Trail Overview
This rocky two-track begins by passing through an old ranch area before continuing into a dense saguaro forest. The trail features some tight sections from vegetation, washouts, and follows what is essentially a very mild shelf road along the side of the mountain. While the exposure is limited due to thick vegetation, the trail remains quite narrow, especially for full-size vehicles. The route ends at an intersection with Forest Service Roads 243 and 1769, all of which are even tighter and less traveled than Forest Service Road 45. Due to the narrowness and overgrowth, this trail is best suited for smaller vehicles like side-by-sides or ATVs, as continuing beyond this point would be difficult in a full-size rig.
Difficulty
This trail is rated 3/10 due to the narrow shelf-like sections, rocky surface, and tight vegetation that restricts maneuverability. While obstacles are not highly technical, the limited width and overgrowth make it more challenging for larger vehicles.