Trail Overview

This 9-mile (each way) trail connects Cienega Springs Road and the Back Way to Desert Bar Trail with Shea Road and the Swansea Townsite Trail. You skirt along the edge of the Gibraltar Mountain Wilderness on BLM and Arizona State Trust Lands. The trail is dirt and sand, with rocks in some areas. In the AZ desert, be sure to watch for rattlesnakes and scorpions. Carrying recovery equipment like a saw, a snatch block, and a tow rope is a good idea. We never ride without at least one firearm. Take extra fuel and lots of water, the desert is unforgiving in its heat and its predators. If this area receives rain, several varieties of cacti will bloom. Do not ride on the Colorado River Indian Tribe Reservation without getting a sticker from CRIT. They are $25 a year and well worth it. It gives you full access to the trails on the reservation, and it will save you from getting your SXS or bike, or quad confiscated by the tribe wardens for riding without a sticker.

Photos of Cienega Springs to Shea

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Difficulty

After a monsoon season, the trail will have areas of erosion and washouts. Rocks, trees, driftwood and other obstacles may be moved into the path. Not a difficult trail, but may have some obstacles.

Technical Rating

Joe P

Apr 19, 2025

Open

Did the first part trail in early March from Desert Bar. Trail tread was very loose and rocky. Alternated between deep ruts in sand and softball size loose rocks. Slow going on 4 wheels, but on 2 wheels much harder than the Green rating. This is part of the Parker 400 Off-road race run in Mid January and seemed very torn up from the high powered vehicles ripping through at speed. It may improve with more rain fall, but really should be a blue trail. Also had 8 jeeps and 5 SXS on the trail, So quite busy

Mark Linn

Feb 20, 2025

Open

Steve Botkin

Feb 26, 2024

Open

Very rocky and slow but easy with no need to use 4wd.

Matthew Kvacik

Mar 09, 2023

Open