Cactus Flats

Total Miles 38.2
Technical Rating
6 Moderate
Best Time Spring, Summer, Fall
Trail Type 50" Trail
Accessible By
Open Trail Map

Trail Overview

This ride will take you on a trip around the White Mountains of Arizona. There are a few places you can start. You can start at one of the trailheads on the Maverick trail, at the Black Horse Brewery or The Ghost of the Coyote trailhead. This is about a 50-mile loop. You can run the loop either way. The best views of Show Low Creek Canyon are entering on the south side of the canyon (Starting at the Black Horse Brewery/Ghost of the Coyote trailhead) and heading east at the first turn. The trip includes pine, oak and juniper and is all on forest land. Beautiful rock outcroppings and several large canyons await. You will most likely have to use 4WD occasionally and there will be some rough rocky sections, as well as a few minor hill climbs. Most of this trail can be done in a Jeep but please stay off the Maverick trail. The Maverick Trail is a designated trail for SxS, four-wheelers, and dirt bikes.

Photos of Cactus Flats

Difficulty

Most of this trail is easy, with the exception of a few places where you descend into the canyons and climb back out. Experienced drivers will find this to be no issue. To the inexperienced, it maybe a little more nerve racking.

Technical Rating

6

Status Reports

Add Status Report
Jolene Slowen
May 15, 2026
Open
The trail was a little dusty. Lots of wildflowers.
Jolene Slowen
May 12, 2026
Open
The trail was dusty. Saw ten antelope.
Sara Hennessee
Oct 17, 2025
Open
Came up to Cactus Flats by Maverick (very muddy) and it was nice to see it a little bit drier. Beautiful views. Some deteriorated sections due to recent rains but overall rideable by a lower end of intermediate rider.
Virginia Frieburg
Aug 08, 2025
Open
Candace Price Garl
Jun 26, 2025
Open
Trail good to go. Elk and jackrabbit are about near ponds . Long ride but scenic!
Reed Squire
May 25, 2024
Open
The trail has a few parts that in a quad, you will drag bottom on. Other than that, there is always a trail to follow and some loose rocks
Bryan Stump
Apr 30, 2024
Open
Saw a her of antelope today nice ride
cody fransen
Feb 03, 2024
Open

Cactus Flats Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • Single Track
  • 50 Inch

Cactus Flats Map

The onX Offroad Difference

onX Offroad combines trail photos, descriptions, difficulty ratings, width restrictions, seasonality, and more in a user-friendly interface. Available on all devices, with offline access and full compatibility with CarPlay and Android Auto. Discover what you're missing today!

Open Trail Map