Trail Overview

Castle Hot Springs Road is an easy, scenic backcountry drive perfect for anyone looking for a relaxed off-road adventure through the stunning Arizona desert. Spanning approximately 35.7 miles, this route connects Morristown near US Route 60 on the west to State Route 74 near Lake Pleasant on the east, offering an accessible point-to-point journey through the rugged Bradshaw Mountains foothills. With a maximum elevation of 3,333 feet and a gentle climb of around 3,196 feet, the road is primarily a wide, graded dirt and gravel route suitable for most high-clearance vehicles, two-wheel-drive trucks, and SUVs in dry conditions. Along the way, drivers are treated to sweeping desert vistas, towering saguaro cacti, and views of local landmarks like White Picacho and the Buckhorn Mountains. While the main route is straightforward with a technical rating of 2, it serves as a gateway to several more challenging off-road trails in the area, making it a connector for OHVs. The road crosses shallow washes and may feature minor rocky patches, small ledges under 12 inches, or washboards, particularly after seasonal rains. Historically, the route is famous for passing near the historic Castle Hot Springs resort, which originally opened in 1896 as a luxury wellness retreat and reopened in 2019; however, the hot springs and resort facilities are strictly reserved for overnight guests.

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Difficulty

Dirt or rocky road, typically unmaintained after rain or snow. You may encounter shallow water crossings and obstacles under 12" on the trail, including small ledges. Roads are typically one to two vehicles wide.

Technical Rating

Anthony Roy

Nov 30, 2025

2024 Subaru Crosstrek

Open

NormalDustyMuddy/Wet

Completed in entirety in a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek. Not a single spot where I was unsure. This is a solid 1. Due to rain and washouts, cars and sedans may have trouble completing the entire road, but any SUV or 2WD truck should have no problem. Fun little day drive. Ended around 6 pm back on pavement to head home.

Jeremy Trudell

Oct 26, 2025

2023 Toyota 4Runner

Open

NormalDusty

Beautiful desert drive, non-technical dirt trail. Great for any beginner

John Rodeman

Oct 19, 2025

2023 Jeep Gladiator

Open

We completed the Castle Hot Springs Road loop this morning. Traffic was light — only about 20 other riders, including a group of four (mostly SxS). It was dusty. The trail was mostly clear of obstacles. Most of the loop is two lanes, with a few tight one-vehicle sections and some blind corners. Signs indicate “one vehicle at a time” in spots, so watch for oncoming traffic and yield. Other riders used proper hand signals — a great teaching moment for my son. The scenery along the loop is beautiful desert terrain with rugged hills, cacti, and wide-open views. At one point, we should have stopped for photos; it was impressive. I’d rate this a 1. It was the first time we’ve taken the Gladiator off-road. It was very easy, beginner-friendly, scenic, and fun. The 35 miles went pretty quickly, though there are some areas where they ask you to stay at 12 mph to keep the dust down. We did pass a Sheriff just before the Castle Hot Springs Resort.

Ray H

Oct 05, 2025

2024 Jeep Wrangler

Open

Normal

Long, pleasant, easy day trip with changing terrain. Most any vehicle should be able to do it fine. We saw two sets of wild burros.

Joe Mullen

Sep 02, 2025

Open

Normal

Travis Ralston

Jun 08, 2025

2022 Toyota Tacoma

Open

DustyWashboardNormal

Very simple trail with some moderate washboarding -- no obstacles of note are present on the entire trail. There is a bit of a steep climb from the resort parking area, but I would be surprised if a two wheel drive truck with some dirt in the back would be unable to make the climb. The western portion of the trail was very open and allowed for more baja-style trail running, but keep an eye on the GPS for upcoming turns. I aired down to 25psi to take care of the washboarding at the Eastern end where I started, but besides that, the trail was a fun casual drive that made my morning a bit more enjoyable.

Alaaddin Surmen

May 11, 2025

2022 RAM 1500

Open

DustyWashboard

Pretty much anything could do this trail took around 2 hrs in a stock 2wd ram 1500

Kevin Sugihara

Mar 16, 2025

2024 Ford F-Series

Open

Normal

I saw a Prius driving on the road, and it wasnt struggling. Is there a rating lower than 1/10?

Spencer cohen

Mar 09, 2025

2009 Ford F-Series

Open

First time on this trail. It was great! Was hoping for a little mud but there were still some muddy spots! Did it by myself in around 2 hours with some quick stops to take pictures.

Jake ELWood

Jan 25, 2025

2004 Nissan Xterra

Open

Normal

It was a nice easy trail to get out and do a little trial for you rig after a repair or a new untested rig, which is what did if you are looking for a low stress ride this is for you. you end up driving by a hot springs you will drive by some house so be mindful of your speed in those areas. All things a good trip.

b bates

Jan 18, 2025

2021 Toyota 4Runner

Open

DustyWashboard

Was super dusty and wash boarded. Ran it just after sunset not too many people on the trail.

Andrew Dutton

Dec 30, 2024

Open

NormalDusty

The trail is a very easy drive with sing spectacular scenery to enjoy along the way. A someone just getting into off pavement driving, this was the perfect trail to cut my teeth on.

Jamie Dixon

Oct 12, 2024

2021 Toyota Tacoma

Open

NormalDustyWashboard

Trail is an easy scenic dirt road through the mountains. Lots of good views and animals, we saw a burro and deer. There were a couple of other vehicles but nothing crazy. Only took about 2 hours to complete.

David Madge

Aug 24, 2024

Open

NormalDusty

Alex Cost

Aug 24, 2024

2010 Toyota Tundra

Open

NormalDusty

Gorgeous Level one trail, with beautiful scenery. I had no idea people lived out here. I'm going to have to try some of the harder trails that off-shoot this one.

Castle Hot Springs Road Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

Single Track
50 Inch
60 Inch
High Clearance
Full Width

Access Description

Castle Hot Springs Road is a county-maintained public road that is free to travel and does not require any permits. However, the historic Castle Hot Springs resort and its thermal pools are strictly private property and restricted to overnight guests; day-use visitors and drop-ins are not permitted. Recreational activities on adjacent Arizona State Trust land require a recreational permit from the Arizona State Land Department.