rocks that test tire grip and suspension, along with rocky ledges, steep hills, and descents requiring good ground clearance, low-range gearing, and solid driving skills. The rugged path winds through scenic Sonoran Desert terrain dotted with iconic Saguaro cacti, mesquite, and palo verde trees.

The trail concludes with a crossing of the Agua Fria River, so always check water levels beforehand—flows can rise quickly and become hazardous or impassable after rain.

No campsites were located.

Barely visible, this path winds through the grassy hills, leading to a wash frequented by prospectors searching for gold at the turn of the 20th century. Fast forward to modern times, and in the spring, a new treasure emerges among these hillsides. Fields of yellow and gold poppies add a vibrant splash of color to the area's natural beauty. While the trail may be challenging to navigate due to its faint markings, it's a great option for those looking to explore and appreciate the area's unique beauty.

Located close enough to hear the hum of passing trains yet far enough to listen to the birds chirping and singing in bushes as the sun crests over the mountains filling the valley floor with warmth and light, 4352B offers a peaceful and secluded off-road experience. The trail winds between creosote bushes and ocotillos above the small washes carved over thousands of years in the desert floor. The area was once part of mining activity around the turn of the 20th century, with prospectors from all over the country searching for precious metals and minerals. Today, the trail and its surroundings remain largely untouched.

In recent years, 4352B has become a remote campsite for meteorite hunters, but it's unlikely you'll see anyone else on this quiet and secluded trail. While the origin of this spur is unknown, it offers a glimpse into the history of mining and meteorites in the area.

Overall, 4352B offers the beauty of the virtually untouched natural desert landscape and a chance to experience a less-traveled path. It's a great option for anyone who enjoys the peace and quiet of the outdoors.

Running from Lincoln Ranch Road to Barnard Pipeline Road, Johnson Ranch Cuttoff alternates between a graded dirt road and sections of sandy wash.  The trail is easy enough for 2WD vehicles if there haven’t been recent rains.  The road is useful as a shortcut and little more.

A single campsite on a gravel playa is suitable for up to 3 vehicles and has a fire ring and nice views. 

Cohenour Loop is a 17.5-mile loop trail that travels up Petroglyph Wash, then splits to form a loop. The rock art at the split in the trail is what gives Petroglyph Wash its name. Take time to make a quick stop here and explore the many etchings made in the volcanic rock to the left of the trail, before continuing on the trail. Turning right at the split will lead to the Cohenour mine, an old copper mine with spoil piles and diggings still visible. After the mine, you will crest a hill and descend before reaching the intersection of Gilbert Canyon Road. Turn left to continue on Cohenour Loop. Continue through the rocky landscape to the next intersection with Pope Mine Road, then turn straight onto Cohenour Loop. This section will pass through an open desert meadow prior to entering Petroglyph Wash to complete the loop. Cohenour Loop is a minimally maintained road and has minor erosion damage, but is easily passable by any high clearance 4WD vehicle.

4353B is a simple connector from Spirit Ridge Road to 7387. This single-lane trail with mild pinstriping and small wash crossings provides access to this fun-to-explore desert region.

This trail is a simple connector that leads from FR6399 to Little Round Mountain Trail. It is made of hard-packed dirt with scattered small rocks. The section nearest to FR6399 can get muddy after recent rains, but it isn't too challenging. Although this connector trail will bring you closer to a few campsites with a view at the end of Little Round Mountain Trail, there are no established sites along this trail.

Raw Deal is an adventurous desert trail that winds through the rugged landscapes of Arizona State Trust Land, challenging off-road enthusiasts with a variety of terrain and obstacles. The route follows a sandy wash lined with towering saguaro cacti before leading into a natural rock playground filled with multiple rock obstacles that allow drivers to choose their own level of difficulty. Lifted vehicles, equipped with at least one locker, are highly recommended to tackle the tougher sections and make the most of the trail's technical features. Although the trail eventually reaches a dead end, the journey itself is packed with excitement, offering plenty of opportunities to test both vehicle and driver skills. Camping is permitted along the trail, though there are no established campsites, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a more primitive desert experience. At the end, turn around and have fun going back the way you came in.

Valentine Canyon runs north/south along the east slope of its namesake drainage. The narrow, rutted shelf road has scattered pullouts to pass oncoming traffic. At the northern end of the trail, there are several small campsites.

Gregg's Hideout Road is a 37-mile out-and-back trail that travels from Pierce Ferry Road to the Gregg's Hideout on Lake Mead. Before Lake Mead was created, this was the location of Mike Scanlon's ferry from 1881 to the early 1900s. This ferry service aided prospectors and early settlers of the area. In 1891, Tom Gregg took over the ferry service and renamed it Gregg's Ferry until the creation of Lake Mead. There is a rumor that Tom was hiding from the law, which is why the place is called Gregg's Hideout. The trail is a combination of dirt and sand. The first section is a well-maintained county road. After entering the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, the road begins to deteriorate, with erosion damage along the edges of the trail. The last portion of the trail is loose sand. Gregg's Hideout Road provides great views of the high desert, with scattered creosote bush, joshua trees, and buckhorn cholla.

Sunset Crater Pit, FS 545B, is a straight-through forest road that parallels Highway 89 just outside Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. Popular with campers and overlanders, the route follows a hard-packed dirt surface scattered with small volcanic rock and offers numerous dispersed campsites with outstanding views of O'Leary Peak, Robinson Mountain, and Humphreys Peak. The southern half of the trail is generally smoother and more shaded, with several larger campsites suitable for travel trailers, RVs, and extended camp setups. Conditions become rougher on the northern half, where a 2022 wildfire removed much of the vegetation and left the area more susceptible to erosion. Here, drivers can expect sections of exposed volcanic rock up to 8–10 inches in size and washout ruts reaching 10–16 inches deep. While the route remains manageable for most high-clearance vehicles in dry conditions, the roughest campsites and obstacles may challenge lower-clearance SUVs. Campsites in the burn area are large and open but offer little protection from wind, dust, or sun. Whether you're looking for a quick overnight stop or a basecamp for exploring the Sunset Crater region, this trail provides easy access to scenic high-desert camping with mountain views in every direction.

4355 is an excellent connector to access 4354, which runs through Palo Verde and Ideal Mines. It's a short trail, with great campsites and easy access from National Old Trails Road.

Hualapai Wash Road is a 16-mile out-and-back trail that follows the Hualapai Wash down to the Hualapai Bay on Lake Mead. This scenic trail travels along the sandy wash, passing through desert flora such as creosote bushes and white bursage. The trail is shallow, loose sand with a few small rocks to negotiate. The bay at the end of this trail is a beautiful area to relax or stop for lunch. Primitive camping is allowed in Hualapai Bay.

I-17 Access Trail winds through the scenic Sonoran Desert on a mostly dirt surface with occasional softball-sized rocks that add a bit of technical driving without being overly difficult. A stock 4x4 can comfortably complete the route under normal conditions. The trail provides access to Interstate 17 and ends at a ranch gate that must be left as you found it, so please close the gate behind you to help protect grazing areas and maintain access for future travelers.

An Arizona State Trust Land Recreation Permit is required.

Rattlesnake Canyon offers a rewarding drive through the diverse landscapes of Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument. The route begins in Hidden Canyon, passing through an area some maps label the Hidden Hills, before climbing onto the Shiwits Plateau. Along the way, the scenery transitions through layers of rock, pinyon pine, and sagebrush.

The road is generally non-technical, though a few sections will cycle your suspension and may require four-wheel drive and higher clearance. Camping opportunities are limited to a handful of pre-disturbed sites, but several flat areas could work in a pinch. One especially interesting stretch passes an old coral and Rattlesnake Spring, though the water here is not suitable for drinking.

This route is suitable for any high clearance vehicle equipped with 4 low.

Boulder Creek Ranch Powerline cuts through a stunning stretch of Sonoran Desert where towering saguaro cacti stand so densely packed it feels like driving through a cactus forest. The trail is mostly dirt with scattered softball-sized rocks and a handful of washouts that keep drivers alert and add just enough challenge to the adventure.

One primitive campsite sits right along the trail, offering a quiet spot to take in the desert sunsets and star-filled skies. While the route feels remote and rugged, a stock 4x4 with decent clearance is more than capable of handling the terrain.

The trail runs north-south and connects West Gasline Road to Table Mesa 9952, also known as Crapshoot, and to Crapshoot Powerline. Make sure you read the description of Table Mesa 9952, because it is more difficult going south to north.

An Arizona State Trust Land Recreation Permit is required.

You're treated to expansive views across the Sierra Ancha Wilderness as you wind across open prairie grass. FR 54 is a worthy but bumpy challenge for stock-type 4x4s. A fun and scenic addition to the long and less difficult Rock House. Not really a shortcut to Young, but rather an alternate continuation of Rock House with a couple of moderate challenges for unmodified vehicles. The route takes about 1.5 - 2 hours to complete. The hills are steep, with loose rocks and boulders shifting under the tires. Durable off-road tires, high ground clearance, and low-range 4x4 are required. The northern section near Young is semi-graded dirt before becoming difficult east of FR 329 (Cow Flat Road).

Camping is limited along this route; it’s recommended to camp along Rock House. The region is covered by fractured rocks hidden in the grass, rolling ankles. There are spots to be found, but they can be overrun with cattle or near a water tank. A large camp area for numerous vehicles is at the eastern trailhead with Rock House. 

2051 is a short connector trail linking Warner Valley Road and BLM #1036. It serves as a convenient shortcut when traveling north–south on 1036 and needing to access Warner Valley.

The road is almost entirely hard-packed dirt, with a few ups and downs. It is suitable for any high-clearance vehicle. The route is scenic, and a small section passes through private land. There are no pre-disturbed campsites along its short distance.

Gladiator Mine Road in Crown King, Arizona, traces its roots back to the late 19th-century mining boom in the Bradshaw Mountains. Named after the area's prominent copper, gold, and silver operation, the road follows the historic, rugged paths carved out by early prospectors. Today, it's mostly used by owners of private property, homes, and cabins.

Tight and twisty at the summit, the trail widens into a gravel road as you head down. Watch out for the many switchbacks along the way. Please be courteous and keep dust to a minimum as you will be driving through residential areas. Connecting this trail to Towers Mountain Road makes a nice loop around the mountain above Crown King.

No camping is available, and seasonal snow can close the road temporarily.

The trail travels through the heart of the beautiful Sonoran Desert, surrounded by towering Saguaro Cactus and classic desert scenery. It features numerous tight twists and turns that wind through washes and hillsides, keeping drivers engaged as they navigate the rugged terrain. Expect a series of steep climbs and descents that add both challenge and excitement while providing excellent views of the surrounding desert landscape.

Serving as a scenic backway to Rock Springs, the route includes a detour designed to avoid private property, so it is important to stay on the established trail. Drivers should remain alert for oncoming traffic, especially around blind corners and narrow sections. Fortunately, there are plenty of pull-offs along the route, making it easy to yield and allow other vehicles to pass safely. The combination of desert beauty, rolling terrain, and remote backcountry travel makes this trail a rewarding adventure for off-road enthusiasts.

FR 752 is a short 5 mile out-and-back trail that ends at a point overlooking Knoll Lake. The first half of the trail is easy with only small rocks to negotiate. The second half of the trail becomes more difficult with larger rocks on the trail to negotiate. There is an optional obstacle on this trail with 3 ledges approximately 18 to 24 inches in height. Multiple camping sites can be found along this trail.

Just west of Bradshaw’s Grave, this trail immediately steps up in difficulty and character. What was previously low moderate terrain gives way to steeper hills, off-camber ruts, and a series of small ledges and steps that demand careful throttle control and good tire placement. Softball- to basketball-size rocks litter the path in places, adding a steady dose of articulation challenges, while a handful of tight switchbacks keep the pace deliberate and the views constantly changing. It will push the limits of stock high clearance 4x4's, and beginners will find it difficult.

The same classic Sonoran Desert scenery continues—saguaros, palo verde, ocotillo, mesquite, and prickly pear—now set against more dramatic elevation changes and open ridgelines. About half way down the trail, you will find a fenced in riparian area on Buzzard Roost Creek, that is closed from March 1st to October 31st. Hiking down to the bottom, in the open months, would add another level of adventure. Overall, Buzzard Roost is a high moderate run that rewards drivers with a few technical sections and expansive desert vistas.

At the south end of the trail is Buckhorn Springs, which will take you to Constellation Road to the west and Castle Hot Springs Road to the east.

Cow Flat Road is a moderate challenge for stock-type 4x4s. The trail winds through brushy two-track across grassy meadows, with views of the Sierra Ancha Wilderness and access to the beautiful Cherry Creek Canyon. You can set up camp or your chair under a shade tree and take a hike through the wet canyon. The water flows year-round, and it’s a wonderful place to relax. Camping is limited to a couple of spots by the creek and a couple of open areas along the middle sections; it is remote and quiet.

The trail requires four-wheel drive, high clearance, and durable tires when traversing the southern portion. There is the potential for pinstripes, and there are a couple of loose-rock hills with small rock steps.  

Bonelli Landing Road is a 14.6-mile out-and-back trail that connects Temple Bar Road (paved) to the Lake Mead shore. Before the construction of Hoover Dam and Lake Mead, Bonelli Landing was the site of a ferry service between Nevada and Arizona across the Colorado River. Now this is a great spot for boondockers looking for solitude. The road has some light erosion damage and shallow sand, which could be problematic for heavier vehicles and trailers.