Artesia Road

Trail Overview

The road leading to the monastery is wide, well-maintained, and frequently traveled, offering beautiful views along the way. The surrounding landscape features an abundance of plant life, including a diverse variety of Arizona cacti. The monastery appears to be well cared for and quite picturesque, and visitors seem to be welcome. There are no amenities along the road--no access to water or trash disposal--and cell service is limited, though there are opportunities for dispersed camping nearby.

Photos of Artesia Road

Want to see more?

Login

Difficulty

This is an easy-going, well-maintained, and graded trail.

History

Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area, located near Safford in southeastern Arizona, blends geothermal history with off-road adventure. In the 1920s, an exploratory oil well struck a geothermal aquifer instead of petroleum, creating a natural hot spring. Today, two soaking tubs fed by these artesian wells are free to the public, offering a unique way to relax in the desert. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the 2,000-acre site is a popular destination for off-highway vehicles, especially in the cooler months. Visitors can ride the sandy trails by day and soak under the stars by night. While the area has no amenities like water or trash disposal, dispersed camping is allowed, and the BLM encourages visitors to tread lightly and pack out waste to help preserve the fragile desert ecosystem.

Technical Rating

Artesia Road can be accessed by the following ride types:

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