Beginner Off-Road Trails Near Payson, 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…
Learn more about Cedar Mesa - FS 322

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…
Learn more about Diamond Point Lookout

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.…
Learn more about East Verde River

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…
Learn more about Rye, Alder, and Cypress

FS 1556 starts off Trail 442 and quickly narrows into a tighter two-track with possible pinstriping from overgrown vegetation. This trail is not recommended in wet conditions, as past storms have created deep ruts and…
Learn more about FS 1556

FS 1557 begins through a gated entrance off FS 1556. Please leave all gates as you found them unless posted to keep closed. This is an out-and-back trail with a very natural and narrow feel.…
Learn more about FS 1557

Trail 442 (Rock Creek Road) begins off Trail 414 / Rye Cypress Road and is primarily an out-and-back route, although it does connect to several other spur trails throughout the area. The trail starts as…
Learn more about Rock Creek - FS 442

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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Learn more about FS 6033

This dirt road features several dispersed camp spots along the route and leads out to a beautiful campsite with great views over the rim at the end. Along the way, you’ll encounter multiple large puddle…
Learn more about Myrtle Point - FS 300C

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…
Learn more about Milk Ranch Point

This is a great trail! You can take your time to enjoy the scenery or drive quickly to reach your destination. The road is mostly gravel and dirt, with some deep ruts and mud towards…
Learn more about Battleground Ridge

This maintained, graded dirt road leads back to the beautiful Knoll Lake and Knoll Lake Campground. The drive is mostly smooth and easy, though there are a few slightly rutted and bumpy sections along with…
Learn more about Knoll Lake - FS 295E

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…
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…
Learn more about FS 218A

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…
Learn more about Rim Road West

This rocky and sandy two-track runs parallel to the rim, winding its way through a forest of large ponderosa pines. The trail features a few small rock ledges and becomes overgrown in sections, giving it…
Learn more about FS 9708J

This open dirt road starts fairly level and easy, with a few camp spots along the way. As you continue, you’ll encounter some exposed rock and small ledges, but nothing overly difficult. The trail winds…
Learn more about FS 9708H

This trail starts as a wide but rocky two-track that weaves its way back into a forest of Ponderosa Pines. The route gradually loses elevation as you head toward the rim, with a mix of…
Learn more about FS 9708G

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…
Learn more about FS 9381E

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…
Learn more about Rock Wall Trail - FS 608

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…
Learn more about Pivot Rock Canyon

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…
Learn more about FS 607A

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…
Learn more about FS 607

This generally easy dirt trail leads to the Twin Buttes hiking trailhead. There is a pull-out parking area that can accommodate about five cars. This area is open range, and the trail passes next to…
Learn more about Twin Buttes Hiking Trail

This trail picks up off Highway 87 and runs all the way down to connect with the Rim Road. The beginning of the trail, which is close to the highway, has several nice large open…
Learn more about Potato Lake Rim Road

This trail is big rig-friendly. This is a nicely maintained wider dirt road with many large campsites to choose from. The trail connects to the main Highway 87 and ends at a network of trails.…
Learn more about Hicks/Duncan Trail