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Best Intermediate Off-Road Trails in Arizona for 2025
Welcome back to another trail feature! This week we are back in Arizona, featuring moderate to hard trails for more experienced drivers looking for a challenge.
These routes offer a mix of rugged terrain, steep climbs, and technical obstacles that demand skill and a well-equipped rig. If you're looking for something a little easier, check out the first part of the series [insert link here], where we covered beginner-friendly trails.
We hope you enjoy tackling these trails and don’t forget to leave a review once you’re all done!
Off-Road Trails Featured
- Schnebly Hill Road - Sedona, AZ
- Broken Arrow - Sedona, AZ
- Backway to Crown King - Crown King, AZ
- Box Canyon - Florence, AZ
- Bulldog Canyon 10 - Mesa, AZ
- Soldier's Pass Trail - Sedona, AZ
- New River Canyon - New River, AZ
- Apache Trail - Apache Junction, AZ
- Turkey Creek Trail Cleator - Cleator, AZ
- Superstition Loop - Gold Canyon, AZ
- Rug Road - Mammoth, AZ
- Parker Point - Globe, AZ
Top Intermediate Off-Road Trails in Arizona
Schnebly Hill Road - Sedona
- Length and Duration: 11 miles, taking 3 hours one-way
- Best Time to Visit: Open from April - December
- Vehicle Requirements: Stock SUV with High Clearance
Schnebly Hill Road takes you down from the Mogollon Rim into Sedona, offering fantastic views of the area’s signature red rock formations.
The trail starts smooth but gets rockier as you descend, with plenty of switchbacks and some tricky boulders to navigate. It’s a popular route, so expect some traffic, especially on weekends. If you're driving a 4WD vehicle with clearance, you’ll be just fine, but keep an eye on the conditions, as it can get rough at times.
Broken Arrow - Sedona
- Length and Duration: 3 miles, taking 2 hours one-way
- Best Time to Visit: Open year round
- Vehicle Requirements: Stock SUV with High Clearance
Broken Arrow is a classic Sedona trail with jaw-dropping views of red rock spires and plenty of fun obstacles. While the trail has some easier sections, there are a few tough spots that will put your vehicle and skills to the test.
It’s a very popular trail, so expect to see a lot of people. The trail’s narrow sections and one-way stretches can get tight, so be mindful of oncoming traffic. If you're looking for a little adventure with amazing scenery, this one’s definitely worth a go.
Backway to Crown King - Crown King
- Length and Duration: 25 miles, taking 5 hours one-way
- Best Time to Visit: Open year round
- Vehicle Requirements: Highly Modified 4X4
This trail offers a bit of everything, from easy dirt roads to tough rocky sections as you climb up into the Prescott National Forest. There are steep inclines, bumpy rocks, and some tricky parts as you get higher. It’s a bit of a commitment, so make sure you’ve got the time. The trail can get snowed in during winter, so check the conditions before heading out.
Box Canyon - Florence
- Length and Duration: 6 miles, taking 2 hours one-way
- Best Time to Visit: Open year round
- Vehicle Requirements: Stock SUV with High Clearance
Box Canyon is a beautiful, narrow trail that cuts through towering canyon walls, with some neat geological features and vibrant desert plants.
Along the way, you'll find petroglyphs and old stagecoach stops. The road starts easy but gets a little rockier as you enter the canyon, with a few optional obstacles if you’re up for a challenge. It’s a popular spot, so passing other vehicles can be tricky in a few spots, but overall, it’s a fun, scenic route that connects to other trails in the area.
Bulldog Canyon 10 - Mesa
- Length and Duration: 8 miles, taking 2 hours one-way
- Best Time to Visit: Open year round
- Vehicle Requirements: Stock SUV with High Clearance
Bulldog Canyon 10 takes you through the Tonto National Forest with great views of the Goldfield Mountains and a bit of history from the Lost Dutchman’s Gold legend.
The trail starts on a dirt road but quickly turns rocky with plenty of ruts and bumpy stretches. There are a couple of tough spots where you might need bigger tires or extra traction, but they’re optional.
And don’t forget, a permit is required to access this trail.
Soldier's Pass Trail - Sedona
- Length and Duration: 1 mile, taking 2 hours one-way
- Best Time to Visit: Open year round
- Vehicle Requirements: Lightly Modified 4X4
Located near downtown Sedona, Soldier Pass Trail takes you over iconic red rock terrain with stunning views.
The trail is short but starts with a challenging rock ledge that sets the tone for the rest of the drive. Expect rocky climbs, ledges, and frequent hikers crossing the path. Only 12 vehicle permits are issued per day, so plan ahead.
New River Canyon - New River
- Length and Duration: 19 miles, taking 3 hours one-way
- Best Time to Visit: Open year round
- Vehicle Requirements: Lightly Modified 4X4
New River Canyon is a rugged trail just outside Phoenix, winding through desert terrain with multiple river crossings.
The route is rocky and rutted, with tricky hill climbs that require careful tire placement. Water levels in the New River can vary, so check conditions before heading out. After rain, parts of this route can become much more difficult.
Apache Trail - Apache Junction
- Length and Duration: 9 miles, taking 2 hours one-way
- Best Time to Visit: Open year round
- Vehicle Requirements: Stock SUV with High Clearance
Cutting through the Superstition Mountains, the Apache Trail is a historic route once used to supply Roosevelt Dam. The drive offers stunning canyon views, desert landscapes, and access to spots like Canyon Lake and Apache Lake.
While most of the trail is an easy dirt road, you will experience parts of the trail that require four-wheel drive and are closed to trailers.
Keep in mind, some areas along the route require a Tonto Pass.
Turkey Creek Trail Cleator - Cleator
- Length and Duration: 11 miles, taking 4 hours one-way
- Best Time to Visit: Open year round
- Vehicle Requirements: Lightly Modified 4X4
Turkey Creek Trail winds through the Bradshaw Mountains, passing old mining sites and scenic canyons.
The terrain is rocky with multiple creek crossings, a tight ledge, and brush that can scratch larger vehicles. Passing can be tricky in narrow sections, making it less ideal for full-size trucks. If you complete the route, Cleator Bar is a fun stop at the end.
Superstition Loop - Gold Canyon
- Length and Duration: 6 miles, taking 2 hours one-way
- Best Time to Visit: Open year round
- Vehicle Requirements: Stock SUV with High Clearance
Superstition Loop offers a scenic drive through the rugged Superstition Mountains, with wide-open desert views.
The trail is mostly easy, with just one small ledge requiring four-wheel drive. It’s a great spot for dispersed camping, and the nearby Peralta Hiking Trail. Longhorn cattle often roam the area, adding to the wild feel of the landscape.
Rug Road - Mammoth
- Length and Duration: 44 miles, taking about 1 day one-way
- Best Time to Visit: Open year round
- Vehicle Requirements: Highly Modified 4X4
Rug Road is a rugged and remote trail that features steep climbs and unique history. Originally built as a mining access road, it later became famous for the old carpets used to help with traction on its steepest sections.
The route features a mix of rocky ledges, loose dirt climbs, and narrow off-camber sections, making it best suited for experienced drivers with high-clearance, modified vehicles. As you make your way down the trail, you'll wind through desert landscapes and pass old mining remnants.
Parker Point - Globe
- Length and Duration: 3 miles, taking about 1 hour one-way
- Best Time to Visit: Open year round
- Vehicle Requirements: Stock SUV with High Clearance
Located in the Tonto National Forest, Parker Point offers a short but rewarding trail leading to a stunning canyon overlook.
The route follows Parker Creek, passing a few dispersed campsites before climbing to an 800-foot-high vantage point above Tonto Basin. Along the way, expect rocky sections, deep ruts, and some off-camber washouts that may require a spotter. The final viewpoint features a few fire rings and multiple spots to take in the panoramic desert views
Marie Dubray
Marie is a Washington State native who loves to explore the great outdoors with her partner and son. They typically explore in her 2021 4Runner out on trails but recently added a 2023 Tacoma to the build list. When she is not behind the wheel, Marie enjoys capturing moments with her camera, spending time with friends and family, and gardening! Marie is also the founder of PNW Overlanders, a local group in Washington that organizes trail rides and campouts across the state.
