Trail Overview

This trail lives up to its name in the springtime with snow runoff, as it has water flowing in the creek. Sometimes it's deep enough that it is not advisable to run the trail. At other times of the year, it is a dry wash. It includes tight areas through the brush that are sure to get you some Arizona pinstriping as a badge of honor for running the trail. When the water is low or dry, there is really only one obstacle that isn't as much challenging as it is intimidating, as it is a blind left turn (when running the trail from the south) with a drop-off. There are also easier and harder options to drop into this trail from the staging area at the south, with the hardest being a 6 rating. The trail winds through the creek/wash with multiple crossings throughout the trail.

Photos of Turkey Creek

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Difficulty

This trail is a 5 when the water is at a moderate level. Proceed with caution and determine for yourself if the water is at a safe level to use the trail.

Technical Rating

Thomas Turner

May 17, 2026

Open

Can be done in a full size truck. Look out for the obstacle it is difficult in a full size truck. There is a bypass just before the obstacle.

Travis LeJeune

Apr 11, 2026

Open

Great route, plenty of B routes around more challenging routes if needed.

Brian Salinero

Feb 21, 2026

Open

I ran this trail this morning. Made the turn by Cleator Bar and Yacht club at 9. I ran north to south, because I followed the book. It was an easy trail for my rig but, I thought it would be fun to make a pic at the “intimidating obstacle” however I drove straight past it, never recognized it for what it was. Whoops. Lol. It was fun though, as I love going out wheelin in the Superduty. I saw some other people in Jeeps, trucks and SXS rigs. I burped about 5 psi out on the right front going up the optional climb at the end where it connects to Crown King rd. The creek was running good, a little over hub height with 37’s in places. Loved it.

Danny Turner

Feb 01, 2026

Open

Came across Turkey Creek trail and had a blast. Enjoyed the more difficult areas and all the streams.

Fred Balzarini

Jan 10, 2026

Open

Recent rain/snow have the creek running with several crossings, nothing deeper than mid wheel.

Kenny Galloway

Jan 03, 2026

Open

Water is running some spots kinda deep. Over all the trail is good.

Millennium Overland

Dec 31, 2025

Open

I’ve been meaning to do this trail for a few years and I’m sorry I didn’t do it sooner. What a fantastic trail! Just long enough to be entertaining but not a drag, just challenging enough to be fun but not scary, lots of water crossings this time of year, and a typically beautiful Arizona trail. Only saw two SXS on the trail the whole day.

George French

Dec 20, 2025

Open

I’m pretty new to this and it wasn’t difficult, a few parts had fairly steep rocky climbs or decents. Many water crossings. From South to North it was far more challenging on the first half, but still nothing for the RZR to worry about. Can stop at the Yacht Club in Cleartor for a beer, I then took the dirt road down to Cave Creek (30-40mins) for lunch. Great ride, will do again for sure.

Chris Blanco

Aug 16, 2025

Open

Kenny Galloway

Apr 27, 2025

Open

Trail was good. Looks like some new mining construction going on in the area.