Trail Overview
The Bellemont-Moritz Road (Forest Road 171) is an easy and scenic 18.5-mile gravel route through the Kaibab National Forest, perfect for overlanders, campers, and scenic drivers looking to explore northern Arizona. Winding north from Interstate 40 near Bellemont, the wide and mostly smooth road climbs gently from an elevation of 7,080 feet up to 7,808 feet. The primary gravel surface features occasional washboard sections and side drainage ditches designed to handle seasonal monsoon runoff. Because of its wide, unmaintained but well-traveled nature, this trail is suitable for almost any high-clearance vehicle, requiring no technical off-road driving skills, though drivers should watch for traffic, grazing cattle, and local wildlife like elk and deer.
Dispersed primitive campsites are abundant along the southern portion of the trail, making it a popular basecamp for exploring the surrounding forest. Moving farther north, the route passes private ranches and provides convenient access to the Kendrick Mountain Wilderness trailhead for those interested in hiking. Additionally, the well-known Lava River Cave is located nearby, offering a unique opportunity to explore a natural underground lava tube.
Difficulty
This trail is unmaintained, but is wide and smooth, and accesses numerous other trails that lead to different parts of the forest. The Southern end of the trail is well populated and traveled.
Access Description
The route is accessible from Interstate 40 near Bellemont, Arizona, via Exit 185. It is free to access and lies within the Kaibab National Forest, meaning no permits are required for general driving or primitive camping. However, the road is subject to seasonal winter closures due to snow accumulation.
