Upper Woodpecker to Ajax Mine

Trail Overview

This trail follows the difficult wash known as Upper Woodpecker. At the eastern end of the wash, the trail climbs up a narrow winding trail to join Ajax Mine Road. The wash is very difficult, lockers and 33 inch or larger tires are recommended. The trail following the wash is intermediate and does not require lockers but would still be advisable at a few points. If you take the route to Ajax Mine and beyond going eastbound it gets very narrow and some of the switchbacks and turns may require vehicles to make a three-point turn. The loop takes you to the highest mountain top where you can see Florence and all of the way south to Apache Junction.

Difficulty

The wash is filled with obstacles and many options of lines and level of difficulty. The trail itself does dip into the wash at a few spots and ends going through a less difficult part of the wash. The trail is intermediate.

Technical Rating