Trail Overview

Beautiful scenic loop through the foothills of the Northwestern portion of the Tonto National Forest off of Bloody Basin Rd. The trail circles around Mesa Butte (5125 ft), which is easy to spot and runs adjacent to Bishop Creek with multiple wash crossings. The majority of the trail is technically easy, with some wash crossings and rocky sections that will require higher ground clearance and more precise wheel placement. Enjoy a rare patch of shade trees in mile 5 as the trail runs parallel to Bishop Creek wash. Enjoy this lightly-traveled trail for the varying terrain and plant life and also as a scenic bypass of a section of Bloody Basin Rd, which is more traveled.

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Difficulty

Mostly easy single lane trail. Level 3 technical rating in several spots due to erosion. Mile 3 has a sandy wash crossing with moderate rocks to navigate. Mile 4 has a larger rock section to navigate. High clearance will be needed for these sections.

History

Windmill Wash lies within the Tonto National Forest. Sonoran Desert cacti and flat lands slowly give way to the highlands of the Mogollon Rim. This variety in vegetation and range in altitude -- from 1,300 to 7,900 feet -- offers outstanding recreational opportunities throughout the year, whether it's lake beaches or cool pine forests. www.fs.usda.gov/main/tonto/home

Technical Rating

Krysta Summers

Mar 03, 2025

Open

All of the crossings were dry.

Vincent La

Feb 01, 2025

Open

Bob Cusick

Jun 02, 2024

Open

VERY narrow trail. You WILL get Arizona pinstripes. There are a couple of very rocky parts that go in and out of the wash. Single track - almost zero places to pull out.

Caleb Crabbs

Mar 09, 2024

Open

Several fallen trees and a few creek bed sections require extra vigilance in avoid large rocks and drop offs.

Alfredo Suazo

Aug 21, 2023

Open