Beginner Off-Road Trails
Near Valencia West, 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 Hohokam Road to complete the loop. This loop takes you deep within the Saguaro Wilderness with access to many hi...
Learn more about Bajada Loop, Saguaro NP

Gas Line Road offers a classic desert wheeling experience, winding through a stunning tapestry of protected landscapes, including the Ironwood Forest National Monument, BLM sections, and Arizona State Trust Land. This single-lane trek provides an intimate look at the rugged backcountry of the Southw...
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A trail that will get you towards Keystone Peak in the Sierrita Mountains. If you want to continue onward, bring a mountain bike or hike; access is blocked by large boulders. Not too difficult with a Jeep or side-by-side. May be overgrown in areas, bring a hand chain saw. Goes through State Trust la...
Learn more about Proctor Trail

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 mountains, it tops out behind the community of Greaterville and brings you back out to Highway 83. From there, you can head so...
Learn more about Box Canyon Road

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 graded dirt road with washboards in some areas and deep rolling washes. There are signs this area wil...
Learn more about North Pump Station Road

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 the western side can be traversed in a low clearance 2wd with caution but it's not advised....
Learn more about Redington Pass

North Waterman Mountain Trail is a narrow overgrown trail that passes through Ironwood National Monument BLM land and Arizona State Trust Land 5 miles south to West Avra Valley Road. This trail goes through many washes as it meanders through the dense saguaro and cholla valley. Expect pinstripes if ...
Learn more about North Waterman Mountain Trail

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 easy with the mountain bike trail called 50 Year Trail crisscrossing the 4x4 trail and campsites alo...
Learn more about 50 Year Trail Loop

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 can get big after a rain, but the bottoms are mostly sandy. The main trail is the most used, but there are several...
Learn more about East Cochie Spring Trail

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 trail takes you through some beautiful Sonoran desert vistas and past some side trails with their own fla...
Learn more about Badlands Trail

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 careful to not get a flat tire. Signs alert you that you're entering Arizona State Trust Land, which ne...
Learn more about East Edwin Road

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 the way, though photography is not permitted near the Rosemont Farm. Target sho...
Learn more about Rosemont Trail

The trail features a high-centered middle hump with signs of water damage and several off-camber sections that require careful navigation. The approach from Highway 89 is relatively smooth, with soft sand and minimal obstacles, making for a relaxing drive. However, the terrain becomes more challengi...
Learn more about Pozo Tank Loop

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 Sonoran desert run with big skies, rocky hills, and sandy washes. Chiva Falls is best...
Learn more about Chiva Loop - Forest Road 4417

Forest Road 183 takes you from the low desert up to nearly 6,000FT in elevation past the hiking trail heads for Elephant Head and Aguas Caliente. The route varies from 2wd high clearance to steep and 4wd high clearance recommended by the terminus at a locked gate and towers. There are campsites all ...
Learn more about Forest Road 183

The first half of the trail is relatively straightforward, though drivers should expect some pinstriping and off-camber sections when passing through the washes. As the route continues, it transitions into open grasslands, where the terrain becomes noticeably sandy and dusty. The area is home to abu...
Learn more about FR229 Bueno Tank Road

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, and shallow wash crossings, making it a great way to link routes into a longer off-road ad...
Learn more about Park Tank Road #4424

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, as well as opportunities to spot local wildlife. It's a great spot for a day trip...
Learn more about Melendrez Pass

This is a scenic trail with a few mild obstacles. There is a relatively rocky patch of trail north of Cradle Tank, but other than that, it's not too technical. Definitely a very scenic drive with a lot of mountain views. It can be done in a good 4x4 vehicle with plenty of ground clearance. A couple ...
Learn more about Cerro Colorado South Access

Are you visiting family in Tucson and want to scratch that dirt road itch? Looking for a quick and easy adventure with sweeping views? Do you want to rally your family's crossover by taking the long way to the car wash? Buckle up, because this is the adventure for you!Mount Hopkins is home to the Wh...
Learn more about Whipple Obervatory Rally

Gas Line Road offers a classic desert wheeling experience, winding through a stunning tapestry of protected landscapes, including the Ironwood Forest National Monument, BLM sections, and Arizona State Trust Land. This single-lane trek provides an intimate look at the rugged backcountry of the Southw...
Learn more about Gas Line Road

A trail that will get you towards Keystone Peak in the Sierrita Mountains. If you want to continue onward, bring a mountain bike or hike; access is blocked by large boulders. Not too difficult with a Jeep or side-by-side. May be overgrown in areas, bring a hand chain saw. Goes through State Trust la...
Learn more about Proctor Trail

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 mountains, it tops out behind the community of Greaterville and brings you back out to Highway 83. From there, you can head so...
Learn more about Box Canyon Road

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 graded dirt road with washboards in some areas and deep rolling washes. There are signs this area wil...
Learn more about North Pump Station Road

Gas Line Road offers a classic desert wheeling experience, winding through a stunning tapestry of protected landscapes, including the Ironwood Forest National Monument, BLM sections, and Arizona State Trust Land. This single-lane trek provides an intimate look at the rugged backcountry of the Southw...
Learn more about Gas Line Road

A trail that will get you towards Keystone Peak in the Sierrita Mountains. If you want to continue onward, bring a mountain bike or hike; access is blocked by large boulders. Not too difficult with a Jeep or side-by-side. May be overgrown in areas, bring a hand chain saw. Goes through State Trust la...
Learn more about Proctor Trail

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 mountains, it tops out behind the community of Greaterville and brings you back out to Highway 83. From there, you can head so...
Learn more about Box Canyon Road

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 graded dirt road with washboards in some areas and deep rolling washes. There are signs this area wil...
Learn more about North Pump Station Road