Trail Overview

This 48.9-mile trail travels through the Aquarius Mountain Range, and across Goodwin Mesa. Many sweeping vista views of the surrounding mountains are found along this route. Starting at the northern point, at approx. 24 miles you will arrive at Fancis Creek Ranch, this will be the first set of gates you will pass through. Use the gate which has the Sportsman Sign (to the left of the private drive). Please ensure that the gates are closed once you pass through. The next 6 miles will pass through a working cattle ranch. After this, the remaining trail is a maintained dirt road passing Muley Mountain, Elephant Mountain, and Red Knob Mountain. This part of the trail passes through many Saguaro Cactus.

Photos of Aquarius Traverse

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Difficulty

The majority of this trail is maintained dirt road passable by 2WD vehicles. 6 miles across Goodwin Mesa is a single vehicle trail which is passable by stock AWD/4WD vehicles. Do not attempt trail after heavy rainfall to limit damage to trail.

Technical Rating

Erik Loop

Apr 19, 2025

Open

Dusty

This one goes deep. Entered from the North side (Upper Trout Creek Rd) and completed the entire Aquarius Traverse down to Burro Creek Crossing Rd. You will pass through private lands, unlocked but closed gates, and Arizona State Trust Lands. A permit is required for the ASTL areas. There was also a mandatory sign-in paper before passing into a certain area. After passing through the third gate you will notice the lack of evident vehicle travel. Just animal tracks. I camped about 30miles in on a little offshoot. I did not see anyone while completing this trail over two days, just cattle, jack rabbits and donkeys. No cell service.

Dan Jaquez

Oct 03, 2024

Open

Dusty

We were on the Upper Trout Creek road until Aquarious Cliffs Trail. The trail road was graded and had minor washboard effect. Dusty but any vehicle could travel it to the ranch just past Aquarius Cliffs Trail. Nobody on the road besides our 6 Jeeps.

Amer Kokic

Jul 06, 2024

2012 Toyota 4Runner

Temporarily Closed

Closed Gate

I did this trail going from the north side to the south side. I had to turn around when I came to the ranch all gates where closed (8:30 pm) I assume cause it was late at night I should’ve planned better. But trail is easy in the beginning so far. Lots of animals so pay attention cause they will run in front of your car for no reason. I would also not recommend this trail during the wet/ winter months as I almost got stuck at the top of the mountain when I attempted this trail in February.