Beginner Off-Road Trails Near El Capitan, Arizona
Explore All Beginner Trails Near El Capitan, Arizona
Pioneer Pass
Pioneer Pass starts near the center of Globe, circles the south side of Pinal Peak, and ends on Forest Service Road 651 leading to Pinal Peak. Climb to Pioneer Pass at 6,000' elevation, drop into…
Learn more about Pioneer Pass
Learn more about Pioneer Pass
Total Miles
20
Tech Rating
3
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa
Pinto to Pinal
This Jeep trail is 50 miles, including the road up to and down from Pinal Peak and the one out to Madera Peak.This series of easy, scenic roads will take you from Pinto Mine Road…
Learn more about Pinto to Pinal
Learn more about Pinto to Pinal
Total Miles
29.5
Tech Rating
3
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa
Chilito Mine
Chilto Mine road takes you to around 2,500 feet in about 3 miles. With great views of the valley you start in. The bonus is that it gets a little tougher at the Chilito Mine…
Learn more about Chilito Mine
Learn more about Chilito Mine
Total Miles
4.9
Tech Rating
3
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Fa / Wi
Old 96 Ranch
This biggest portion of this Jeep trail is an easy and relaxing trip on a well-maintained gravel road from Highway 79 south of Florence to Highway 77 at Dudleyville. This is where you can explore…
Learn more about Old 96 Ranch
Learn more about Old 96 Ranch
Total Miles
60.4
Tech Rating
2
Easy
Best Time
Su / Sp / Fa / Wi
Putz Cemetery and Superior View
A trail to some historical graves and a fantastic viewpoint. A pretty drive even if you don't care for the history, but we recommend checking the history section below. From US 60, go directly across…
Learn more about Putz Cemetery and Superior View
Learn more about Putz Cemetery and Superior View
Total Miles
4.2
Tech Rating
3
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa
Wagon Tracks, Apache Tears, and Arnett Canyon
Begin at the east end of the airport and follow the trail to the Wagon Tracks. Head south across Queen Creek. The creek can have a natural flow of water after heavy rain, but it…
Learn more about Wagon Tracks, Apache Tears, and Arnett Canyon
Learn more about Wagon Tracks, Apache Tears, and Arnett Canyon
Total Miles
2
Tech Rating
3
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi
Historic Pinal Cemetery Trail
Just outside of Superior, Arizona, you can experience some Wild West, Wyatt Earp lore. The legendary cowboy was involved in the famous gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Multiple movies have been made about him, but…
Learn more about Historic Pinal Cemetery Trail
Learn more about Historic Pinal Cemetery Trail
Total Miles
2.8
Tech Rating
2
Easy
Best Time
Sp
Pucker Ridge Bat Cave
A short distance after the Mini Grand Canyon you have a chance to hike to the Bat Cave. This will probably take an hour and involve a small bit of rock scrambling. Drive to the…
Learn more about Pucker Ridge Bat Cave
Learn more about Pucker Ridge Bat Cave
Total Miles
0.2
Tech Rating
3
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi
Reymert Ovens
The Reymert Mine Ovens Trail offers a scenic and moderately adventurous experience, lined with stunning cacti that characterize the Arizona desert landscape. As you navigate through washes, adding some natural variation to the trail. The…
Learn more about Reymert Ovens
Learn more about Reymert Ovens
Total Miles
1.7
Tech Rating
3
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi
Willow Springs Road
Willow Springs Road stands out as one of the best-maintained main arteries in the area, providing a smooth and easily navigable route. This trail accommodates larger vehicles quite comfortably, including motorhomes and campers, especially in…
Learn more about Willow Springs Road
Learn more about Willow Springs Road
Total Miles
18.8
Tech Rating
2
Easy
Best Time
Wi / Fa / Sp
Freeman Road
Freeman Road serves as a vital artery in the area, characterized by its wide track and well-maintained surface. This trail provides convenient access to numerous branching routes and trails across the scenic desert landscape. Travelers…
Learn more about Freeman Road
Learn more about Freeman Road
Total Miles
13
Tech Rating
1
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Fa / Wi
M0776
M0776 is an inviting and generally wider access route that leads you back to the M0775 loop trail sections on the western side of Black Mountain. This trail traverses open-range land, so it's essential to…
Learn more about M0776
Learn more about M0776
Total Miles
1.6
Tech Rating
3
Easy
Best Time
Wi / Fa / Sp
Softridge
Softridge Trail is a narrow, winding path that keeps drivers engaged with sections of erosion leading to off-camber stretches. Careful navigation is required, especially in tighter areas where the terrain shifts. The reward at the…
Learn more about Softridge
Learn more about Softridge
Total Miles
2.5
Tech Rating
2
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Wi / Fa
Owls Wash
The Owls Wash Trail offers a dynamic ride with constant shifts in terrain as it weaves in and out of washes. Narrow sections require precise driving, and vegetation along the route may lead to potential…
Learn more about Owls Wash
Learn more about Owls Wash
Total Miles
5
Tech Rating
2
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi
M0777
M0777 is a captivating trail that branches off from the main graded Freeman access route, leading you south into the enchanting foothills on the western side of Black Mountain. As you begin your journey, you'll…
Learn more about M0777
Learn more about M0777
Total Miles
1.4
Tech Rating
3
Easy
Best Time
Wi / Sp / Fa
Side Quest
Side Quest offers one of the most scenic and geologically striking off-road experiences in the Sonoran Desert. This iconic route winds through narrow, rock-walled canyons and broad desert washes, framed by rugged mountains, towering cliffs,…
Learn more about Side Quest
Learn more about Side Quest
Total Miles
3.8
Tech Rating
3
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi
Sw3202
The trail is narrow with few areas to pass. There is a lot of cholla, saguaro, and ocotillo in this area. Spring and fall are great times to do this trail as the desert is…
Learn more about Sw3202
Learn more about Sw3202
Total Miles
6.1
Tech Rating
2
Easy
Best Time
Wi / Fa / Sp
Oak Creek Cabin
A fairly easy road to an old cabin at the edge of the Sierra Ancha Wilderness. The cabin is in good shape and even has a few canned goods and (empty) booze bottles.You can take…
Learn more about Oak Creek Cabin
Learn more about Oak Creek Cabin
Total Miles
10
Tech Rating
2
Easy
Best Time
Fa / Su
Paisano's Pathway
Paisano's Pathway is a rugged, one-lane desert trail that winds through rolling hills and iconic saguaro-studded landscapes. The route features rocky sections, erosion, and ruts that add some challenge to the drive. Named for the…
Learn more about Paisano's Pathway
Learn more about Paisano's Pathway
Total Miles
3.2
Tech Rating
2
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi
Good Enough For The Cows
"Good Enough For The Cows" is an aptly named trail where you'll often find evidence of bovines frequenting the area, particularly around the dry mud puddles and cholla fruit--a surprising delicacy for them! This trail…
Learn more about Good Enough For The Cows
Learn more about Good Enough For The Cows
Total Miles
1.7
Tech Rating
2
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Fa / Wi
M0780
The M0780 Trail is a mellow, one-lane route with easy driving and no obstacles. It features smooth, mild wash crossings that add a bit of character to the trail without challenging conditions. Erosion is present…
Learn more about M0780
Learn more about M0780
Total Miles
5
Tech Rating
1
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi
Coyote Peak South
Coyote Peak South is a delightful, shorter desert trail that connects to the Coyote Peak West trail, creating an enjoyable loop for off-road adventurers. This narrow dirt trail meanders alongside the southern edge of Coyote…
Learn more about Coyote Peak South
Learn more about Coyote Peak South
Total Miles
1.9
Tech Rating
2
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Fa / Wi
Crescent Trail
Crescent Trail is a short and sweet route that boasts multiple opportunities for pulling off and enjoying the beauty of the desert. With ample dispersed camping spots, it is an inviting option for those looking…
Learn more about Crescent Trail
Learn more about Crescent Trail
Total Miles
1.9
Tech Rating
3
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Fa / Wi
A-Cross Road
A-Cross Road is an easy 25-mile drive through the beautiful countryside north of Roosevelt Lake. There are wide open views of Roosevelt Lake and the Sierra Ancha Mountains for the entire length. One area of…
Learn more about A-Cross Road
Learn more about A-Cross Road
Total Miles
24
Tech Rating
2
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Wi / Fa
Swimming Pool House
This is a short trail to a very cool abandoned house. You will see the house as the Young Road starts to climb toward the mountains. It must have been quite a property in its…
Learn more about Swimming Pool House
Learn more about Swimming Pool House
Total Miles
0.5
Tech Rating
2
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Fa / Wi
Coyote Peak West
Coyote Peak West is a short out-and-back trail that promises an engaging, albeit narrow, adventure. Rated as a 2, this trail is designed primarily for single-vehicle passage, so larger vehicles may find themselves dealing with…
Learn more about Coyote Peak West
Learn more about Coyote Peak West
Total Miles
1.2
Tech Rating
2
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Fa / Wi
Nw2006
Nw2006 is located to the East of Arizona State Route 79. This is the main North/South connection between WhoopDeDo Roller Coaster and Box Canyon trails. This dirt trail is wide and suitable for full-size vehicles.…
Learn more about Nw2006
Learn more about Nw2006
Total Miles
3.7
Tech Rating
1
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Fa / Wi
Nw2230
Nw2230 is located to the East of AZ State Route 79 and North of the Box Canyon trail. Coming from Box Canyon, it is a little difficult to find at first because of the dirt…
Learn more about Nw2230
Learn more about Nw2230
Total Miles
1.6
Tech Rating
2
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Fa / Wi
Freeman Pipeline Trail
Freeman Pipeline Trail is a narrow dirt path that traces the gas line route through the picturesque desert landscape. With signs marking the way, this trail is easy to follow as it meanders through the…
Learn more about Freeman Pipeline Trail
Learn more about Freeman Pipeline Trail
Total Miles
1.7
Tech Rating
2
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Fa / Wi
Nw2233
Nw2233 is located to the East of Arizona State Route 79 and South of the Box Canyon trail. This side trail connects Nw2006 to Nw2014 and consists of dirt and small rocks. It is a…
Learn more about Nw2233
Learn more about Nw2233
Total Miles
1.4
Tech Rating
2
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Fa / Wi
ATV Trails Near El Capitan, Arizona
Pioneer Pass
Pioneer Pass starts near the center of Globe, circles the south side of Pinal Peak, and ends on Forest Service Road 651 leading to Pinal Peak. Climb to Pioneer Pass at 6,000' elevation, drop into…
Learn more about Pioneer Pass
Learn more about Pioneer Pass
Total Miles
20
Tech Rating
3
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa
Pinto to Pinal
This Jeep trail is 50 miles, including the road up to and down from Pinal Peak and the one out to Madera Peak.This series of easy, scenic roads will take you from Pinto Mine Road…
Learn more about Pinto to Pinal
Learn more about Pinto to Pinal
Total Miles
29.5
Tech Rating
3
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa
Chilito Mine
Chilto Mine road takes you to around 2,500 feet in about 3 miles. With great views of the valley you start in. The bonus is that it gets a little tougher at the Chilito Mine…
Learn more about Chilito Mine
Learn more about Chilito Mine
Total Miles
4.9
Tech Rating
3
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Fa / Wi
Old 96 Ranch
This biggest portion of this Jeep trail is an easy and relaxing trip on a well-maintained gravel road from Highway 79 south of Florence to Highway 77 at Dudleyville. This is where you can explore…
Learn more about Old 96 Ranch
Learn more about Old 96 Ranch
Total Miles
60.4
Tech Rating
2
Easy
Best Time
Su / Sp / Fa / Wi
Putz Cemetery and Superior View
A trail to some historical graves and a fantastic viewpoint. A pretty drive even if you don't care for the history, but we recommend checking the history section below. From US 60, go directly across…
Learn more about Putz Cemetery and Superior View
Learn more about Putz Cemetery and Superior View
Total Miles
4.2
Tech Rating
3
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa
Wagon Tracks, Apache Tears, and Arnett Canyon
Begin at the east end of the airport and follow the trail to the Wagon Tracks. Head south across Queen Creek. The creek can have a natural flow of water after heavy rain, but it…
Learn more about Wagon Tracks, Apache Tears, and Arnett Canyon
Learn more about Wagon Tracks, Apache Tears, and Arnett Canyon
Total Miles
2
Tech Rating
3
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi
UTV/Side-by-Side Near El Capitan, Arizona
Pioneer Pass
Pioneer Pass starts near the center of Globe, circles the south side of Pinal Peak, and ends on Forest Service Road 651 leading to Pinal Peak. Climb to Pioneer Pass at 6,000' elevation, drop into…
Learn more about Pioneer Pass
Learn more about Pioneer Pass
Total Miles
20
Tech Rating
3
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa
Pinto to Pinal
This Jeep trail is 50 miles, including the road up to and down from Pinal Peak and the one out to Madera Peak.This series of easy, scenic roads will take you from Pinto Mine Road…
Learn more about Pinto to Pinal
Learn more about Pinto to Pinal
Total Miles
29.5
Tech Rating
3
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa
Chilito Mine
Chilto Mine road takes you to around 2,500 feet in about 3 miles. With great views of the valley you start in. The bonus is that it gets a little tougher at the Chilito Mine…
Learn more about Chilito Mine
Learn more about Chilito Mine
Total Miles
4.9
Tech Rating
3
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Fa / Wi
Old 96 Ranch
This biggest portion of this Jeep trail is an easy and relaxing trip on a well-maintained gravel road from Highway 79 south of Florence to Highway 77 at Dudleyville. This is where you can explore…
Learn more about Old 96 Ranch
Learn more about Old 96 Ranch
Total Miles
60.4
Tech Rating
2
Easy
Best Time
Su / Sp / Fa / Wi
Putz Cemetery and Superior View
A trail to some historical graves and a fantastic viewpoint. A pretty drive even if you don't care for the history, but we recommend checking the history section below. From US 60, go directly across…
Learn more about Putz Cemetery and Superior View
Learn more about Putz Cemetery and Superior View
Total Miles
4.2
Tech Rating
3
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa
Wagon Tracks, Apache Tears, and Arnett Canyon
Begin at the east end of the airport and follow the trail to the Wagon Tracks. Head south across Queen Creek. The creek can have a natural flow of water after heavy rain, but it…
Learn more about Wagon Tracks, Apache Tears, and Arnett Canyon
Learn more about Wagon Tracks, Apache Tears, and Arnett Canyon
Total Miles
2
Tech Rating
3
Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi