Hieroglyphic Mountains Loop

Total Miles
14.9

Elevation

933.03 ft

Duration

4 Hours

Technical Rating

7

Difficult

Best Time

Spring, Fall

Trail Overview

The loop begins and ends at Boulders OHV area. You'll find the first portion of the trail to be steep and narrow, which is great for ATVs and UTVs. But you can make it in a bigger vehicle as well. After you get through this half of the trail, you'll be in wide, sandy wash bottoms. There are a lot of places to camp and no fee is required.

Photos of Hieroglyphic Mountains Loop

Hieroglyphic Mountains Loop
Hieroglyphic Mountains Loop
Hieroglyphic Mountains Loop

Difficulty

Difficult: Extremely steep and very narrow in places. Perfect for ATVs, UTVs and dirt bikes. Manageable by short wheel-based 4x4s. Not for stock SUVs or oversized vehicles. Easy to get lost on complex network of trails. This route is not for kids.

Technical Rating

7

Status Reports

Danny May
Mar 24, 2024
4x4
Open
Normal
Running a 2001 Grand Cherokee without lockers, 32” bfg KO’s and a 3.5 long arm lift. Any steeper and any more narrow I probably would have turned around(probably not lol). But we had no problems doing this entire trail today. Trail was in really good condition. One small hiccup because I didn’t carry enough momentum coming up out of a deep wash with a tight turn midway. SXS’s should have no problem at any point on this trail. Next time we’ll stop at the mines we saw and take some of the other side trails. Lots to see up there.
Kelly Borchert
Dec 22, 2023
4x4
Open
Normal
Muddy/Wet
There are several good rock obstacles, majority have bypass trails. Some off camber situations that could cause wheel lift and teetering in most vehicles. Several steep sections that are unavoidable for climbing and descending. Wash ways with loose dirt and sand. Overgrown shrubs and trees that create unavoidable Arizona pin-striping on vehicles. Spectacular views and fun for the entire family. Would recommend having second vehicle along and some recovery gear for safety. This is a remote area and cellular service is spotty. Would also recommend downloading map before hand and have a phone charger on hand. There are several off shoots on this trail and you’re going to want a map to stay on course.
Fullsize Chevy
Nov 11, 2023
4x4
Open
Normal
Luigi Massicotti
Nov 06, 2023
4x4
Open
Normal

Access Description

From I-17, Exit 223 at Carefree, head west 18.6 miles on Highway 74. Turn right on dirt road 0.4 miles after mile marker 12. Follow LP6 north about a mile to staging area.

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