Trail Overview

Rarick Canyon Climb is a difficult rocky climb ascending 2,600ft in elevation in Coconino National Forest. Starting out in the red dirt to the south of Blue Grade the trail quickly becomes difficult crossing the rocky Red Tank Draw. After crossing then becomes the long narrow rocky climb of White Mesa. This is a steep off-camber drive with 11-12 degree grades with many rock obstacles to maneuver around. At the 7-mile mark, the most difficult and rough portion of the trail has been completed and it's mostly smooth dirt roads with the occasional cattle guard. This trail is challenging and tested the limits of our F150 locked on 33s but was completed with ease by the Gladiator locked on 37s. It's highly suggested to tackle this trail in a group with recovery gear and plenty of time.

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Difficulty

Red Tank Draw is extremely rocky with a steep climb out and can change after heavy rains. We needed 4Low with a rear locker to get out. After crossing the long narrow rocky climb of White Mesa is a steep off camber drive with 11-12 degree grade and many rock obstacles to maneuver around.

Technical Rating

Alex easton

Jun 22, 2026

Open

Great trail but I whould start on the lake side not the sedona side if your in a sxs start easy and work your way up to the hard stuff

Ramon Ruiz

May 05, 2026

Open

The information on the trail was deceiving. I would rate the first part of this trail a 8/10 on the difficulty scale. Especially for a wider vehicle like mine. I was coming inches to the edge in some sections of the trail. Loose rock made the pucker factor hit a 10! Definitely front and rear lockers needed!

King Dad

Mar 22, 2026

Open

Trail was open.

Steve Ruden

Jan 31, 2026

Open

West entrance to trail blocked off with sign saying Road Closed - Unsafe for Travel

Sarah Tunget

Aug 02, 2025

Open

Rarick Canyon, and let’s just say, this trail doesn’t roll out the welcome mat. The entrance was rough, with tight turns and chunky rock sections that made us double-check our tire pressure and question our life choices. But the ZR2 took it like a champ. Once we survived the first five miles (which felt more like a mild boot camp for trucks), the trail mellowed out into a scenic, forested wonderland. It felt like we earned the peaceful part of the ride. About halfway in, we stumbled on a cool old watershed structure tucked into the landscape. Of course, that meant it was time to fly the drone. We sent it up for a bird’s-eye view and got some incredible footage—probably more stable than our backs after all the bouncing around earlier. Rarick may not be everyone's idea of a fun afternoon drive, but for us? Totally worth it.

Francois Gaudet

Mar 21, 2025

Open

Trail still close when coming from the west side

Garrett Alton

May 09, 2024

Open

Justin Abraham

Mar 18, 2024

Open

Bunch of “T” posts driven into the ground across the trail right before the first water crossing. No clue if they plan to reopen or not. The forest service in this area seem to close all the trails and dirt roads every time it rains just a little bit, but this was more seriously blocked off.