French Creek Side Bar

Trail Overview

The trail begins and ends at Walker Gulch, connecting with the French Creek Trail, and can be navigated in either direction across Arizona state trust land. The terrain is open desert prairie, with tall grass, low brush, and plenty of thorns that can puncture tires easily. Be sure to bring a solid set of tires, a tire plug kit, and a state trust permit (if you plan to stop). If you time your trip right, you'll be treated to some incredible sunsets. This is a remote trail with limited cell service and minimal traffic, so it's not frequently maintained. Overgrown brush and thorny vegetation may leave pinstripes on your vehicle. The trail itself is narrow, with several washed-out crossings and tight turns. Some washes are technical enough to require a spotter for proper tire placement, particularly for longer-wheelbase vehicles, which are more prone to dragging. Momentum is often key to pushing through without getting stuck. Along the way, you'll encounter off-camber sections with steep drop-offs. In some spots, the main track has eroded, but workable bypasses are available. Recent rainfall can rapidly increase the difficulty, so be prepared for changing conditions.

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Difficulty

The road has loose dirt with erosion in the washes and multiple switchbacks. Long-wheelbase vehicles may struggle with drag potential in the washes, and high clearance is required throughout. Short, steep grades and shelf road drop-offs are present, and heavy rain can render the wash areas impassable.

Technical Rating

French Creek Side Bar can be accessed by the following ride types:

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