Beginner Off-Road Trails Near San Simon, Arizona

SS1181 is a wide, well-maintained gravel road that provides access to the Hot Well Dunes from the south. The route serves dual purposes, accommodating both weekend tourist traffic and agricultural vehicles, which contributes to its…
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This is a back road into Fort Bowie. It has a few overlook locations of the Fort and travels in from Highway 186. This is a historic fort that stood for years during a conflict…
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This is a true road to nowhere. As you follow this road out of Bowie to get back to Hot Well Area, the trail almost disappears at times, opening up again with a good track.…
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This is the perimeter fence of the Hot Wells Sand Dune area. It has some fun trails and is sandy, somewhat hilly, and sometimes a little rocky. The trails inside this area are mostly sandy…
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This is a great little side trip from Hot Wells to Bowie. There are some technical spots, but it's mostly a pretty easy drive in the SxS and can be done in 4x4 vehicles with…
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The Chiricahua Byway is an easy forest trail that takes you across the highest "Sky Island" district in Arizona. This trail provides incredible views of the Sonoran Desert, Mexico, New Mexico, and southern Arizona. There…
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Visitors entering the Hot Well Dunes must first stop at the registration area to review park rules regarding OHV use and general conduct. The trail begins as a broad, smooth track with a posted speed…
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East Ten Ranch Road is a long, straight dirt track that leads from Highway 191 toward the Hot Well Dunes. As of March 25, 2025, the road has been recently maintained and is generally smooth…
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The Railway Trail runs alongside the train tracks and is entirely unmaintained. It is a narrow, winding route where pinstriping is likely, and it crosses numerous washes that may become difficult to navigate during or…
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The Powerline Trail is a relatively straight route that follows the path of overhead powerlines and, as of March 26, 2025, is in maintained condition. Large cleared areas are found beneath each powerline tower, suggesting…
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Although power lines run alongside the trail, it is not a maintained road but rather a rocky track that follows a ridgeline before descending into a wash. The route is rocky, dusty, and lined with…
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The trail begins with a relatively steep climb from the paved road, after which it levels out and remains fairly smooth for a short distance before becoming increasingly rocky and narrow. Pinstriping is unavoidable in…
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This narrow trail becomes rough almost immediately after leaving the paved road, with dips and off-camber sections that demand careful driving. Numerous spurs and offshoots branch from the main path, but some may cross onto…
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This trail connects the Railway Trail to the paved Haekel Road, which serves as the access road to the Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area. The initial portion of the trail is smooth and maintained, but…
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The road is graded and well-maintained as it approaches Morse Canyon, where it begins to narrow. Charming cottages dot the route, and there are numerous dispersed campsites along a stream. The road becomes rocky and…
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The trail begins with a moderate level of difficulty for a capable 4x4, featuring washouts, off-camber sections, deep erosion, and a generally rocky surface. As the route progresses, it levels out and transitions to sandy…
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This is a well-maintained but heavily corrugated and dusty road, as it serves as one of the main thoroughfares in the northern part of the Hot Well Dunes area. Numerous dispersed campsites can be found…
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This access road is generally well-maintained but features frequent corrugation, with a series of dips and rises that can create a bumpy ride--airing down is recommended for comfort. The route follows the edge of the…
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Shortly after beginning the trail, you'll encounter a gate associated with active cattle ranching; be sure to close it securely behind you. The route is primarily sandy and dusty, with gentle undulations that make for…
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The trail begins at the tidy and well-kept Walnut Grove Campground and starts out on a well-maintained path. Grasslands stretch out to the left and across the valley, gradually giving way to pine forests as…
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Tex Canyon Road begins as a well-maintained route before entering forested foothills at the base of the mountains. Several spurs and side trails offer opportunities for exploration. As the road climbs, it becomes moderately rocky…
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Tex Canyon Road begins as a well-maintained route before entering forested foothills at the base of the mountains. Several spurs and side trails offer opportunities for exploration. As the road climbs, it becomes moderately rocky…
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The road leading to the monastery is wide, well-maintained, and frequently traveled, offering beautiful views along the way. The surrounding landscape features an abundance of plant life, including a diverse variety of Arizona cacti. The…
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This well-maintained and graded access road leads into the Chiricahua Wilderness which forms part of the Coronado National Forest, winding gently through a landscape of scenic ranches and rolling turns--drivers should adjust speed accordingly. The…
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This trail is narrow, winding, undulating, sandy, and bumpy, offering a fun and engaging drive. It appears to be a popular route among hunters. As the trail continues, it becomes more challenging, with noticeable erosion,…
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This trail is narrow, winding, undulating, sandy, and bumpy, providing a fun driving experience that becomes increasingly challenging as you continue. The area is rich in plant life, and the trail appears to be popular…
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The Black Hills Back Country Byway is an unpaved road that provides access to thousands of acres of BLM land. There are many areas to camp, hike, mountain bike, or explore side tracks via 4x4.…
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Powerline Road begins as a gravel route marked by heavy corrugation and stretches of deteriorating pavement as it nears a residential area. After the turnoff to the neighborhood, the road surface improves noticeably, though it…
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St. Paisius Orthodox Monastery is a women's monastic community located near Safford, Arizona, at the foot of Mount Graham. Founded in 1993 and dedicated to St. Paisius Velichkovsky, the monastery follows the Serbian Orthodox tradition.…
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Aqueduct Road begins just beyond an unmarked gate and quickly turns bumpy and rocky, though it remains relatively level at first. The trail crosses several washes as it climbs onto the rim, tracing the ridgeline…
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