Beginner Off-Road Trails
Near Elephant Head, Arizona

Forest Road 183 takes you from the low desert up to nearly 6,000FT in elevation past the hiking trail heads for Elephant Head and Aguas Caliente. The route varies from 2wd high clearance to steep and 4wd high clearance recommended by the terminus at a locked gate and towers. There are campsites all ...
Learn more about Forest Road 183

This is a scenic drive through the Santa Rita Mountains that gets you up and out of the desert and into the oaks. Great views along the way! Coming from the east side of the mountains, it tops out behind the community of Greaterville and brings you back out to Highway 83. From there, you can head so...
Learn more about Box Canyon Road

Are you visiting family in Tucson and want to scratch that dirt road itch? Looking for a quick and easy adventure with sweeping views? Do you want to rally your family's crossover by taking the long way to the car wash? Buckle up, because this is the adventure for you!Mount Hopkins is home to the Wh...
Learn more about Whipple Obervatory Rally

A trail that will get you towards Keystone Peak in the Sierrita Mountains. If you want to continue onward, bring a mountain bike or hike; access is blocked by large boulders. Not too difficult with a Jeep or side-by-side. May be overgrown in areas, bring a hand chain saw. Goes through State Trust la...
Learn more about Proctor Trail

This entire trail is road-width, although designated for dirt bikes only. It starts off Sardina Canyon Road (684) in a wash full of small rocks, and rides north towards some rocky outcroppings, riding past the entrance for 485. The trail surface is constantly full of small loose rocks and shallow ru...
Learn more about 486

Fish East is a fairly easy connector trail with few obstacles. Along Fish East, you'll discover a blend of intriguing sights and natural beauty. You'll come across remnants of old mining operations, such as those from the Santa Rita Water and Mining Company. This area is also abundant in wildlife an...
Learn more about Fish East

From Gardner Canyon Road, turn left on 785 to the intersection, then go left on 4111. Follow this trail to the T intersection, turn right on 4088, follow this to another T intersection. This trail is passable by most vehicles. 4 wheel drive is recommended during inclement weather. The day we rode th...
Learn more about Hog Canyon- BLM 4111

FSR 785 is a scenic drive to the trailhead in the wilderness area. You will drive through a canyon with dispersed camping areas. The ride is under sycamore, Alligator Juniper, and oak trees. There are several wash crossings, and many hiking trailheads off this trail. You may see an abundance of wild...
Learn more about FSR 785 to trailhead

Melendrez Pass is a scenic off-road trail located in Arizona, ideal for those looking to explore the rugged beauty of the desert. Along the way, you'll encounter stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, as well as opportunities to spot local wildlife. It's a great spot for a day trip...
Learn more about Melendrez Pass

This was a fun and engaging side trail off of Hog Canyon Trail. It meanders down the hill until you reach a gate. Be sure to close the gate if it's closed when you get there. Follow this trail to the end at a large watering pond in the trees. You may or nmay ot find cows at the end of the pond.
Learn more about Hog Canyon Side Trail

This trail is a bit rocky, it rides the ridge above Hog Canyon. You will have views of the town and the mountains in the distance. You will be riding through grassy fields dotted with Mesquite and Oak trees, along with yucca, ocotillo cactus. This is a typical trail not requiring 4-wheel drive or hi...
Learn more about Hog Ridge - Trail 4859

It's a scenic trail with plenty of great views. It's not too bad to travel as it's recently been overhauled by the forest service, but it still has a few steep hills and washes to cross that could become difficult in the monsoon season. Overall, it's a great trail to check out!
Learn more about Sardina Canyon

The west end of this trail starts as road-width, winding through the mesquite trees, over a layer of small loose rocks. The trail starts to climb up the rolling desert hill along a fence line, with ruts and baby head rocks, riding past prickly pear cactus and ocotillos. At the top of the hill, the t...
Learn more about 481

This is a scenic trail with a few mild obstacles. There is a relatively rocky patch of trail north of Cradle Tank, but other than that, it's not too technical. Definitely a very scenic drive with a lot of mountain views. It can be done in a good 4x4 vehicle with plenty of ground clearance. A couple ...
Learn more about Cerro Colorado South Access

The Rosemont Trail offers a scenic route that primarily winds through dry washes, providing a mix of easygoing terrain and occasional challenges, this trail is well worth the effort. Several trailheads can be found along the way, though photography is not permitted near the Rosemont Farm. Target sho...
Learn more about Rosemont Trail

Kentucky Gulch provides a gentle ascent through undulating hill terrain, with the trail meandering amidst grassy hills dotted with oak, juniper, agave, and other distinctive plant species. Be sure to check the weather conditions before heading out, as rain or snow could affect the road. Traveling on...
Learn more about Kentucky Gulch - FR 163

Gardner Canyon is a rugged forest road that features creek crossings, gorgeous grasslands, and a little local history. This trail is a scenic canyon drive dotted with mesquite, scrub oak, tall grasses, and cacti. This area is popular for ATVs and has large easy-access camping areas for RVs. Most of ...
Learn more about Gardner Canyon FR 92

The Andrada Tank Loop is a scenic trail that offers breathtaking views of the Sonoran Desert landscape and the nearby Whetstone Mountains. The trail winds through desert terrain featuring prickly pear cacti, ocotillo plants, and rocky outcrops. When driving from the south end of the trail, about one...
Learn more about Andrada Tank Loop FR 6905

Start at State Route 83, head west on Santa Rita Road, riding past cattle ranches and wonderful western-style homes. Take the left at the fork in the road, which is FS 4104. Continue to follow this trail until you reach the intersection with FSR 785. You may see deer, antelope, and rabbits. We saw a...
Learn more about FSR 4104 to Hog Ridge

Oak Tree Canyon is on the historic Empire Ranch, which is now known as the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area. This section features expansive mountain views, craggy peaks, and a visit to a historical site. The conservation area hosts a working ranch, so you might encounter a few cows. Thus, it...
Learn more about Oak Tree Canyon

Forest Road 183 takes you from the low desert up to nearly 6,000FT in elevation past the hiking trail heads for Elephant Head and Aguas Caliente. The route varies from 2wd high clearance to steep and 4wd high clearance recommended by the terminus at a locked gate and towers. There are campsites all ...
Learn more about Forest Road 183

This is a scenic drive through the Santa Rita Mountains that gets you up and out of the desert and into the oaks. Great views along the way! Coming from the east side of the mountains, it tops out behind the community of Greaterville and brings you back out to Highway 83. From there, you can head so...
Learn more about Box Canyon Road

Are you visiting family in Tucson and want to scratch that dirt road itch? Looking for a quick and easy adventure with sweeping views? Do you want to rally your family's crossover by taking the long way to the car wash? Buckle up, because this is the adventure for you!Mount Hopkins is home to the Wh...
Learn more about Whipple Obervatory Rally

A trail that will get you towards Keystone Peak in the Sierrita Mountains. If you want to continue onward, bring a mountain bike or hike; access is blocked by large boulders. Not too difficult with a Jeep or side-by-side. May be overgrown in areas, bring a hand chain saw. Goes through State Trust la...
Learn more about Proctor Trail

Forest Road 183 takes you from the low desert up to nearly 6,000FT in elevation past the hiking trail heads for Elephant Head and Aguas Caliente. The route varies from 2wd high clearance to steep and 4wd high clearance recommended by the terminus at a locked gate and towers. There are campsites all ...
Learn more about Forest Road 183

This is a scenic drive through the Santa Rita Mountains that gets you up and out of the desert and into the oaks. Great views along the way! Coming from the east side of the mountains, it tops out behind the community of Greaterville and brings you back out to Highway 83. From there, you can head so...
Learn more about Box Canyon Road

Are you visiting family in Tucson and want to scratch that dirt road itch? Looking for a quick and easy adventure with sweeping views? Do you want to rally your family's crossover by taking the long way to the car wash? Buckle up, because this is the adventure for you!Mount Hopkins is home to the Wh...
Learn more about Whipple Obervatory Rally

A trail that will get you towards Keystone Peak in the Sierrita Mountains. If you want to continue onward, bring a mountain bike or hike; access is blocked by large boulders. Not too difficult with a Jeep or side-by-side. May be overgrown in areas, bring a hand chain saw. Goes through State Trust la...
Learn more about Proctor Trail