Smasher Canyon

Total Miles 3.4
Technical Rating
7 Difficult
Best Time Spring, Summer, Fall
Trail Type Full-Width Road
Accessible By
Open Trail Map

Trail Overview

With a name like Smasher Canyon, you have to expect it to have its challenges. This trail is not for the faint of heart as it winds through rugged terrain. Smasher is a popular rock crawling trail in the high desert of central Arizona near the small town of Clarkdale. The trail demands a certain level of offroad driving expertise. Steep ascents and descents, coupled with technical sections, will challenge your vehicle's capabilities and your driving skills. Four-wheel drive, high clearance, and lockers are highly recommended for a safe and enjoyable experience. The white stone ledges and boulders that are found throughout the entire trail average 2 feet tall and require a good spotter to keep from being high centered. There's a high risk of body damage and or breakage. The trail is designed to go counterclockwise.

Photos of Smasher Canyon

Difficulty

This is a rock crawling trail without bypasses. There are numerous large vertical ledges and boulders to climb. It's a high risk of body damage and/or breakage. A spotter is highly recommended. There are only two bypasses on impassable washed-out sections. All other obstacles will need to be completed. It's not recommended for stock vehicles or inexperienced drivers

Technical Rating

7

Status Reports

Add Status Report
Eman Radoccia
Mar 20, 2025
Open
Ayden Verkuylen
Oct 28, 2024
Open
Trail much rougher than previously, would recommend 37s and lockers as well as protection
Jeff Rose
Mar 30, 2024
Open
Clockwise trip of Smasher Canyon in a Side x Side. Total time 5 Hours. A lot of drops and narrow sections. Constant walking ahead to check out the drops and spotting. Checked out a portion in my Jeep Rubicon (33" w/ no lift) a couple of weeks ago and decided not to do it. My buddy wanted to do it in his SxS so we went for it. Hard trail but we had fun. Glad I didn't scratch up my brand new Jeep.

Smasher Canyon Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

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

Smasher Canyon Map

The onX Offroad Difference

onX Offroad combines trail photos, descriptions, difficulty ratings, width restrictions, seasonality, and more in a user-friendly interface. Available on all devices, with offline access and full compatibility with CarPlay and Android Auto. Discover what you're missing today!

Open Trail Map