Palomas Mesa

Total Miles15.7
Technical Rating
2Easy
Best TimeSpring, Fall, Winter
Trail TypeFull-Width Road
Accessible By
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Trail Overview

This track is an easy drive but can only be driven as a return route unless you drive a very capable 4WD. The track itself is dry and dusty, with rocky sections and occasional moderate inclines and descents. Old mines dot the area, and there are abandoned open shafts, so exercise caution when exploring. At the end of the trail, you will find yourself with no place to go unless you have a highly capable 4WD as FR4653 has steep and technical ascents in either direction, and FR4656 continues to private land with the right to restrict access. Frustratingly, the owners exercised that right by locking the gate mere feet from the paved 82 highway to Nogales. You can exit the Coronado by returning to FR235 Palomas Mesa Road and heading west. There is very little dispersed camping available and no facilities such as trash, water, or ablutions, and limited cellular service.

Photos of Palomas Mesa

Difficulty

This trail has steep inclines and declines with loose rocks and washes.

Technical Rating

2

Status Reports

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Matthew Kvilvang
Jan 03, 2026
Open
Entrance off HWY 82 is posted no trespassing and locked.
dessie baca
Dec 05, 2025
Open
Road conditions are good lots of hunters and 🚲 cyclists
Mario Mendez
Jul 05, 2025
Open
I have family in the area and I’ve been entering the forest through this route for over a decade. About 6 months ago, circle z started locking the gate and posted a “no trespassing” sign. This is the entrance from the 82. Thankfully there are other access points but it sure is a bummer.
Joe Mason
Apr 24, 2025
Open
the North entrance gate is still locked, the trail is in good condition

Palomas Mesa Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • 50 Inch
  • 60 Inch
  • High Clearance
  • Full Width

Palomas Mesa Map

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