French Creek Side Bar

Total Miles 2.8
Technical Rating
4 Moderate
Best Time Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Trail Type High-Clearance 4x4 Trail
Accessible By
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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.

Photos of French Creek Side Bar

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

4

Status Reports

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Kevin Gilchrist
Feb 18, 2026
Open
Definitely not a trail to do alone or in the rain….ask me how I know. Very narrow trail…..off camber with ledges. Steep descents and ascents into and out of the creek multiple times with sharp turns immediately upon exiting the creek. Lots of thorns and bushes to give your vehicle pinstripe. Looked as though no one had been on this trail in sometime….was difficult to follow at times due to overgrowth. Fun trail but high picker factor in areas.

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

  • Single Track
  • 50 Inch
  • 60 Inch
  • High Clearance

French Creek Side Bar Map

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