El Camino Del Diablo (Cabeza Prieta)

Trail Overview

This 58.8-mile section of the El Camino Del Diablo trail is the most remote and difficult section of the 130-mile trail. This section passes through the Cabeza Prieta Wilderness Area. The Cabeza Prieta section will pass you through areas of open desert, ancient lava flows, and mountain areas. At the intersection of the Christmas Pass trail, there is a small monument and a primitive camping area. You will also pass by a few Border Patrol Camps. Caution should be taken while on this trail, it is known to have high levels of illegal activities. Also, due to the remote nature of the trail ensure to travel with plenty of water and food. Recommend not traveling this trail solo.

Photos of El Camino Del Diablo (Cabeza Prieta)

Want to see more?

Login

Difficulty

The trail has sections of maintained dirt roads, a single vehicle trail through deep sand, and a single vehicle trail through old lava flows. Expect erosion damage up to 12" in depth and rocks up to 12" in height to negotiate.

History

The El Camino Del Diablo trail, meaning "The Devil's Highway", is a 130-mile trail through the Sonoran Desert in Southern Arizona. This trail has been in use for over 1000 years by Native Americans, Explorers, and Migrants. The use of this trail through the years has claimed an estimated 2000 lives, because of the harsh conditions and lack of water. This route was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

Technical Rating

El Camino Del Diablo (Cabeza Prieta) can be accessed by the following ride types:

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