Greasy Spoon Highlights

Hidden back in the northwestern part of Verde Valley among the beautiful red rocks and bordered on the north by the Mogollon Rim is a pipeline with a trail running next to it. This isn't just any old trail, this is an exciting - although slow speed - roller coaster ride for four-wheel drive vehicles. While many refer to it as Pipeline Trail because of the adjacent pipes on its east-to-west section, more commonly it's known by the Greasy Spoon Tank adjacent to its north-to-south section.

You'll find many fun challenges along this trail, from small ledges to large boulders, and small washes to massively deep ones. There are also a few long steep hills with large rocks along the way, and of course, it's all covered in the red dirt and rocks that make the Red Rock District within Coconino National Forest so famous.

Route Description

Most of the off-road trail is a moderately easy dirt road with some small ledges and washes and the occasional larger obstacle. However, if you're looking for something more challenging, just wait until you get to the middle of the southern east-to-west section of the trail. This part of the trail has multiple canyons that you'll descend into and then climb out of like a roller coaster. These hills are steep with large rocks that can be very challenging to stock 4x4 vehicles. A lift and over-sized tires are recommended, and some form of traction control would be very useful in a few spots.

1: FR 152C Intersection (0.0mi)

This is the northern trailhead for Greasy Spoon off-road trail.

2: 9594 Intersection (0.4mi)

Stay to the left (east) through this intersection to continue towards the Greasy Spoon Tank.

3: Northeast Washes (2.0mi)

There's a bunch of small washes through this area, but some still big enough to get stuck in, if you're not paying attention. The washes only get bigger as you travel further south.

4: Greasy Spoon Tank (2.9mi)

To the east of the trail is Greasy Spoon Tank and the remnants of a cattle ranch. The tank isn't easy to see and may be dried up at times.

5: Gate (3.2mi)

You can only turn west or north here, depending on which way you are taking the trail. This gate prevents you from entering the fenced off area that was once an old "Jeep Trail" to the east.

6: Canyons to West (3.8mi)

As you continue west from here, you'll be entering a section of very deep washes or small canyons. This is the most difficult part of the trail.

7: Big Wash (4.2mi)

This is the largest and deepest wash along the way and is also known as Diamandback Gulch. The hills on both sides are steep and long with moderate steps and large rocks.

8: Top of Long Hill (4.4mi)

This is the top of a long hill you'll have to climb or descend into a very deep canyon.

9: 9576 Intersection (4.5mi)

Continue straight past these old trails that are no longer on the forest service's Motorized Vehicle Usage Map; meaning they are technically closed. Besides, they don't really lead to anything.

10: South Washes (4.7mi)

There's a series of goodsized washes in this area for you to enjoy. This is also near the west end of the rollercoaster of canyons and washes.

11: Jackass Fire Pit (5.1mi)

While overnight camping is not allowed along this trail, you can still have a fire in this fire pit. You can also find Jackass Tank just to the north of the trail.

12: 9575 Intersection (5.4mi)

Continue straight through the fence avoiding the cattle guard. Here you'll find some more old trails that lead to nothing too interesting.

13: 525 and 9513 Intersection (6.1mi)

This is the southern trailhead for Greasy Spoon.