Trail Overview
FS 225R is a point-to-point route connecting the FS 101 Arizona Trail to Buffalo Ranch. The trail is natural and scenic, lined with pines and tall native grasses, with a few low-hanging limbs to be mindful of throughout. The most notable challenge on this trail is the climb from the Arizona Trail end, which is a difficult ascent made especially demanding by a thick layer of pine needles creating slick conditions underfoot and under the tires. 4WD strongly recommended — and likely necessary — for this section. The trail was mapped, traveling from Buffalo Ranch downhill, utilizing 4WD on the descent. At the Arizona Trail junction, travelers have two options: turn right on FS 258 and head back toward Buffalo Ranch, or turn left at the Y and go out to FS 205, or attempt to climb back up the obstacle. Suitable for high-clearance, 4WD vehicles. Not recommended for stock or two-wheel-drive vehicles.
Difficulty
The trail is suitable for 2WD/4WD except for the very steep, loose hill at the intersection of The Arizona Trail. The obstacle is lined with pine needles, making it a sketchy climb with an 18” rock drop off, making it off camber.
History
In this area, the Arizona Trail is divided into several passages and offers a high-elevation forest experience very different from Arizona’s desert sections. It winds through ponderosa pine forests, aspen groves, and open meadows, with occasional wide views toward the canyon and surrounding plateaus. The terrain is generally rolling and moderate, following singletrack that curves along hillsides and dips in and out of forest cover. Some sections are longer and more remote (15–20+ miles), making them popular for backpacking, mountain biking, and thru-hiking.
