Trail Overview

Willow Springs OHV trail is part of the Bulldog Canyon area and each vehicle needs to obtain a free six-month permit from Recreation.gov. This trail is one of two splits. The FR12 portion is 7-mile, out-and-back. The entry is off of highway 88 (Apache Trail), about 3 miles past the Lost Dutchman camp area. This is a perfect trail for beginner to intermediate off-roaders. Stay on the trail and check your lines and you will be fine. A lift helps, but is not necessary. Must have 4WD. Most, if not all of the trail can be done in 4 high. The trail is mostly hard dirt and rock. Their are some wash areas that are very nice and easy to drive in. The trail does get narrow in some sections. Watch out for hikers and horse back riders.

Photos of Willow Springs OHV trail

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Difficulty

The first hill separates the crossovers from the 4x4s. As long as you pick the easier line, the overall trail is moderate.

Technical Rating

John Welch

Mar 26, 2026

Open

According to the Tonto OHV pass the entire Willow Spring gate is closed to motorized vehicles.

Randall Flick

Apr 20, 2025

Open

William West

Mar 28, 2025

Open

Randall Flick

Mar 01, 2025

Open

Gate is padlocked with no combo. Looks like there were multiple locks at one time. No signage saying it’s closed. Only sign is a Tonto National Forest Sign announcing the higher fees.

Michael Beattie

May 04, 2024

Open

This trail is gated and will require a gate pass. It's off Apache Trail just past the lost Dutchman State Park. Nice views once you get deep into the canyon. A few optional hard lines and a small cave type view on the way. The very end of Willow Springs has some fun climbs and is a turn around point. This trail is in and back about 7 miles total. Running slow in 4 low was around 3.5 hours.