Beginner Off-Road Trails Near Tanque Verde, Arizona

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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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…
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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 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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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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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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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…
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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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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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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

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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North Cascabel Road follows along the San Pedro River Valley connecting Globe to Benson, AZ. This route is section 2 of the Arizona Back Country Discovery route Benson to Globe. The road is lined with…
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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 starts on a steep and rocky incline but quickly settles into a well-maintained ranch road with some small seasonal mud patches. It offers stunning views of the valley between the Rincon and the…
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The San Pedro River Road extends for about 10 miles, with approximately 4.5 miles consisting of a dirt and gravel trail. The trail is generally well-maintained and easy to navigate. The only potentially challenging section…
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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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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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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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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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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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The Gasline Trail mirrors the rugged nature of Lovetta, featuring steep hills with loose, off-camber erosion that requires careful attention. As you navigate, keep an eye out for hilltop campsites, offering scenic spots to stop…
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The Apache Spring Trail is a rugged and beautifully scenic route that leads to a deserted cabin at the end, where a small campsite offers a stand-up BBQ, natural wind protection, and a small spring…
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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…
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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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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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The eastern section of East Willow Springs Road offers a well-manicured two-track trail that winds through vibrant fields of prickly pear, cholla cactus, and yucca plants. As you journey along this route, you'll enjoy stunning…
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Bear Springs Canyon is a scenic and enjoyable trail that was recently maintained as of 3/12/25, though conditions can change quickly, especially with rain in the forecast. The route winds through open grasslands before narrowing…
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This scenic trail takes you on a winding journey through the rugged desert landscapes of southern Arizona, offering stunning views of mountain peaks as it meanders along. Starting in State Trust land, the trail leads…
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