Trail Overview

This 18.9-mile point-to-point trail takes you along the New River Valley up into the Tonto National Forest. This trail starts easy as a maintained two-vehicle road for the first mile. Then the trail narrows to one vehicle and you start to get some washed-out sections. You will cross New River three times on this trail; do not attempt to cross at high water times (after heavy rainfall). The trail also passes through multiple washes that empty into New River. Some of these washes have short steep climbs with loose rock and dirt. The most difficult obstacle is at 12.1 miles when you cross Little Grapevine Canyon. There is a rock garden to negotiate through, which has rocks up to 18 inches in height (there is a bypass to the left into the riverbed right before the rock garden). Once you pass Road Junction Windmill (approximately 13.3 miles), the remaining trail is easy and can be done in 2WD. This trail is passable by most stock 4WD vehicles (using bypasses).

Photos of New River Trail

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Difficulty

New River Trail features rocky climbs, rutted sections, and multiple wash crossings that have become more technical after recent rains. High-clearance 4x4 is recommended, and difficulty can increase quickly in wet conditions.

Technical Rating

Kenny Galloway

Oct 24, 2026

2023 Toyota Tacoma

Open

Rough/Deteriorated

The first half from I-17 has a lot of erosion exposing larger rocks and off-camber obstacles. This is the worst I’ve seen it, making it one of my local favorite trails. I highly recommend 33-35” quality off-road tires, undercarriage protection and a locker. One of the hill climbs has large sharp rocks that will eat up sidewalls.

Zack

Oct 14, 2026

2024 Ford Bronco

Open

Rough/Deteriorated

Recent weather has created some rough and deteriorated sections, there are some off-camber sections that have worsened; be prepared to articulate a little more than usual. Any vehicle on 35's should be fine, vehicles on smaller tires will need to consider their lines and tire placement.

Jake Golightly

Sep 27, 2026

2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport

Open

DustyRough/Deteriorated

Departed about 8am from the conservation camp. Moving east to west along the trail was slow going, but manageable. My jeep is practically factory height, with no lockers. Being a 6 speed manual, I floated mostly in 4 low between 2nd and third to keep torque moving, without chasing gears. Trail conditions are rocky, rough with some washes crossing or flowing along the trail. Moving slow, but picking a lines makes it a pretty stress free drive. Areas that cross the dry creek have some larger boulders pulled up. I did have to roll some to keep from bashing in my under carriage. Further west you go, the trail gets more rough until you’re about 2 miles from I17. Some steep climbs and switch backs with washouts, but again just makes it for slow going.

Abe

Sep 19, 2026

2026 Toyota Tacoma

Open

Muddy/WetDusty

VERY long. It took us about 4 hours to cover the trail. There are 4 or 5 sections where you definitely need a spotter if you are inexperience. Need to know how to maneuver properly over rocks because it will mess up your car.

Kendall Goo

Sep 18, 2026

Open

Muddy/WetRough/Deteriorated

Traveled route east to west. I can’t imagine doing it the opposite way. A solid 8/10. I had a 2026 BMW R12 G/S. Trail was rain rutted from the storm. Deep ravines across every uphill and downhill. Washes and drains were barren of sand and sediment with rock gardens galore. I saw a jeep and a couple SxS’s. I can’t imagine how they made it as the road was treacherous. The further west I got the rougher it got. Nothing but miles of up hills and downhill hills of slate and eroded sandstone. The river crossings were about ankle high on the bike. Definitely hardest trail I’ve done, given my weapon of choice. Harder than back road to CK I’d say. My bike got hammered. And there were several big deep mud holes. The rock gardens were prominent and the worst I’ve seen around here. Great views, but I wouldn’t do it again. Especially for “fun”.

John Santoro

Sep 13, 2026

2024 Toyota Tacoma

Open

The first third of that trail coming in from the i17 is pretty nuts! that climb is a challenge if you’re solo but if you just take your time and use your brain, it’s no biggie, completed the trail in about 3 hours so it’s a long one. I would say 35s or larger are recommended for the initial climb and descent, 33s are a maybe if you’re smart at picking lines, and anything smaller than a 33 seems like a death sentence in my opinion

Thomas Turner

Sep 13, 2026

2020 Ford F250 super duty

Open

Rough/Deteriorated

Started from the West with 5 vehicles, lost one to engine trouble before the first big obstacle, thankfully! Moved through the trail in a 2020 F250 with a leveling lift and skid plates. Very rough and lots of rocks to work around with a full size. This trail is very scenic, with plenty of views of mountains and valleys. Terrain is manageable but use caution on the big climbs.

Brock shives

Sep 12, 2026

2000 Toyota Tundra

Open

Muddy/Wet

It was 20 miles and 4+ hours. Kinda scary!

Chris McCoy

Jul 18, 2026

2023 Ford bronco

Open

NormalDustyMuddy/WetRough/Deteriorated

Rock garden is gone. Fresh dirt from work being done.

Kevin Lentini

Jun 28, 2026

2024 Ford Bronco

Open

NormalRough/Deteriorated

I traveled from West to East. Most of the trail was a 6 or lower in my opinion. There was one specific climb where I was concerned, 6/7. It was difficult to get through the climb; there was no clear line, but going forward was safer than backing down the incline. After that stretch, it was easily negotiable. Much work has been done on the overall trail. Just watch out for one climb about 2 miles in from the West.

Thomas Ascherl

Apr 24, 2026

2022 Toyota 4Runner

Open

Started from i17 side was pretty washed out and big rocks . The rock garden section has been flattened and widened . The trail took a total of 2:50 to do it all with like 20mins worth of stoping

Jon Steffen

Apr 12, 2026

Open

Normal

Went west to east and the first half was pretty bumpy and eroded. A couple climbs that will challenge most stock 4x4s. Recommend a lift and 35’s to get through without too much trouble. After the halfway point the trail has been graded and its smooth sailing, even for a Toyota.

Les Alex

Apr 07, 2026

2024 Kawasaki KLX 230S

Open

NormalWashboard

Cooler temps in the morning. Not too dusty with the light showers past couple days. Western River crossing was 2-6” (no photo). Included photo is the crossing further east and was about 4” average. New: US Forest service is smoothing/grading the road moving westbound. I encountered a bulldozer and pickup truck about the halfway point. While the smoothness and lack of ruts are appreciated, the disturbed, deep/soft dirt slowed down my dual sport for a couple miles until I reached solid road where grading was not needed. They said they would be there for a couple weeks working. Appreciate their efforts!

Jim Magnuson

Mar 05, 2026

2016 Jeep Wrangler

Open

Rough/Deteriorated

Traveled east to west. Trail becomes more challenging in the middle. Steep inclines, rock gardens with basketball size rocks, deep ruts that will max your articulation. Good spotting and a moderate lift recommended. Stock 4x4’s can make it but will drag on several spots. OnX rated 6, we all agreed a 7 rating is more appropriate. Ranching in the area so watch out for cattle on the road.

Jeremy R

Feb 25, 2026

Open

Normal

Super washed out. Still passable but, lots of sharp rocks. I was surprised I didn’t pop any tires with my 9,500lb beast. I didn’t get any photos of the worst parts. Just come prepared and or with buddies. I wasn’t and feel kinda lucky I didn’t have any problems. Beautiful trail nonetheless.