Trail Overview
Turkey Canyon Road (FS 487) is a moderate off-road route for high-clearance 4x4s looking to explore the forested backroads south of Overgaard, Arizona. With its mix of natural dirt, rocky sections, and potential rimside views, this trail offers a solid mix of scenic driving and technical terrain common in the Sitgreaves National Forest.
Starting at FS 86 (Black Canyon Road) and heading south to FS 140 (Rim Road East), the route runs through the Black Mesa Ranger District and climbs gradually toward the Mogollon Rim. Expect a mostly natural surface with loose gravel and rocky patches, especially near the canyon edges. Seasonal conditions play a big role here—monsoon rains can trigger washouts and muddy sections, and snowfall may close off higher elevations near FS 140. Wildlife sightings are common, particularly elk and deer, and cell service is unreliable at best. While not overly technical, the trail does demand a capable high-clearance 4x4, and trail conditions can change fast depending on weather and Forest Service maintenance.
If you're running it late in the season, keep an eye on Rim Road closures—snow tends to stick at those elevations longer than you'd expect.
Difficulty
This trail is rated 2/10 due to the mostly graded surface with only a brief rocky section and minor uneven terrain. Most vehicles can navigate it easily in dry conditions, with the main appeal being the scenery rather than technical difficulty.
