Trail Overview

The beginning of the trail sets the tone for this roughly 12-mile run;if you have trouble with this, the rest of the trail might be miserable. This is a one-way trail starting on North Bartlett Dam Road. Once you enter, it is pretty tight and you will most definitely encounter off-camber turns, deep rutted-out mounds, and almost every hill (small or large) has obstacles you should go slow with. This trail will flex out your vehicle, have you on 2-3 wheels a bit, and make you think of tire placement. Aside from the fun on the trail, the surrounding views are breathtaking. You're surrounded by the beauty of the desert with such growth of wildflowers and cacti. You will also run into Bartlett Lake where you can have a snack and dip into the water if you desire.

Photos of Telegraph Line Trail (MT-42)

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Difficulty

Expect several tight spots, full articulation spots, large rutted-out areas, and off-camber hill climbs.

History

In 2005, the Bart Fire led to the closure of the area north of Bartlett Lake Road. After several years and volunteers helping, it finally reopened April 6th, 2024.

Technical Rating

Robert Lakics

Sep 20, 2026

Open

Rough/DeterioratedNormal

The trail got a little harder in some spots due to the rain washing out spots. I would say it definitely is a 7 maybe a low 8 rating. Going downhill we hit 25° and off camber hit 24°. A Tonto ohv pass is required.

Jonathan StJohn

Sep 12, 2026

2024 Jeep Rubicon X

Open

NormalDusty

Telegraph Line Trail is an awesome test of your vehicle’s off-camber capabilities, rightfully nicknamed “flexi 42”. I loved this trail because the terrain is soft for the most part with only a few short sections full of rocks. I aired down to 15 psi making the ride smooth. A few steep hills are super fun. The trail is about 10 miles long with a great halfway break spot at Bartlett Lake, so bring a picnic.

Skip Hofmann

Sep 12, 2026

Open

Take me about two hours and 45 minutes to complete this trail. I wouldn’t do this trail without a 2 inch lip sway bar rear locker.

Amy Bytnar

Aug 22, 2026

2022 Jeep Wrangler

Open

DustyRough/Deteriorated

This is a very flexy trail. Definitely tests your suspension. There were some rutted areas from recent rain. The last section has some big rocky areas. Quite a few decent hills and a nice downhill slow spot. My group went down off 1065 and spent time by the lake. Beautiful sunset. Left after dark. This was the third time I’ve done this trail but not after dark.

Eric Yi

Jul 04, 2026

2025 Jeep Gladiator

Open

NormalDusty

Really fun trail. Lots of flexing and smooth ride. The lake halfway through the trail was cool. Almost ran over a rattler that was in the middle of the trail so we waited till he slithered off to the side

Ryko jackson

Jun 15, 2026

1994 Mazda B4000

Open

Normal

Really fun trail this was my first ever one and this pretty much stock beater managed to do it. Doing it in a stick shift makes it more challenging

Luke A

Jun 14, 2026

2017 Toyota 4runner

Open

Normal

4runner on 34s, 2 inch lift, no lockers, no front sway bar. Took 2.5 hours with stopping for lunch at the lake and walking a lot of the obstacles since i was unfamiliar. No issues overall and completed The Knob with atrac, but locker would have made it easier. Couple of steep descents. Very fun overall.

Jon Steffen

May 25, 2026

2023 Ford Bronco

Open

Normal

Hit the trail 10am Memorial Day. In our Bronco Raptor I’d rate it a 4 at best. With 37s and lockers front/rear there was nothing difficult, just fun with a lot of articulation. Only took 1hr 35min. Trail was in great shape, scenic, smooth, no rocks or washouts to speak of.

Engel C

May 16, 2026

2025 Jeep Wrangler

Open

NormalDusty

Fun, flexi, beautiful trail.

CHAD B

May 16, 2026

2013 Nissan Frontier

Open

Engel C

May 15, 2026

2025 Jeep Wrangler

Temporarily Closed

Closed Gate

B T

Mar 22, 2026

Open

Normal

Aaron

Feb 07, 2026

Open

Normal

I would add 'Rear Locker Required' to the sign for trucks/Jeeps. Shouldn't be too hard for SxS, dirt bikes and quads. The starting point will let you know if your rig can make it and keep the rif raf out. Lots of 3 / 2 wheel action. Shorter the wheelbase the better. We were in a 2023 Tacoma TRD off road and it was fun and challenging. Took a couple detours to the lake and river would make nice camping spots.

Shawn Kirkpatrick

Jan 29, 2026

2024 Kawasaki TERYX4 ES SE

Open

Normal

The trail was a lot of fun. We had four UTVs (2 Four Seat and 2 Seat Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000). The 4 Seater did run their bellies and a couple turns were a little tougher but nothing serious. We definitely recommend it. We did not see anyone else on a Thursday.

Cort N

Jan 17, 2026

2021 Polaris RZR XP 4

Open

Normal

Fantastic trail and the description couldn't be more accurate. In a SXS it's not overwhelmingly difficult, though you will be on 3 wheels a lot. Someone in front of us tried on a quad and ended up rolling it a few times. Would recommend to anyone who wants a challenge.