Trail Overview

Devil's Canyon is an exceptional trail for off-roaders seeking a remote, scenic adventure through rugged canyon country with rewarding vistas. This challenging 18.9-mile point-to-point route features significant elevation changes, with over 3,960 feet of cumulative elevation gain. Running from west to east is highly recommended to maximize the scenic views, which begin with an early overlook into Devil's Canyon before transitioning into a bumpy, deteriorating road originally graded for mining exploration. High-clearance 4WD vehicles are required to navigate the very rough and rocky center portion of the trail, particularly as it drops down switchbacks into Mineral Creek. After reaching the creek bottom, the trail turns left up Lyons Creek, climbing back up toward higher ground where drivers can spot a unique crested saguaro along the ascent. The route crosses private property managed by the Government Springs Ranch, requiring visitors to stay strictly on the trail, avoid the ranch headquarters, and leave all gates exactly as they are found.

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Difficulty

It's very rough and rocky through the center of the trail.

Technical Rating

Clayton Henson

Sep 01, 2025

Open

Normal

trail is very scenic and enjoyable. there are a couple spots you need to take care due to larger rocks but not difficult by any means. make sure you plot your route out carefully, there are a few areas with electronically gated private property signs, we had to go around these and lost some time. still very enjoyable!

G Griff

Feb 17, 2025

2020 Jeep Wrangler

Open

Rough/Deteriorated

Amazing scenery, super fun trail , took about 6 1/2 hours pavement to pavement

AJ Carr

Aug 10, 2024

2024 Ford Bronco

Open

This is not a run to explore alone. it is very remote and there are plenty of technical sections where trouble can occur. Make absolutely sure you have good tires and bring plenty of extra water and some food. This is a long and bumpy day. It took us and our 2 vehicles a full 8 hours to make it out. Without question, one of the most beautiful trail runs I've done. Just go very prepared.

Dalton Nadeau

Mar 15, 2024

Open

Muddy/WetRough/Deteriorated

Ran trail west to east, trail starts very easy and gets progressively harder towards the Center, multiple uphill climbs on loose rock with medium sized boulders, a couple steep off camber down hill sections on slick rock, lots of sections which can cause body damage if you don’t have a lift and big tires, multiple ranch gates you need to open, remember to close them behind you. Lots of cattle, sometimes in the middle of the road. After you pass through the spring ranch and on to the second half you will encounter some heavily off camber tight section that are extremely slick when wet with a hazard of sliding off the cliff face (up to 25 degrees) as you ascend the mountains, reached a total altitude of 6400ft, into the clouds as we drove a ridge along the top of the mountains. Road will eventually come out into a forest with a campground and its smooth sailing from there to the end on graded road

ian sauter

Dec 09, 2023

Open

Rough/Deteriorated

Andrew Riggs

Nov 18, 2023

Open

NormalRough/Deteriorated

Eric Tomaszewski

May 04, 2023

Open

Rough/Deteriorated

Devil's Canyon Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

Single Track
50 Inch
60 Inch
High Clearance

Access Description

This route crosses private property managed by the Government Springs Ranch. To maintain public access, stay strictly on the trail, avoid ranch headquarters, and leave all gates exactly as they are found.