Beginner Off-Road Trails Near South Tucson, Arizona

Bajada Loop is one to two-lane dirt and gravel loop road within Saguaro National Park that has lots of washboards and some potholes. It is one way in some areas and should be started from…
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Start on East Golder Ranch Drive. Turn left through the cattle guard onto E Equestrian Trail. At a corral, you take the right at the Y and proceed onto a single-vehicle-width trail. The trail remains…
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Redington Pass is a very popular two-lane road with lots of dispersed camping on the western slope overlooking Tucson. This pass varies in difficulty from deep ruts and washouts with many full washes. Most of…
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When accessing this trail, the turn to the west from Highway 77 (North Oracle Road) has its own stoplight, making the turn easier. The road has several cattle guards, some with missing bars, so be…
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This cut-across from East Edwin Road to East Cochise Springs Road is a nice 4x4 track that leads you to many more remote campsites and to the "Badlands" loop trail system for mountain bikes. The…
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You can start this trail from the north at Highway 79 or south at East Edwin Road. The trail follows a small powerline and cuts through several washes. Be careful in monsoon season or while…
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The trail veers off of the East Edwin Road just after crossing the first wash. You turn north onto the trail. The trail weaves through some tight spots in trees and cacti. The mud holes…
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This trail offers a simple, low-difficulty route north of Tucson, Arizona, with a six-mile stretch that climbs and winds up the mountain and provides some appealing views. Beyond this section, the road remains straightforward and…
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This route to Chiva Falls follows the main Chiva Falls Trail (Forest Road 4417), offering a scenic and more approachable way to reach the falls without tackling the notorious Three Feathers obstacle. It's a classic…
Learn more about Chiva Loop - Forest Road 4417

If you love breathtaking scenery, driving through saguaro forests, and adventurous off-road experiences, the Continental Copper Access route is perfect for you! This road starts around two-thirds up the mountainside, beginning at the Mount Lemmon…
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Park Tank Road (Forest Road 4424) is a scenic connector weaving between the Chiva Falls Loop and Italian Trap Trail through classic Sonoran Desert terrain. This trail is a mix of sandy stretches, rocky ledges,…
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This is a mid-mountain forest road segment in Catalina National Forest, northwest of Tucson, Arizona. It is accessible via Peppersauce Canyon and is an enjoyable, mildly challenging primitive route that culminates high on a mountain…
Learn more about Nugget Road and Rolling Hills

This route kicks off in the wooded, lower elevations of Peppersauce Canyon, northeast of Tucson, Arizona. It is a primitive, yet well-traveled two-track that runs parallel to a wash, westward into the Catalina Mountains. This…
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This is a scenic drive through the Santa Rita Mountains that gets you up and out of the desert and into the oaks. Great views along the way! Coming from the east side of the…
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Willow Springs Road stands out as one of the best-maintained main arteries in the area, providing a smooth and easily navigable route. This trail accommodates larger vehicles quite comfortably, including motorhomes and campers, especially in…
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The Rosemont Trail offers a scenic route that primarily winds through dry washes, providing a mix of easygoing terrain and occasional challenges, this trail is well worth the effort. Several trailheads can be found along…
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North Pump Station Road is part of Ironwood Forest National Monument and Arizona State Trust Land. This road can be used to complete the long Silverbell Loop around the mountain. It is a smooth well…
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Melendrez Pass is a scenic off-road trail located in Arizona, ideal for those looking to explore the rugged beauty of the desert. Along the way, you'll encounter stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys,…
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Falcon Valley Ranch Trail offers a rugged off-road experience, with dips, erosion, and ruts that add mellow technical challenges along the way. The trail features some braiding, requiring attention to stay on the most passable…
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Boulevard is a wide and rolling trail that offers a mellow, easygoing drive. The route features gentle wash crossings and no obstacles, making it a smooth ride for vehicles of all types. With one bar…
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Kentucky Gulch provides a gentle ascent through undulating hill terrain, with the trail meandering amidst grassy hills dotted with oak, juniper, agave, and other distinctive plant species. Be sure to check the weather conditions before…
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Oak Tree Canyon is on the historic Empire Ranch, which is now known as the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area. This section features expansive mountain views, craggy peaks, and a visit to a historical site.…
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Parker Wash is a typical Arizona wash, featuring the rugged, dry terrain common to the region. Parts of this wash are rocky, with packed dirt. Other sections are deep, soft sand that is easy to…
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South Pygmy Owl Trail is a narrow route that requires careful navigation due to its tight sections. The trail features wash crossings and mild erosion, adding variety to the ride, but there are no major…
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The Happy Valley Road winds past the charming historic movie town of Mescal. It travels through verdant riparian zones and expansive grasslands of the surrounding ranches. Along the way, you can find several idyllic dispersed…
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Fish East is a fairly easy connector trail with few obstacles. Along Fish East, you'll discover a blend of intriguing sights and natural beauty. You'll come across remnants of old mining operations, such as those…
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The Andrada Tank Loop is a scenic trail that offers breathtaking views of the Sonoran Desert landscape and the nearby Whetstone Mountains. The trail winds through desert terrain featuring prickly pear cacti, ocotillo plants, and…
Learn more about Andrada Tank Loop FR 6905

Nestled in Arizona's expanse, a slice of "Big Sky" country unfolds along Cienega Creek. Just 45 miles southeast of Tucson, this landscape boasts wide-open grasslands, panoramic mountain views, and meandering waters that transport you to…
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New Power Road is a powerline-cutthrough trail that offers a smooth drive with no obstacles to navigate. Expect dips and sections of erosion that add a bit of variety to the terrain. The road serves…
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This route offers amazing scenery and a more challenging alternative to Happy Valley. It used to be the main road to Happy Valley but was bypassed to make the ascent over the pass at Paige…
Learn more about Old Happy Valley Road FR 4406