Trail Overview

The Buckeye Hills Scenic Trail offers an incredible drive through the heart of the Buckeye Hills, connecting Robbins Butte Trail to SR 85. This route winds through classic Sonoran Desert landscapes, featuring rolling hills, wide-open desert vistas, and rugged terrain. It's a perfect mix of easygoing dirt roads with occasional rocky sections, making it ideal for both beginner and experienced off-roaders looking for a scenic escape.

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Difficulty

Mostly smooth dirt roads, but expect some minor wash crossings and rocky patches.

Technical Rating

Joshua King

Nov 01, 2025

Open

Some of the washes on the south side of the trail deserve a 4 rating, it got a little techy. Water has rushed through after the hurricane. Bottomed out a few times in my stock grand Cherokee. Southern most portion of the trail rutted 12+ inches. Beautiful scenery.

Russell A

Oct 15, 2025

Open

Removed my last post for clarity. Trail runs north to south, barbed wire fence at the mid point which can be moved. After the barbed wire fence is where the real fun is. Great trail, took a friend in his Sequoia for his first time off roading. Went a few days after the heavy rain, still some good mud throughout but you’re not getting buried unless you try.

Nick Bruncie

Sep 08, 2025

Open

Nice slow trail with most of it being rocky rough trail. There is a few washes that need to be crossed. In areas the brush on the side gets a little narrow. You may have difficulty taking a full size pickup through here.

Andew D

Sep 06, 2025

Open

Trail is open. Barbed wire gate at mid point and ranch gate at South end of trail (please close the gates after driving thru). Quick trail with enough tight wash crossings to make it fun. Great desert flora and fauna. I've done this trail several times and have always had the trail to myself.

Calvin Pulda

Jul 04, 2025

Open

Trail head is open. If you head North, the road is closed, however the trail heads South, pleas be sure to close gate behind you.

Stephen Matherly

May 11, 2025

Open

This was my first time here and I didn’t have much time to explore/snoop around-but it seems to me the furthest east section of the trail (next to the 85), that one could easily assume is the trailhead to enter/exit, looked closed via road closed signs and other intentionally placed obstructions. When we worked around it by going further south to the next exit, we ended up at the prison gates.