Smiley Rock Trail

Total Miles
21.9

Elevation

2,206.73 ft

Duration

3 Hours

Technical Rating

5

Moderate

Best Time

Spring, Summer, Fall

Trail Overview

This 21.9-mile point-to-point trail begins at the Gold King Mine Museum and Ghost Town and circles around the Woodchute Wilderness area. The first 6.5 miles run along a maintained road giving sweeping views of the Verde Valley. From 6.5 to 13.5 miles, the trail goes down to single-vehicle-width with very few turnouts and blind corners. Keep speed down to avoid accidents with any oncoming vehicles. At 13.5 miles, you come up to large power lines and a power transfer station. This is the beginning of Martin Canyon and becomes more difficult. The Smiley Rock is at approximately 16 miles into the trail.

Photos of Smiley Rock Trail

Smiley Rock Trail
Smiley Rock Trail

Difficulty

The majority of this trail is rated 2 to 3. There is a series of rock gardens between 17.5 to 19 miles with boulders up to 2 feet in height which must be negotiated, giving this trail its 5 rating.

Technical Rating

5

Access Description

Take 89A to Jerome and follow the road to the north at the Fire Station (located at the end of a tight switchback after going through the main part of Jerome).

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