Beginner Off-Road Trails Near Rye, 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…
Learn more about Rye, Alder, and Cypress

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…
Learn more about Mount Ord

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 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

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

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 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

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

This relatively easy two-track circles east around Haystack Butte, offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and wide open desert landscape. The surface is mostly smooth dirt with a few dips and minor washouts, but…
Learn more about FS 1713/FS 1399

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

This mostly easy dirt trail connects Cline Bouquet Road to Bluebird Mine Road, providing a straightforward route through open desert terrain. The surface is primarily smooth dirt with a few dips and small divots from…
Learn more about FS 1714

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 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 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

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 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

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 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 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 graded, easy dirt road runs from Forest Road 60 out toward private land. The drive is smooth and straightforward, with one cattle guard along the way and beautiful Sonoran desert views of the surrounding…
Learn more about Gratham Ranch Road

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…
Learn more about A-Cross Road

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

This level two track weaves its way through low desert terrain, offering a relaxed and scenic drive. There are a few small washouts and dips to keep you paying attention, along with one short rocky…
Learn more about FS 1755

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 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 narrow two-track serves as the entrance to Blue Peak Canyon. The surface is rocky and uneven, creating a consistently bumpy drive, and tight palo verde trees create frequent pinch points that will likely leave…
Learn more about FS 267

This trail starts out easy and quickly climbs to beautiful views on both sides of the ridge. There are a few rocky sections and minor washouts along the way, but nothing overly technical. Several great…
Learn more about FS 1424

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

P5004A is a quick connector trail that heads South from 3456 and meets up with P5004B to the East and P5007 to the West - this intersection is a hard T and happens in a…
Learn more about P5004A - Connector

Bloody Basin Road is a forest road that goes through the Agua Fria National Monument and Tonto National Forest in Arizona. This road takes you by archaeological sites and petroglyphs as you wind up and…
Learn more about Bloody Basin Road