Arizona Off-Road Trails

FR 91B is a short but scenic loop in the Coconino National Forest near Sheep Springs, wrapping around a 7,600-foot butte and climbing quickly through a mix of high desert terrain and quaking aspen groves. Beginning just off FR 91, the trail gains about 300 feet in elevation over a half mile, offering a quick transition from open forest to cooler, shaded stands of aspens where wildlife sightings are common, especially near the perennial water source at Sheep Springs. The road surface is primarily hard-packed dirt and gravel, making it suitable for most vehicles, though the climb and occasional loose sections keep things interesting. A spur leads toward a gravel pit where soft slopes attract local ATV use, but the main loop remains straightforward and easy to navigate. While camping isn’t available directly on FR 91B, numerous dispersed sites can be found nearby along connecting forest roads, making this a great quick detour or add-on to a longer forest exploration.

Spring Canyon Road is a 7-mile out-and-back trail that travels down Spring Canyon and ends at Burro Springs. This is an easy dirt road with minimal erosion damage. The trail passes through desert flora of Creosote Bushes and Buckhorn Cholla. Burro Springs is a vital perennial water source that allows both plants and wildlife to flourish in the arid desert. The trail ends as you approach the desert oasis. Hiking is permitted the remaining distance to the shores of Lake Mead. Dispersed Camping is not permitted on this trail.

Located within the sprawling Table Mesa Recreation Area, this easy-going trail offers a relaxing drive through some of Arizona's most iconic desert scenery. Along the route, you'll be treated to sweeping views of the Sonoran Desert, with the rugged Bradshaw Mountains rising to the west and the New River Mountains framing the eastern horizon.

While the trail itself is short and uncomplicated, its scenic setting makes it well worth the trip. It's an excellent connector to several nearby routes, allowing explorers to build a longer and more rewarding backcountry adventure. The drive can be completed quickly, but most visitors will find themselves stopping often to soak in the expansive vistas and quiet desert atmosphere that make this area so special. One campsite resides along the trail.

Tucked away within the expansive Table Mesa Recreation Area, this short and easy trail winds through classic Sonoran Desert terrain before revealing one of the region's most unexpected treasures. Hidden along a small wash, a natural spring breathes life into a vibrant desert oasis that feels worlds apart from the surrounding landscape.

Towering sycamore trees, their pale trunks and green canopies swaying in the breeze, provide welcome shade and a striking contrast to the rugged desert surroundings. Adding to the scene, a massive palm tree stands watch over the area, an unlikely landmark that makes this secluded retreat even more memorable.

While the trail itself is brief and easy to navigate, it connects seamlessly with several nearby routes, making it a perfect addition to a larger day of exploration. Whether you're searching for a peaceful picnic spot, or simply a scenic drive through the desert, this hidden oasis is a rewarding stop that showcases a different side of the Sonoran Desert.

Camping is found mostly on the western end, with a couple of sites suitable for a few vehicles each.

Leviathan Mine trail is a 21-mile point-to-point trail that begins from HWY 93 north of Wikieup, Arizona and climbs into the Hualapai Mountain range. The trail is mostly a narrow mountain shelf road with sections of erosion damage. There are a couple of small rock gardens along the trail; the most significant rock garden is close to the southern end of the trail.

The Leviathan Mine trail has several old copper and gold mines situated along the trail, the most popular one being the Leviathan Mine. The Leviathan mine was productive during World War I, producing molybdenum and Copper. Most mines are situated on private property and may have no trespassing signs posted. While exploring this area, be respectful of private property and be aware of the hazards posed by old mine shafts and structures. The trail also provides amazing views of the surrounding area.

Camping is allowed along this trail, but there are very few good areas for setting up a campsite.

Eldorado Powerline Road is an 11-mile point-to-point trail that follows the Eldorado Powerlines over the Black Mountain range to Fire Mountain Road. The trail starts from Highway 93 and climbs over the Black Mountain range. Before the summit, there are several mining sites to explore. After the summit, the views of Lake Mohave and the surrounding mountains are stunning. This section of Eldorado Powerline Road is a narrow, switchback-laden shelf road. There are several areas along the shelf road that are suitable for dispersed camping.

This short connector trail links the Hewitt Station Bypass and Hewitt Station Power Line trails, providing a quick route between the two. The surface consists mostly of loose rock with a single short hill that adds a bit of variety to the terrain. Drivers should use caution when crossing the wide wash area, as it can flood during or after heavy rain. While the trail offers a convenient connection, there are no viable camping spots along the route, making it best suited for short travel between trails.

Music Mountains is a 17-mile loop trail that begins and ends on Route 66 and travels through the Music Mountain range. The Music Mountains are a rugged, scenic mountain range with peaks between 4,500 and 6,000 feet scattered with Pinyon Pines, Juniper Trees, and Purple Sage. The large geological feature in this area is the Grand Wash Cliffs, where you get spectacular views of the Hualapai Valley, Cerbat, and Peacock Mountains. This trail is easy with only minor erosion damage and some steep hills with loose rock, and is passable with any high clearance 4WD vehicle. Dispersed camping is allowed on this trail with several established primitive sites with fire rings. This is an open range area with active ranching operations; be cautious of livestock.

This scenic drive used to be a difficult, rough track but is now a smooth, well-graded road. It takes you up and over a mountain pass near Williams Mesa, before descending to Boulder Creek. On the way up, it follows Cottonwood Gulch through beautiful Sonoran Desert terrain filled with Saguaro cacti, mesquite, and palo verde trees. Along the way you’ll find a couple great campsites with stunning views—perfect for sunrise or sunset.

The road once provided access to the Tip Top Mine, but the owners have blocked it off and it’s now inaccessible. There’s also one gate, at the top of the pass, that must stay closed after passing through. Overall, it’s an easy and rewarding drive with minimal effort for big desert scenery and peaceful creekside access at the end.

FR 124H, stretching 6.6 miles along the Mogollon Rim in Arizona, is far more than a simple connector between Sawmill Springs and Mahan Ranch. While it loosely follows a powerline corridor, the route delivers a surprisingly scenic and engaging drive, weaving between open clearings with expansive views of rolling high-country terrain and dense stands of ponderosa pine, fir, and spruce. The road itself is primarily packed dirt with embedded rock, featuring frequent dips, curves, and mild elevation changes that keep drivers attentive without being overly technical. The most challenging section comes near the southern end, where a tight switchback leads into a short but steep, rocky climb out of a drainage, requiring careful tire placement and moderate ground clearance. Overall, the trail is suitable for most high-clearance vehicles and offers a rewarding mix of forested solitude, sweeping vistas, and a touch of technical driving, with dispersed camping available near both ends for those looking to extend the experience.

Connecting the Crosscut Trail to the Moores Gulch Trail, this short but rugged desert track delivers a true off-road adventure. Expect steep descents, mildly challenging terrain, and a mix of baseball- to bowling ball-sized rocks that will keep drivers engaged from start to finish. A stock high-clearance 4x4 is capable of handling the trail, but confidence behind the wheel is a must. No camping is available.

Lower Antelope Wash is an 8.5-mile dead-end trail in the Hualapai Mountain range, which starts from Blake Ranch Road and ends at a livestock corral and watering hole. This trail primarily provides access to multiple watering holes for local ranchers. Lower Antelope Wash trail has minor erosion damage, including potholes and washed-out sections, that expose small rocks, softball to football-sized. The trail is easily passable by any high clearance 4WD vehicle, but will be problematic for low clearance vehicles. This trail is very scenic, with lots of Mohave Desert flora and fauna to view. Dispersed camping is allowed along this trail, and there are several established sites with stone fire rings.

Secret Pass is a 4.5-mile technical out-and-back trail situated in the Black Mountains between Golden Valley and Bullhead City. This trail starts out as an easy dirt road with some moderate erosion damage. As you enter the wash, you will see the sign for the Secret Pass Technical trail. The first obstacle has two distinct routes; the right side is the easier path, as the left is more difficult. Both lead you to a 3' waterfall to drop down. The next obstacle you will encounter is the larger of the two waterfalls at 4' in height, with an optional rock obstacle to the right of the wash after the waterfall. Once past the second waterfall, you will enter the narrow portion of the wash, which has two undercut rock walls on both sides of the wash. This is a great spot to relax a little and enjoy the shade. The next obstacle is to the left and is optional. It is a rock garden with rocks up to 5' in height (8-rated obstacle). The bypass is to the right. Another optional rock obstacle is to the right of the wash and is a set of large boulders, up to 3' in height, to negotiate. The bypass is to the right. The next mandatory obstacle is a moderate rock garden with rocks up to 24" in height, followed by a rock V-notch obstacle which will scrape most vehicles' frame rails. There is an optional large rock garden (rocks up to 5' in height) to the right of the moderate rock garden. This trail is an out-and-back trail as it is surrounded by the Mount Nutt Wilderness Area.

Camping is allowed on the first portion of the trail when passing through BLM land, though no established camping areas exist. Secret Pass is susceptible to flash flooding; do not travel this trail if heavy rain is forecasted. The trail travels on private land; be respectful, remain on the trail, and pack out what you pack in.

Back Road is a 14-mile point-to-point road that goes from Bogles Ranch Road to Wikieup. This is a graded and maintained County Road. There is a section of loose sand that could be troublesome for a 2WD vehicle. This is a great option if looking to get off the pavement of Highway 93.

Though short in length, this trail packs plenty of fun into a quick desert adventure. The route follows a corridor of power lines across distinctive white dirt terrain, winding through scattered Palo Verde trees, scrub brush and several small rocky steps that add just enough challenge to keep things interesting. The highlight of the trail awaits at the western end, where a steep hill climb provides an exciting test of traction and driving skill. Along the way, the open desert scenery offers a classic Arizona experience, and a single camping spot makes it a great destination for a quiet overnight stay. Whether you're looking for a quick run or a relaxing evening under the stars, this trail delivers a rewarding mix of scenery and off-road fun.

Bogles Ranch Road is a 24-mile point-to-point trail that climbs up through the Aquarius Mountains from Highway 93 to Francis Creek Ranch. The trail is a well-maintained county road and the easy option for accessing the Goodwin Mesa Area. Enjoy the Mojave Desert flora as you gain elevation in the Aquarius Mountains. The trail provides several locations for great vista views of the Hualapai Mountain range to the west and the Goodwin Mesa to the east. Heavy rain can make this road extremely muddy, do not travel for several days after heavy rain to keep damage to the road at a minimum. Dispersed camping is available once you enter BLM land on the eastern portion of the trail. Suitable for any vehicle iwth decent ground clearance.

Hackberry Road is a 14-mile point-to-point road that connects Route 66 to Highway 93, crossing under Interstate 40. The road runs along the Hackberry wash between the Cottonwood Mountain range to the east and the Peacock Mountain range to the west. This is a maintained county road with minor washboarding. There are some larger washes that cross Hackberry Road, creating the most difficult spots along this road, with wide stretches of deep, loose sand. Passable by most 2WD vehicles and all AWD and 4WD vehicles.

The Temple Bar to Gregg's Hideout connector is a 15-mile point-to-point trail that crosses the Lost Basin Mining District. This open desert area was once very active with several mining claims in the early 1900's. Now deserted, the desert flora and fauna abound, with stands of creosote bush and white bursage. Though no dispersed camping is allowed on the Lake Mead National Recreation Area portions of this road, those sections on BLM land dispersed camping is allowed and there are a few sites along the trail. The trail has a few sections with minor erosion damage.

Cholla Pass is a 4.5-mile straight-through trail in the western Hualapai foothills that climbs up a wash, crosses the ridgeline, and drops into another wash. The name for this trail comes from the large amount of cholla cactus that grows in this area. As you ascend the first wash to the ridgeline, there are some steep climbs with loose rock and some minor erosion damage to negotiate. Once cresting the ridgeline, spend some time to take in the great view of the surrounding mountains. The main obstacle, which gives this trail its rating, is located in the second wash. The obstacle is a medium-sized rock garden with boulders up to 20" in height to negotiate, which will give most stock 4WD vehicles some difficulty.

Lower Wheeler Wash is a lightly-traveled, 9-mile straight-through trail that starts off Blake Ranch Road on the west end, and follows Wheeler Wash to the Power Line Road (BLM 7191) on the east end. Starting on Blake Ranch road, the trail begins with a short, steep climb that has some severe erosion (up to 18" in depth) that must be straddled to negotiate. After the initial climb, the trail follows a spur that has overgrowth, and pin stripping may occur. The descent into Wheeler Wash is steep with loose rock, which may cause your vehicle to slide, and is again overgrown. Once in the wash, the trail has minor erosion damage and small rock gardens to negotiate. The wash has stands of piñon pines and juniper trees, and many other Mohave Desert flora to enjoy. The views of the Hualapai Mountains in the background make the view spectacular. Lower Wheeler Wash is an open range area for livestock. Show respect and drive slowly when passing grazing cattle.

7192 is a 3.5-mile point-to-point trail that begins at Black Bridge off of Old Trails Road and is used primarily as a connector trail to other trails in the Hualapai Mountain Range. There is a large staging area at the western end of the road, where you will find plenty of room for trucks and trailers. The road primarily follows an easy dry wash with only minor erosion damage and loose sand. The middle section is what gives this trail its moderate rating, where the road climbs a narrower drainage with erosion damage that will test the limits of a stock 4WD vehicle's articulation.

7160 is a 3.5-mile point-to-point trail that connects Kabba Wash to Wheeler Wash. The trail starts as you climb out of Kabba Wash and crosses a spur before dropping into a branch of Wheeler Wash. There are several steep climbs and descents with loose rock as you cross the high ground. As you drop into the wash, you will encounter small rock gardens to negotiate with boulders up to 18" in height. Trail suitable for a high clearance vehicle with rugged off-road tires.

7145 is a 25-mile point-to-point trail that follows along a high-pressure gas line from Kingman to Yucca, Arizona. Sometimes referred to as the rollercoasters, the trail has many steep ascents and descents. 7145 is passable for any AWD and 4WD vehicles. There are several gates along this trail; always ensure you close the gate after passing through. This trail gives access to several other popular trails in the Hualapai Mountains. 7145 is also a bypass for the Arizona Peace Trail if the Hualapai Mountains are impassable during winter months.

The Grand Wash Cliffs is a 6.5-mile point-to-point trail that is an extension of the Music Mountains trail. This half loop is very lightly traveled and has sections of the original trail that have been made impassable by erosion damage, but has bypasses made. Make sure to stop at the overlook for a spectacular view of the Hualapai Valley and Cerbat Mountains to the west. The remaining trail follows an old AT&T buried phone cable line. A narrow shelf road leads down a small canyon to end the trail.