Chimney Rock

Total Miles10.2
Technical Rating
6Moderate
Best TimeSpring, Fall
Trail TypeFull-Width Road
Accessible By
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Trail Overview

Chimney Rock is an engaging, moderately challenging desert route near Tucson ideal for seasoned offroaders, ATV riders, and SxS enthusiasts looking for a mix of technical obstacles and scenic terrain. Accessed via Redington Road, this trail features a split difficulty profile, offering an easier entrance from the southern wash and a significantly more demanding approach from the back. The route primarily winds through a rugged, rocky wash where drivers can expect tight brush that will likely leave some Arizona pinstriping on wider vehicles. A capable four-wheel-drive vehicle with high ground clearance, good articulation, and skid plates is highly recommended, though aggressive stock vehicles can manage the terrain with careful tire placement and patience. Navigating this desert landscape requires active attention, particularly after seasonal heavy rains that can quickly transform the dry washes into deep-water challenges and significantly alter the obstacles. Because the trail network can be confusing and branches off in multiple directions, keeping a GPS or reliable offline map handy is essential to staying on course. Given its proximity to Tucson and high fun factor, the area is a popular weekend hotspot for local OHV users, making early morning or weekday trips ideal for those seeking a quieter experience. Visitors should prepare for dry, dusty conditions typical of the region, ensuring they carry plenty of water and recovery gear to handle the rocky, uneven surface.

Photos of Chimney Rock

Difficulty

Moderate: Trail follows rocky wash with tight brush in places. We recommend skid plates, good articulation and high ground clearance. Aggressive stock vehicles can make it, but expect scratches. Heavy rains can create deep water challenges.

Technical Rating

6

Status Reports

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Kellen Bogardus
May 31, 2026
2009 Volvo XC70
Open
Dusty
Would not rate it a 6 given the fact that my Volvo got through it. Climbing the back side of Mt Lemmon is more technical. There are a couple steep climbs near the middle where 4wd is probably necessary, but overall it’s a 3 or 4.
Joe Williams
Feb 08, 2026
2001 Jeep Cherokee
Open
Normal
Beautiful trail. Easier than listed, however. Definitely worth your time. We plan on going back in about a month when the spring flowers are in bloom.
Ben H
Feb 05, 2026
Open
Normal
This trail was very easy and completely dry. There were a couple sections with minor rock ledges and sandy wash crossings. I was expecting a more intermediate trail based on the rating but after completing the 10.3 mile point to point it was a high 2, low 3 in terms of difficulty. There were roughly half a dozen gates to travel through. Overall, the most difficult parts of this trail are about the same difficulty as the hard sections of Reddington Pass.
Richard Miller
Apr 05, 2025
2021 Jeep Wrangler
Open
trail is very easy, parts of reddington were worse than the trail, we ran the entire loop, I know it says the rating is a 6, but I would say closer to a 4, three stock jeeps today had no issues, only used 4H. beautiful day today!
Richard Miller
Feb 22, 2025
2021 Jeep Wrangler
Open
NormalDusty
came in from the Bollatta ranch entrance, passed some other jeeps and SxS, two closed gates (please close after you pass them) no one else was at chimney rock, came back out the front way, didnt run the entire trail
Steve Sharpe
Nov 25, 2024
2023 Honda CRF300L
Open
Rough/Deteriorated
Eliah Miller
Aug 08, 2023
Open
Normal
Aaron Landers
May 10, 2023
2022 Toyota Tacoma
Temporarily Closed
Closed GatePosted Sign
Mike McKinsey
Mar 25, 2023
Open
Tyler McGuire
Mar 21, 2023
Open
Aaron Landers
Mar 17, 2023
2022 Toyota Tacoma
Open

Chimney Rock Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • Single Track
  • 50 Inch
  • 60 Inch
  • High Clearance
  • Full Width

Access Description

The trail is highly popular on weekends, especially with ATV and SxS riders. High ground clearance, skid plates, and good articulation are strongly recommended. Heavy rains can cause deep water hazards in the wash, potentially making the trail impassable.

Chimney Rock Map

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