Trail Overview

Pine Creek Auto Tour Route is a casual drive through Turnbull's National Wildlife Refuge. This is a well-maintained road that should be manageable in any vehicle. There is a small amount of pavement-less than 500 yards overall. What it's lacking in off-road challenges, it more than makes up for in beautiful scenery and hiking opportunities. Elk, deer, moose, waterfowl, and many other types of birds can be spotted regularly along the route. There are several hiking trails along this route with varying lengths, a few of which have a bathroom at the trailhead. Open year-round during daylight hours with no entrance fee.

Photos of Turnbull's Pine Creek Auto Route

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Difficulty

It's a well-maintained road, although there are a lot of twists and turns. It is one vehicle wide with a mix of gravel and dirt. A few smaller potholes, but any vehicle should be able to make it through this route outside of wintertime.

Technical Rating

Dustin Welberry

Jul 24, 2026

2023 Jeep Gladiator

Open

Dusty

Very easy dirt road with some spots paved. Lots of birds and insects to see. Lots of small hiking trails off the loop road, with parking at each one. Plenty of restrooms scattered at the trail entrances.

AZ Hobo

Nov 11, 2025

Open

Normal

Cold foggy morning. Only saw one bird, not a single other animal or even an insect. Maybe this was due to the government shutdown?

Ornan Ihwagi

Dec 31, 2023

Open