Cottonwood - Telegraph

Trail Overview

A scenic Jeep trail that goes up Ajax Wash, along the higher ground, then down into Telegraph Canyon passing Picketpost Mountain on the way to Superior. It can be run in either direction but is described west to east. This trail has had no maintenance for a long time and is becoming slow, bumpy, and dangerous. Cross-trail erosion on the western end gets worse every year and a slip on one of these could be fatal. The center Telegraph Canyon portion of the trail was subject to major flooding in 2018 and is also more eroded. The north end of the trail is strictly rock - almost all fines have eroded away over time. Begin this trail at an intersection where half a dozen roads come together. I have heard this called Spaghetti Junction, Dysfunction Junction, and other names not to be repeated here. This trail starts by going back and forth across Ajax Wash, which is the trail called Lower Ajax. After a couple of miles this Telegraph Canyon Trail rises up on the side of the canyon and the wash becomes Upper Ajax.

Photos of Cottonwood - Telegraph

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Difficulty

Uneven, rutted dirt trail with loose rocks, sand, erosion, and washes. Potential water crossings up to 18" deep, mud holes, and obstacles up to 2 feet, including ledges and short, steep grades.

Technical Rating

Cottonwood - Telegraph can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SxS (60")
• ATV (50")
• Dirt Bike