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.
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.
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.