Trail Overview

Diamondback Gulch (Greasy Spoon) is a 6.1-mile point-to-point off-road trail near Sedona, Arizona featuring desert views and a steep descent into a deep gulch. The route begins with moderate difficulty, winding through a high-desert landscape of loose rock, dirt, and minor washouts. After passing the historic corral at Greasy Spoon Tank, the terrain transitions to steep, rocky hill climbs and descents with deep ruts up to 18 inches. The trail climbs to a maximum elevation of 4,480 feet, offering scenic views of Doe Mountain and the Cockscomb red rock formations. A high-clearance 4WD vehicle with 4-low capability is required to safely navigate the steep climbs and deep ruts. The clay-heavy soil becomes extremely slick and impassable when wet, making dry conditions essential for the drive.

Photos of Diamondback Gulch (Greasy Spoon)

Want to see more?
View All Photos

Difficulty

The majority of this trail is rated a 2. There is a section between 4 to 5 miles into the trail that has steep rocky hills with rutted out areas up to 18 inches in depth. The trail becomes impassable when wet.

Technical Rating

Derek

Dec 28, 2025

2021 Toyota Tacoma

Temporarily Closed

Derek

Dec 23, 2025

2021 Toyota Tacoma

Open

NormalRough/Deteriorated

First time on this trail. The depth of Diamondback Gulch was a bit intimidating but not overly difficult. Ran clockwise, north to south. 5/10. Having 4low is a must as it gets steep. I engaged my locker to climb out, probably didn't need it but made the climb easy. Tacoma TRD Offroad stock height 265 70/17 wheels.

Jason King

Dec 17, 2025

Open

Normal

Easy for the SxS I rented. Would have been about as challenging of a trail as I would want to take my stock outer banks bronco with running boards on. Beautiful scenery.

Chris Gervais

Oct 28, 2025

2025 Jeep Wrangler

Open

NormalDusty

Ran this today with a stock wrangler (rental) Didn’t air down the tires. No real issues. Hit the skid plate once. Ran 4x4 low a few times. My wife drove and liked it a lot.

Nestor Sambilay Jr.

Jul 30, 2025

Open

NormalDusty

nik c

Apr 06, 2025

Open

This is a very easy trail! 2/10. While my rig is pretty capable, I never went into 4wd. Stayed in 2wd for the duration, even the couple of small hill climbs. I MAY have needed to go into 4wd if we were running the trail in the opposite direction, as there was one small shelf that may have required 4wd, if traveling counterclockwise. I was in a CJ7 on 37" tires with full width axles and lockers. I wouldn't hesitate to do this trail in a stock Wrangler, 4Runner, or about any 4wd truck. Very mellow! It might put your kids to sleep. But, was fun, like any day traveling off road!

AJ Brown

Mar 10, 2025

2023 Ford Bronco

Open

Normal

Mike Morrell

Feb 22, 2025

2022 Polaris RZR PRO XP 4

Open

Great views enjoyed this trail. It was not difficult.

Andy Hunt

Sep 28, 2024

Open

NormalDustyRough/DeterioratedWashboard

id rate this a 3 or 4 if not for the 2 steep ravines near the start of the south end. offroad tires, high clearance, 4x4 necessary.

David Madge

Jul 28, 2024

Open

Muddy/WetWashboard

Lots of awesome red rock views and tons of mud puddles some almost cover the entire trail but maybe on a foot or 2 not really deep.

Colton Schaben

Apr 20, 2024

2021 Jeep Gladiator

Open

Rough/DeterioratedDustyWashboard

In my stock Gladiator Mojave, I'd give this trail about an 7/10 difficulty. 4WD low is absolutely necessary at some points (around half-way through mostly), and lockers definitely help as well. Few times I scraped the undercarriage and one time stalled (manual trans). There was a Wrangler 4dr sport with road tires that seemed to get through fine, but if you have a longer wheelbase I'd recommend a higher lift. Side by sides just zoomed by. Trail was decently populated, and has a few pull-offs to let people pass. Good chance you will get trail rash on your vehicle. Very scenic views of Sedonas' Red Rocks.

Doug Southard

Apr 17, 2024

Open

Rough/Deteriorated

If your practicing for King of the Hammer this is your trail. many other trails close that won't damage your machine.

Vincent Roque

Mar 23, 2024

2012 Toyota Tundra

Open

Rough/Deteriorated

Mariah Klingler

Jan 02, 2024

Open

NormalDusty

Trail is open. There’s one spot where they are installing a gas line and the steep climb has gotten more dugout, but it’s easily driven up.

Tex BamBam

Nov 28, 2023

Open

DustyRough/DeterioratedWashboard

Diamondback Gulch (Greasy Spoon) Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

Single Track
50 Inch
60 Inch
High Clearance
Full Width

Access Description

A high-clearance 4WD vehicle with 4-low capability is required to safely navigate the steep, rocky gulch and ruts up to 18 inches deep. The trail becomes muddy, slick, and completely impassable during and immediately after wet weather.