Beginner Off-Road Trails
Near Round Valley, 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

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

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 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 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

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 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 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

Mount Ord is almost 7,000 feet in elevation, so it is a nice place to be in hot weather, but not so good after a cold winter storm. This trip is an enjoyable way to spend a short day out in the brush--a fairly easy trail with great scenery. It can be done in any direction. Doing it from the north ge...
Learn more about Mount Ord

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 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 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 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 of the mountain, it is a sweet easy trail. This route will take you to an old cowboy camp; its earliest date is 1972. If you'...
Learn more about Tow Strap

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 a lightly traveled feel. As you continue, the road gradually narrows and becomes less defined be...
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 through the forest with beautiful views, passing a small pond before gradually descending toward ...
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 rocky and occasional sandy sections along the way. The road eventually dead-ends just short of the rim, but still o...
Learn more about FS 9708G

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 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 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

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

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 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

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

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