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Big Maggie May Trail
Carefree,
Arizona
(Maricopa County)
Last Updated:
07/07/2021
Trail Information
Highlights
The Big Maggie May Off-Road Trail is a very easy, short 4wd route worth a couple of hours of exploration to see historic mines and frontier cabin remains. The offroad trail makes an excellent short side trip for anyone following the Cave Creek to Sheep Bridge 4x4 Trail or exploring the Table Mesa Area. The Y shaped trail first takes you to an old mine tunnel extending a short distance into the mountain before reaching a flooded section. Continuing back to the fork in the road and heading the other direction will take you to the remains of an old mining cabin. The cabin previously had walls incorporating living trees but recent Cave Creek Complex fire has destroyed most of this old cabin, although it still makes a very pleasant place to camp and explore.
Trail Difficulty and Assessment
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Trail Reviews
Open
Rated
5/5
Visited: 03/05/2022
Difficulty Accuracy:
Spot On
I don't think this trail is harder but there's definitely a concern for full size vehicles. There were some very narrow sections, sharp turns (had to do a 3 pointer a couple times) and a few ruts so deep and sharp angled that a long wheel base vehicle would struggle with and most likely get stuck. I was surprised I didn't drag the trailer hitch on my Wrangler on a few of these ruts. Something else to note, a couple/few more strong storms with heavy rain rolling through this area could possibly make parts if this trail impassable. Glad I did run this trail today, it was a great ride and fun trail.
Open
Rated
5/5
Visited: 02/12/2022
Difficulty Accuracy:
Harder
Stock Renegade Trailhawk
Fun trail! From Cave Creek to the Y, 3 is spot on. Tire placement is important but nothing difficult.
Left of the Y is a hard 3. A couple places it’s nice to have a spotter, but not required. The cabin is worth the short trip, and there’s the creek behind it that’s fairly easy to get to. A couple camping spots there at the end.
Right of the Y is not a 3. I’d say 4-5. Much more rocky and steep with ruts that’ll get your wheels off the ground.
I would feel comfortable on it in a Wrangler.
Definitely high clearance and 4wheel drive necessary.
Temporary Closure
Visited: 06/25/2021
Tonto National Forest officials will close the state’s largest national forest due to ongoing extreme fire danger beginning at 8 a.m. on Friday, June 25. The forest is implementing this forest closure as a precaution to protect the health and safety of the public, employees and firefighters by reducing the risk of human-caused fires.
No one is allowed in the closure area, including Forest Service personnel, unless they are responding to a wildfire or other emergency or patrolling to ensure enforcement of the closure. The order shall remain in effect until July 31, 2021 or until rescinded, whichever occurs first. Residents or businesses using roads in the restricted area to the extent necessary to access their private property are exempt.
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