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Off-Roading
In The Wild
Of Gila County
Jeep, OHV & ATV in Gila County, AZ
Start with a 20-mile Sonoran vista across iconic Saguaro Cacti — follow your choice of Forest Service Roads, Jeep trails or two-tracks through chaparral and pinyon-juniper hills to our high elevation forests of ponderosa pine, fir, maple and aspen. Whether your chariot of choice is a Jeep, OHV or ATV – Gila County has well-graded dirt roads, 4WD trails, and rock-crawling 4X4 challenges.
Gila County encompasses 4,800 square miles – more than half within National Forest crisscrossed by dirt roads, unmaintained two-tracks that lead to old mine claims – and granite routes for those with rugged rock shocks. Some trails access deep into wild landscapes, others hug mountainsides enroute to cobalt-blue lakes, abandoned silver mines – and pine forests home to elk, deer and turkey. Whether its a short out-and-back picnic, or a multi-day journey – backcountry beckons with abundant camping. Sleep beneath a million stars – civilization feels faraway, but you’re close enough for help – if needed.
Gas-up your 4×4 or OHV, check that spare tires are sturdy – bring your GPS, maps and plenty water — and your sense of adventure for scenic trails and breathtaking scenery!
Click on the buttons above to be directed to Jeeping Trails near each of these communities.
Globe, Arizona - Jeep, OHV and ATV Trails
Pipeline OHV Area
Parking here allows easy and spacious ramp unloading for the Quad or 2-wheeler in the cargo bed of your truck, or unloading a trailered side-by-side. From this convenient meeting and unloading spot, you’ll find access to the popular routes: several numbered Forest Service roads that lead north to the Pinal Mountains, or into foothills above Six Shooter Canyon. Don’t expect directional signs at the crossroads of Highways 70/77. Turn at the wide pullout on the west side of Hwy 77 southbound, immediately south of the intersection. There are no toilets or utilities - but there are picnic tables shaded by ramadas. For more information contact the Tonto National Forest Globe Ranger District.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Pinal Mountains
Park at the junction of Forest Roads 55 and 651, about 10 min south of Globe, for access to the Pinals—a prime spot for scenic or challenging OHV/UTV/ATV rides. The dirt lot fits trailers. Drive up FR 651 for stunning views of the Pinal Mountains, Globe-Miami, Copper Hills, and Apache Peaks. The road continues to Signal Peak or leads to Dripping Springs and the old mining site of Doak. FR 651 has picnic tables, fire rings, and primitive campsites with toilets at Sulfide del Rey, Ferndell, and Upper Rec Site. Madera Peak offers great scenery but no developed campsites.
Read more, courtesy of Arizona Highways
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Timber Camp, North of Globe
Timber Camp in the Tonto National Forest, about 30 minutes north of Globe on Highway 60, is a fantastic spot for both a few hours of riding or a full weekend camp. Forest Service Roads from Timber Camp provide access to Salt River Canyon’s south rim. The day-use area has free parking and an outhouse. Campsites cost $10 per night, with reservations required at least three days in advance through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. For larger groups, the Brundrett 1 & 2 areas offer up to 12 campsites, a shaded pavilion, picnic tables, fire grills, and accessible vault toilets, with parking for approximately 15 RVs or 25 passenger vehicles.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Dripping Springs Valley
Located about 14 miles north of the town of Hayden on Arizona State Route 77, this sparsely populated valley has about 235 people - and access to the south-facing slopes of the Pinal Mountains and north side of the Dripping Springs Mountains. Century-old mining ruins, towering rock formations, fossils and pot sherds are just a few items on the checklist for most day-trippers who plan an OHV drive through the Dripping Springs Valley. For those into Grand Canyon State mining heritage, here’s a sneak preview of azbackcountryadventures.com’s writeup about a trip to see the Cowboy Mine and the Vanadium Mine, both located on the south side of the Dripping Springs Valley.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Payson, Arizona - Jeep, OHV and ATV Trails
Cabin Loop Trail
The trail offers breathtaking views of Arizona's diverse landscapes, including various landforms, vegetation, and several springs. Historically, trails like the Cabin Loop Trail were the main access routes in the early days, maintained by Forest Rangers, ranchers, and settlers. Livestock were driven up from the Tonto Basin to graze on the Rim, and parts of the trails are still used for this purpose. Old-timers blazed the trails up to 7 feet high to ensure they were visible even after heavy snow.
Info Courtesy: Alltrails.com
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Control Road (F.R. 64)
Don’t let the prosaic name fool you: Control Road north of Payson is a lovely historical route that runs below the Mogollon Rim — the dramatic ridge that defines the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau. Beginning near Payson, the meandering road rises and dips in and out of ponderosa pine forest for 23.4 miles, crossing seasonal streams and the East Verde River. It takes a little more than an hour to drive the well-graded gravel road, allowing time to enjoy some interesting stops and side trips that combine history, geology and a good dose of local color.
Info Courtesy: Arizona Highways
Difficulty Level: Easy
Cracker Jack Mine Trail
CrackerJack Mine Trail is a 12.6-mile point-to-point trail near Payson, Arizona, rated as moderate. It features a river and is ideal for camping and off-road driving year-round. The trail starts in forested pines with occasional snow and transitions into high desert along the East Verde River. River crossings may be dry in January. At a Y intersection north of the Contact Trick Tank, take the right onto F.R. 209. The final quarter of the trail becomes more challenging, with a narrower path, rocks, and a difficulty level increasing from 1-2 to 5-7, featuring boulders and waterfall ledges.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
East Verde River Trail
Just a few miles west of downtown Payson, this moderate trail winds through the Tonto National Forest and along the scenic East Verde River. Not long and not overly difficult, this is a great trail to hit to quickly get out of town.
This is a great jeepin' trail. Not to difficult but still demands your attention. Great in the spring and fall (really anytime of the year), this trail is great for families looking to play in the water, have a pic nick or just drive some really pretty countryside.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Monument Peak Loop
Monument Peak Loop Trail is a 3.4 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Payson, Arizona that features a river and is good for all skill levels. It starts out as a Jeep‐size trail to the north of a large open turn‐around area on the east side of Granite Dells Road, approximately 3.3 miles from the Highway 260/Granite Dells Road intersection. There is some area for parking, although this area is often muddy.The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until October.
Difficulty Level: Easy
Peach Orchard Loop Trail
The trail offers great views of the Mazatzal Mountains and passes through diverse vegetation. Follow the road past the Peach Loop connection, cross a cattle guard, and take the marked trail into a dry creek bed with Cottonwood trees. The path joins a forest road with shade and potential water, then climbs to the Payson Event Center. A steep, rocky section called "Rocky Bitch" follows, with old mining ruins along the way. The trail ends at a metal gate.
Difficulty Level: More Difficult
Promontory Butte (F.R. 764)
This trail is very short and a great addition to Rim Road Trail and other trails in the area. Consider camping in order to spend multiple days on the trail. Roundtrip, Promontory Butte Trail will take less than an hour. The total mileage is about 8 miles. We’ve rated this trail a ‘6’ out of ‘10’. Several rocky and rough spots make high clearance a must. 4WD recommended but not completely necessary. This is a high elevation trail – use caution when snow and ice are present.
Info Courtesy: azoffroad.net
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Pyeatt Draw
The Pyeatt Draw Trail, located just outside Payson, Arizona, lies between Diamond Rim and the majestic Mogollon Rim, which rises over 7,000 feet. Nestled in a ravine surrounded by ponderosa pines, the trail is shaped by running waters and meanders through the Tonto National Forest. It's not for beginners—this rough, technical trail offers 4x4 excitement for experienced drivers. Weather varies: summers can be dry but not dusty, winters bring snow, and spring features runoff in the wash areas.
Info Courtesy: AZOffroading.com
Difficulty Level: Most Difficult
Pine/Strawberry, Arizona - Jeep, OHV and ATV Trails
Rim Road (F.R.300)
The vistas steal the show, but there’s a lot to see along Forest Road 300, which can be approached from the east, near Woods Canyon Lake, or from the west, just north of Strawberry. This listing is written from the west, and it begins with an uphill climb through a thick pine forest — the Mogollon Rim is home to the world’s largest stand of ponderosas. After 1.2 miles, FR 300 intersects what used to be the General Crook Trail, a historic wagon route that was used in the 1870s and 1880s to provide logistical support for General George Crook in the U.S. Army’s war against the Apaches.
From there, the gravel road winds downhill to an area of grassy meadows crowded with tall evergreens. It’s a beautiful place to pitch a tent. Hardwoods and spruce start mixing in after that. You’ll also start seeing the first of many worthwhile side trips: Potato Lake, Lee Johnson Spring, Kehl Springs Campground. Then, after 7.5 miles, you’ll get to the dead zone of the Dude Fire.
Info Courtesy: Arizona Highways
Difficulty Level: Most Difficult
Roosevelt/Tonto Basin Jeep, OHV and ATV Trails
Gerald Wash Trail
The Tonto National Forest offers users the chance to experience desert four wheeling without having to travel too far outside the Phoenix valley. Gerald Wash trail is a remote area outside the Roosevelt Lake Recreation region. The trail winds up and above the region offering panoramic views of the surrounding desert. This trail is a great addition to other trails in the area, such as, and The trail offers a mild challenge for stock type vehicles while providing a relaxing scenic drive through the desert. You can choose to explore the local trails and end with a dip in nearby Roosevelt Lake. Be sure to pick up a permit if you plan on visiting any of the lakes recreation sites.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Young, Arizona - Jeep, OHV and ATV Trails
Cherry Creek
State Route 288, AKA ‘The Young Road’ leads 50 miles north to reach the Pleasant Valley and historic town of Young. Also known as the ‘Desert To Tall Pines Highway,’ AZ 288 is scenic, narrow, winding - and mostly paved; but invites OHV adventurers with unpaved Forest Service Roads leading to Cherry Creek, Workman Creek / Aztec Peak (don’t miss panoramic views from the peak, and visit the fire tower when its open during the fire watch season); and lesser roads exploring Ponderosa Pine forested mountains and canyons of the rugged Sierra Ancha wilderness. The Salt River Bridge was built in 1939; the Young Road was added to the state highway system in 1960; and only recently was most of the highway paved. Read More...
Difficulty Level: Moderate
