Beginner Off-Road Trails Near Mescal, Arizona

The Happy Valley Road winds past the charming historic movie town of Mescal. It travels through verdant riparian zones and expansive grasslands of the surrounding ranches. Along the way, you can find several idyllic dispersed…
Learn more about Happy Valley FR 35

The Apache Spring Trail is a rugged and beautifully scenic route that leads to a deserted cabin at the end, where a small campsite offers a stand-up BBQ, natural wind protection, and a small spring…
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Trail 6911 is a winding route featuring steep ascents and descents, with a mix of rocky terrain and loose soil that can become especially challenging when dry and dusty. The road offers stunning views and…
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This route offers amazing scenery and a more challenging alternative to Happy Valley. It used to be the main road to Happy Valley but was bypassed to make the ascent over the pass at Paige…
Learn more about Old Happy Valley Road FR 4406

Bear Springs Canyon is a scenic and enjoyable trail that was recently maintained as of 3/12/25, though conditions can change quickly, especially with rain in the forecast. The route winds through open grasslands before narrowing…
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Enjoy incredible mountain views and scattered cacti along this road. Pronghorns, mule deer, and bobcats are also prevalent in the area, as are black-tailed prairie dogs. Most of the trail is hard-packed dirt road. Be…
Learn more about Coal Mine Road FR-4859

Nestled in Arizona's expanse, a slice of "Big Sky" country unfolds along Cienega Creek. Just 45 miles southeast of Tucson, this landscape boasts wide-open grasslands, panoramic mountain views, and meandering waters that transport you to…
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This trail is comprised of a bunch of different two-track roads. This trail is reasonably fun, but not too difficult. Some of these roads are well maintained, while others are old mining roads that would…
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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…
Learn more about Andrada Tank Loop FR 6905

This road is a simple dirt road that is typically graded with occasional washboarding and is a gateway to much of the Cienega Creek and the Las Cienegas National Conservation Areas. Along the landscape, you…
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Trail 6913 begins off East Yucca Farm Road, with a comfortable campsite located near the entrance. Initially, the route follows a well-maintained path along the fence line, providing a relatively smooth drive. Numerous gates along…
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Trail 6914 begins as a maintained road, offering an easy start before transitioning into more challenging terrain. At the trailhead, there is a dispersed group campsite, though camping is not permitted near water sources. After…
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East Yucca Farm Road is a well-maintained route that descends into the lower grasslands, offering a scenic drive through open landscapes. Along the way, travelers will find numerous dispersed campsites in addition to a designated…
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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.…
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Canyon Road begins as a relatively well-maintained dirt road running parallel to a wash, offering scenic views and easy driving. At the start of the trail, you'll find a handful of designated campsites nestled beneath…
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North Cascabel Road follows along the San Pedro River Valley connecting Globe to Benson, AZ. This route is section 2 of the Arizona Back Country Discovery route Benson to Globe. The road is lined with…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
Learn more about Kentucky Gulch - FR 163

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…
Learn more about FSR 4104 to Hog Ridge

This route to Chiva Falls follows the main Chiva Falls Trail (Forest Road 4417), offering a scenic and more approachable way to reach the falls without tackling the notorious Three Feathers obstacle. It's a classic…
Learn more about Chiva Loop - Forest Road 4417

Park Tank Road (Forest Road 4424) is a scenic connector weaving between the Chiva Falls Loop and Italian Trap Trail through classic Sonoran Desert terrain. This trail is a mix of sandy stretches, rocky ledges,…
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Redington Pass is a very popular two-lane road with lots of dispersed camping on the western slope overlooking Tucson. This pass varies in difficulty from deep ruts and washouts with many full washes. Most of…
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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,…
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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…
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This trail is a long day, but we thought it was well worth the trip. The scenery is nice, there is a natural bridge, and the cabin is interesting. You will pass through Muleshoe Ranch…
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Slavin Forest Road 687 lies within Coronado National Forest. Most of the trail is smooth sandy gravel with incredible views of Council Rocks. Once reaching the gate at Corazon Ranch and turning onto West Stronghold…
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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…
Learn more about Hog Canyon- BLM 4111

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…
Learn more about Hog Ridge - Trail 4859