Brahma Tank Pass
Total Miles
5.5
Elevation
853.98 ft
Duration
1.25 Hours
Technical Rating
Best Time
Winter, Fall, Spring
Trail Overview
This trail cuts across the mountains, allowing access to two trail networks. The pass has some challenging sections, with a couple of steep transitions. One in particular drops down into a short, tight wash with a couple of small ledges and loose rocks. The mountains on this trail are beautiful and dotted with many giant saguaro cacti. There are no distinct places to disperse camp, but small open spots on either side of the mountain pass could suffice. Each end of the trail is predominantly sandy-washed with angry bushes that will cause paint damage. This trail is on state trust land, and one gate is to remain closed with a sign on it to do so as a reminder. If found open, please close it. This area is an open range for cattle. Be on the lookout for them on both sides of the trail. There is lots of wildlife out in this area, along with greenery and flowers in spring. This area gets very hot in the summer months. Bring extra water and supplies if traveling in the hot months. Watch for cattle, deer, coyotes, roadrunners, and snakes. One to two bars of AT&T cellular service fade in and out. Be sure to download your offline maps beforehand so you can find your way around.
Photos of Brahma Tank Pass
Difficulty
The trail consists of loose rocky sections with small ledges. Expect steep, loose transitions to get over the mountain pass. Washouts with steep, tight transitions might be difficult for longer-wheelbase vehicles. There are many narrow sections of the trail with angry, sharp bushes.
History
This route is on Arizona State Trust Land. This land requires a yearly permit that can be purchased and printed online. The permits allow certain recreational activities, including camping, bicycling, bird watching, GPS-based recreational activities (geocaching), hiking, horseback riding, off-highway vehicle (OHV) usage, photography, picnicking, and sightseeing. There are a few permit options depending on your use type: An Individual Permit is $15 and grants a single person access to State Trust Land for the above-listed purposes. The permit is good for one year from the date of purchase. A Family Permit costs $20 and grants a family unit (two adults and their children under 18) access to State Trust Land for the above-listed activities. The permit is good for one year from the date of purchase. A Small-Group Permit costs $15 and grants up to 19 people access to State Trust Land locations for five consecutive days for certain types of non-commercial recreational activities, including the above-listed activities. The permit is good for one year from the date of purchase. A Large-group Permit is for a group larger than 20 people. You must apply for this size separately online and be approved for group activities of this size. Responsibilities: Permittee(s) shall respect the land and adhere to the terms and conditions of the permit at all times. Permittee(s) shall comply with all federal, state, county, and municipal laws and ordinances while on State Trust Land. The Permittee(s) shall have the permit with them at all times while recreating on State Trust Land and have it readily available if stopped by law enforcement or any State Land Department staff. The Permittee(s) shall not remove natural products from or visit archaeological sites on State Trust Land. The Permittee(s) shall not create or leave any trash on State Trust Land, except for geocaches placed according to ASLD. The Permittee(s) shall not discharge a firearm on State Trust Land except pursuant to lawful and licensed hunting. An ASLD Recreational Permit is not required for individuals with a valid hunting and fishing license who are actively pursuing game or fish. The Permittee(s) shall only participate in OHV usage on State Trust Land with an ASLD Recreational Permit and an OHV decal or license plate. The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) is the issuing agency for the OHV decal, certificates of title, registrations, and license plates.