Trail Overview
Lower Woody's Wash is a challenging half-mile rock crawling trail near Florence, Arizona, designed for experienced drivers seeking to test their vehicles against massive desert boulders. While the wash initially appears deceptive with its sandy bottom and scattered small rocks, it quickly turns into a technical rock garden featuring obstacles up to four feet high. Navigating this terrain requires a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle equipped with at least a rear locking differential, with front and rear lockers highly recommended during the rainy season when traction is compromised. Even reaching the wash itself is an adventure, as the access trail features a moderate rating with deep ruts, steep climbs, and off-camber sections that demand careful tire placement.
The trail climbs gently from an elevation of 2,331 feet to 2,413 feet, accumulating roughly 74 feet of elevation gain over its short distance. This route serves as an exceptional proving ground for low-speed rock crawling and precision wheel placement, offering an option to link up with Woody's Wash, which sits just 100 yards from the starting point for those looking for an even steeper challenge. Drivers can reach the area by taking Highway 79 to East Price Station Road, heading north on North Mineral Mountain Road, and turning west onto Cottonwood Canyon Road to access the trailhead.
Difficulty
The beginning of the trail is simple offering only sand and small boulders, the middle of the trail you will enter a rock garden where you will need to be locked on at least the rear axle, and front and rear if running during rainy season. Boulders can be up to 4 feet tall, so picking the correct line is essential.
