Beginner Off-Road Trails Near Roosevelt, Arizona

The trail turns south off Highway 188 near Roosevelt Lake. This route is a smooth and wide road that leads to a ranch at the end. Please be aware of animals. There are signs up…
Learn more about FS 83

FS 1738 is a fun little trail with a few washouts that leads to a network of other trails. The majority of this trail goes in and out of a wash that is full of…
Learn more about FS 1738

This road connects Forest Service Road 83 to a network of other trails that are a little more difficult. There are some gates you will have to go through, and since this is near a…
Learn more about FS 1457

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…
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The historic Apache Trail, also known as Highway 88, now reopened after years of closure due to rockslides, is a must-drive route rich in Arizona history and stunning desert scenery. Over 100 years old, this…
Learn more about Apache Trail

This is a fun little trail off of Apache Trail that takes you to the Apache Lake Marina. The road is narrow and goes through a sandy wash. Watch out for wild animals, as there…
Learn more about 79C

Drainage Road 488 is a short, but very rewarding trail that will lead you to a scenic lookout over Roosevelt Lake. The first thing you will encounter is a set of campsites followed by a…
Learn more about Natural Drainage Rd 488

This trail leads to an eastern overlook of Parker Canyon. The road isn't challenging, but it can offer a good perspective after seeing the west side of the canyon via Natural Drainage Road 488, also…
Learn more about Parker Canyon East

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

Four Peaks is an excellent off-road trail for beginners. The trail is well-maintained and can become a bit dusty at times. Located in the Tonto National Forest, Four Peaks reaches a maximum elevation of approximately…
Learn more about Four Peaks

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

The road up to the mines is through heavy timber with recently burned areas in the upper section, and can easily be blocked by burned trees blown down or washed into the trail. Take a…
Learn more about Angel Wings

This short spur off the beautiful Four Peaks trail is very easy and graded with areas to pass. It leads to multiple hiking trail heads including Pigeon Trail, Lone Pine Saddle, and Brown's Peak. Pigeon…
Learn more about Brown's Peak

This moderate trail features dirt and rocky terrain with step-like inclines, descents, and tight switchbacks that may challenge longer vehicles. As you ascend, the landscape transitions into lusher greenery, offering a striking contrast to the…
Learn more about Dupont Cabin

Greenback Road is an easy dirt route winding through high desert terrain with sweeping views of surrounding hills and plateaus. The surface is well-maintained and mostly flat, making it accessible for most 4WD and high-clearance…
Learn more about Greenback

Dirt trail winds through the beautiful desert landscape, offering dramatic views of canyons, desert flora, and the rugged mountains surrounding you. The trail includes sections of uneven, rocky terrain with occasional washes, and in some…
Learn more about Black Cross Butte

This trail begins with a short but steep climb that quickly wraps around a cliffside. The shelf road is somewhat narrow for full-size vehicles, and a few washouts add mild difficulty, though nothing overly technical.…
Learn more about FS 1380

Aztec Peak trail is an easy road to a fire tower at the top of a 7,748' mountain. The road follows Workman Creek while accessing several Forest Service recreation areas and trailheads. Almost any vehicle…
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Cottonwood Road is a rough and rocky double-track into the Four Peaks Wilderness. The route is continuous loose rock until the Soldier Camp Trailhead, where it gives way to some easier dirt road driving. There…
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This trail is relatively easy in a stock truck. It is a steep incline of 2.5 miles. Closer to the top, the trail has a couple of tight technical turns. Once you reach the top…
Learn more about Tow Strap

This is a scenic trail that offers access to other trails in the Tonto National Forest, or can take you from Route 288 over to the Tonto Basin north of Lake Roosevelt. There are some…
Learn more about Bear Head Springs Segment - FS 609

This two-track winds through open desert landscape as you head back toward the Mazatzal Mountains, offering wide open views of the surrounding ranges and the canyons that cut back into the mountains. The route follows…
Learn more about FS 259

The trail begins as an open, level dirt road that is generally smooth and easy to navigate. There are quite a few easy-to-access dispersed camping spots along the way. As you get closer to the…
Learn more about Fort Reno 409

This trail starts out easy and graded as you head toward the transfer station (green waste disposal site), making for a smooth warm-up. After that, conditions change quickly with washed-out, rutted sections that require careful…
Learn more about Reno Pass - FS 524

This trail is a scenic route in the Tonto Forest off State Route 288, approximately nine miles south of Young, Arizona, with expansive views of pine forest and Jerky Butte forming a prominent backdrop. This…
Learn more about Buzzard Roost - FS 486

This tight, pinchy trail starts off narrow with brush crowding the sides, so expect some paint pin striping and be sure to close the gate behind you. Early on, there is a steep drop into…
Learn more about FS 197

Coming from the north, the trail starts on the dirt and sometimes paved Globe-Young Highway 288. You turn onto a well-marked side road, NF-203. Descending switchbacks, the main challenges are bowling ball-sized rocks that can…
Learn more about Cherry Creek Road

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

A very enjoyable backcountry Jeep trail from SR 288 (Young Road) just north of Roosevelt Lake back to SR 288 north of Young. This trip stays east of the Sierra Ancha Wilderness and skirts the…
Learn more about Lone Pine Divide

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