Fort Reno 409

Trail Overview

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 historic Camp Reno site, the road drops into a lower elevation where it becomes rockier, and the trees tighten up around the trail. There are a few rocky sections that require slower speeds and light tire placement, but overall, it remains an easy dirt road. Note that this road does not connect through to Reno Pass FR 524. Camp Reno was a U.S. Army outpost established in 1868 in Arizona's Tonto National Forest at the base of Mount Ord in the Mazatzal Mountains, near present-day Punkin Center. It operated until 1875 and was originally set up to protect settlers and travel routes during conflicts with Apache groups in the region. The camp was a small, temporary military installation that worked in coordination with Fort McDowell and was part of the broader military effort to secure central Arizona during its territorial period. Today, only faint remnants of the site remain, such as a rock wall surrounding the Fort site.

Photos of Fort Reno 409

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Difficulty

This trail earns its easy rating thanks to its mostly level dirt surface and minimal obstacles, making it suitable for most high-clearance vehicles and even capable AWD vehicles in dry conditions. Drivers should be prepared for a few rocky sections and slightly tighter tree corridors as you descend toward the Camp Reno site.

Technical Rating

Fort Reno 409 can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV
• SxS (60")
• ATV (50")
• Dirt Bike