Trail Overview
Highway to Hell is a legendary, extreme-rated rock crawling trail near Florence, Arizona, designed specifically for highly modified four-wheel-drive vehicles and experienced drivers looking to test their limits against some of the state's toughest terrain. Spanning roughly 2.8 miles through rugged desert terrain, this point-to-point route welcomes drivers with a famous "shrine of broken parts" at the entrance, serving as a stark warning of the challenges ahead. Once committed, there are virtually no exits and very few bypasses, meaning built rigs must be prepared to tackle continuous, extreme obstacles. Vehicles require high ground clearance, oversized tires (minimum 37-inch recommended), front and rear lockers, and robust armor, as minor body damage and scraped skid plates are almost guaranteed on these massive rocks.
The trail demands precise wheel placement as it climbs from a starting elevation of 2,799 feet up to a peak of 3,337 feet, accumulating 792 feet of total climbing over massive ledges, deep off-camber notches, and steep waterfall obstacles. With a solid technical rating of 8, this route features a relentless series of large boulders and vertical walls, culminating in a highly challenging final obstacle at the end of the canyon that requires an experienced spotter and excellent throttle control. Because of the intense Arizona heat and complete lack of shade, the best season to run this trail is from late fall through early spring. Standard recovery gear, spare parts, and ample water are essential equipment for any SxSs or four-wheel-drive vehicles attempting to complete this remote canyon.
