Beginner Off-Road Trails
Near Payson, Arizona

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 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 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

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 erosion throughout the route. As the trail approaches the wash crossing, larger ro...
Learn more about FS 1556

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

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. Seasonal grass and ground cover can produce heavy sticker burs once dried out, so use caution if traveling w...
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 a rocky gravel two-track winding through classic central Arizona high desert terrain filled with ...
Learn more about Rock Creek - FS 442

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 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 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 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 sections that can become very challenging after rain or snow, though there are usually a few driv...
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 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 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 the end. Getting here is easy;the trail is just off Rim Road West from Highway 87. There aren't many camping spots, b...
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 occasional exposed rocks. Dispersed camp spots can be found along the route, making it a conve...
Learn more about Knoll Lake - FS 295E

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

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 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

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 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

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 erosion throughout the route. As the trail approaches the wash crossing, larger ro...
Learn more about FS 1556

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 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 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 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

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 erosion throughout the route. As the trail approaches the wash crossing, larger ro...
Learn more about FS 1556