Beginner Off-Road Trails
Near East Verde Estates, Arizona

This rocky dirt road begins with a climb right out of the gate, featuring some washouts and uneven terrain early on. As you continue, the route gains and loses elevation frequently, with several steep climbs up small hilltops. There are a few great dispersed camp spots along the way offering fantast...
Learn more about Cedar Mesa - FS 322

This trail starts very rutted, creating an uneven and bumpy ride right from the beginning. As you continue, the road smooths out in sections but still winds through tighter tree corridors that can feel narrow in places. Overall, it remains an easy drive as it works its way through a beautiful Ponder...
Learn more about FS 9382L

This is a scenic route suitable for any stock 4x4. There are no obstacles to tackle on this one, there are a few creek crossings that could be deeper depending on the time of year. Most of the trail is up along a ridgeline with sprawling views of the Mazatzal Mountains to the West and some roaming c...
Learn more about East Verde River

This dirt trail connects the small mountain towns of Pine and Strawberry. It starts smoothly from Pine but is a series of switchbacks gaining some elevation. There is a popular hiking trail a quarter mile in and some stunning views at the top of the switchbacks overlooking the valley. The trail cont...
Learn more about Strawberry to Pine

This trail starts very rocky with long slab rock ledges running across the road, creating an uneven and bumpy surface right from the beginning. After the initial stretch, it transitions into a smoother but still rocky forest road as you pass the parking area for Dickinson Flat, a large open meadow. ...
Learn more about FS 9385N

This trail is quite rutted. Evidence of large machinery recently grading the trail was apparent, and lots of rocks lined each side of the trail. This area can get pretty muddy in spring and after a good rainstorm. A few large open spaces could be nice dispersed campsites, but keep in mind you might ...
Learn more about 504 to Pole Line

This rocky two-track heads out toward the edge of the rim, starting with sections of exposed rock in the road that are manageable but uneven. About half a mile in, the trail becomes much rockier with larger rocks protruding from the surface, making high clearance necessary. There are a few small led...
Learn more about FS 6033

This long, dusty trail cuts through the ponderosa pines and junipers common in the shadow of the Mogollon Rim. The main road is well graded and free of obstacles. There are several offshoots if you are looking for a minor challenge. As this trail lowers in elevation, you'll come to Diamond Point Loo...
Learn more about Diamond Point Lookout

This trail starts about 3 miles in from where Rim Rd 300 begins off of HWY N 87. The first 6 miles of the trail are on a well-maintained dirt road that is easy to drive on and has enough space for two vehicles. There are some great camping spots with amazing views along the way. After 6 miles, the r...
Learn more about Milk Ranch Point

This trail serves as an entry point from the highway into a network of connecting roads leading up to the rim. The route is mostly an easy dirt two-track winding through a peaceful forest, with a few exposed rocks, ruts, and occasional off-camber washouts to keep things interesting. There are a hand...
Learn more about FS 9367R

This very easy, graded dirt road winds through the forest as it heads toward Milk Ranch Point. The drive is smooth and straightforward, with a few dispersed camp spots along the main road and larger camp areas located along the spur roads. It’s a relaxed, scenic route that's worth exploring on your ...
Learn more about FS 218A

This road connects 607A and 608 and features a rutted, uneven surface as it gradually climbs in elevation. While generally passable for most high-clearance vehicles, the terrain can be rough in spots. There are several great camp spots along the route with beautiful views over the rim. Expect dips i...
Learn more about FS 9381E

Epic vistas and endless possibilities! This trail offers little to no technical challenge but makes up for this with some of the most amazing views in the state. This is a great route for beginners and those with 2WD vehicles. Experienced drivers will find adventure here as well by adding in side ro...
Learn more about Rim Road West

This service road connects to a small network of trails along the rim and is generally easy, though consistently rough. The surface is rutted and rocky, creating a bumpy ride with occasional off-camber sections from washouts. There are many dispersed camp spots throughout the forest, making it a gre...
Learn more about Rock Wall Trail - FS 608

This dusty, windy two track serves as a great off-road bypass into the Town of Payson. Low lying shrubs and cactus give way to pines as you gain in elevation and traverse the many creeks that bisect this trail. This area is best traveled during drier months to avoid swollen water crossings.
Learn more about Rye, Alder, and Cypress

This trail starts by dropping down an embankment through the forest before leveling out and winding its way toward the edge of the Mogollon Rim. It then begins climbing again, with the road cut into the side of the hillside as it works back up in elevation. There are a few dispersed camp spots along...
Learn more about FS 607A

FS 9387B is just shy of one mile long and was mapped from south to north. This short route begins off Highway 260. Please be sure to open and close the fence gate at the start of the trail. The route begins with a few rutted sections as it loops around a small hill. As you make your way around the h...
Learn more about FS 9387B

This trail connects Highway 87 with Highway 260. Starting from the south side of this trail, the first half mile is where all of the more difficult rocks will be. All are 5 inches and under in height. This trail has a few downed trees and larger rocks on the sides of the trail. Getting around the do...
Learn more about Six-O-Nine

This is a lovely, mostly graded dirt road that connects from Highway 89 over to the Hicks/Duncan Trail. There are a plethora of large open flat campsites to choose from, particularly on either end of the trail. This would be easy access for larger vehicles with trailers and motorhomes. The Pivot Roc...
Learn more about Pivot Rock Canyon

This trail starts a bit rutted and rocky, but quickly smooths out into a fairly easy dirt road as it winds through the forest. There are several nice dispersed camp spots along the way, making it a good option for a quiet overnight stay. The road eventually dead-ends at a more overgrown campsite tha...
Learn more about FS 607

This rocky dirt road begins with a climb right out of the gate, featuring some washouts and uneven terrain early on. As you continue, the route gains and loses elevation frequently, with several steep climbs up small hilltops. There are a few great dispersed camp spots along the way offering fantast...
Learn more about Cedar Mesa - FS 322

This trail starts very rutted, creating an uneven and bumpy ride right from the beginning. As you continue, the road smooths out in sections but still winds through tighter tree corridors that can feel narrow in places. Overall, it remains an easy drive as it works its way through a beautiful Ponder...
Learn more about FS 9382L

This dirt trail connects the small mountain towns of Pine and Strawberry. It starts smoothly from Pine but is a series of switchbacks gaining some elevation. There is a popular hiking trail a quarter mile in and some stunning views at the top of the switchbacks overlooking the valley. The trail cont...
Learn more about Strawberry to Pine

This trail starts very rocky with long slab rock ledges running across the road, creating an uneven and bumpy surface right from the beginning. After the initial stretch, it transitions into a smoother but still rocky forest road as you pass the parking area for Dickinson Flat, a large open meadow. ...
Learn more about FS 9385N

This rocky dirt road begins with a climb right out of the gate, featuring some washouts and uneven terrain early on. As you continue, the route gains and loses elevation frequently, with several steep climbs up small hilltops. There are a few great dispersed camp spots along the way offering fantast...
Learn more about Cedar Mesa - FS 322

This trail starts very rutted, creating an uneven and bumpy ride right from the beginning. As you continue, the road smooths out in sections but still winds through tighter tree corridors that can feel narrow in places. Overall, it remains an easy drive as it works its way through a beautiful Ponder...
Learn more about FS 9382L

This is a scenic route suitable for any stock 4x4. There are no obstacles to tackle on this one, there are a few creek crossings that could be deeper depending on the time of year. Most of the trail is up along a ridgeline with sprawling views of the Mazatzal Mountains to the West and some roaming c...
Learn more about East Verde River

This dirt trail connects the small mountain towns of Pine and Strawberry. It starts smoothly from Pine but is a series of switchbacks gaining some elevation. There is a popular hiking trail a quarter mile in and some stunning views at the top of the switchbacks overlooking the valley. The trail cont...
Learn more about Strawberry to Pine