Rice Peak

Details

This trail was graded after the fire on Mt. Lemmon. It is starting to wash out again in spots but is fairly easy except the last 500 feet to the top of the peak which is a steep climb and loose rocks.

original writeup: Originally not a difficult trail. With the fires and washouts, it’s rating has been upgraded to a 3.5. The last few hundred meters feature loose, thin shale that adds a bit of excitement on the final ascent.

Details

This is a moderate trail and any stock Land Rover is capable of handling this trail. There are some difficult obstacles with rock in the wash and steep loose rock hill climbs. Starting at the east ranch outpost of Beyota Ranch at Mile Marker 17 off Reddington Pass Road the trail climbs and then drops down into a rocky wash with challenging obstacles along the way. The trail then climbs out of the wash and up and over the ridge towards the land mark Chimney Rock and reconnects with the Reddington Pass Road

Details

This trail follows a narrow valley surrounded by interesting rock formations. Very enjoyable hard-core run. Lockers and very high ground clearance recommended. A stock vehicle is certain to get damage. Getting stuck in mud is a real possibility if there has been lots of rain. The trail is rated both difficult and very difficult because there is a separate run that concentrates on the extreme portions of the trail that should be avoided by everybody except the most experienced/equipped drivers.

Details

Sycamore Creek offers outstanding views on a moderate to difficult trail. There are a few ‘Oh My’ obstacles that look much worse than they are as well as some play hills to challenge any Rover.

The trail starts by crossing the dry Sycamore Creek and wandering through a mildly improved area back and forth across the creek to a dry wash. The wash narrows and can be tricky for full sized vehicles without extra clearance. As the trail starts to climb out of the wash the views begin. There are options of varying difficulty to obtain the ridge where stunning views of Four Peaks and the desert are afforded. A windy narrow desert road travels ridges and ravines offering easy to moderate off-roading.

Shortly after a steep decent into a wash a wall like obstacle is reached. It is easy to drive by because it is a slab of granite that does not resemble the road. A great sense of accomplishment is felt for new comers as they conquer this impossible looking obstacle with ease. More easy to moderate terrain follows

After climbing to a saddle with interesting quartz rock a steep twisty decent takes you into another wash. The wash has some small boulders and interesting wheeling. This wash will take you to the exit Lower Sycamore Road. Here you have the opportunity to try numerous play hills some of which shrink to canyons only inches wider than your car.

If you want more adventure, continue down stream in Sycamore Creek until you hit the Verde River. At low flow times, you can cross the river even in a stock Rover. On the other side of the river a seldom used road leads you back to Fountain Hills.

Offers optional play hills and one optional obstacle for those wanting more challenge. It can be run in 3-4 hours depending on the number of vehicles and the usual circumstances. Stock vehicles can run this.

Details

aka Chivo Falls

Details

This is such a popular area for four-wheeling that the Tonto National Forest instituted a permit system several years ago. Locked gates bar entry, and the combination you receive with your permit works for six months before the lock is changed.

This is hilly area with enormous boulders that tower as high as the buildings downtown. With the yellow-green lichen growing on them, they look like something from another world. Every time you crest a ridge you’re treated to a new vista, and you get some of the best views of the Superstitions, Weaver’s Needle and Four Peaks that you’ve ever seen.

Enormous coveys of quail make their homes here, as do javelina, deer, and hundreds of birds and smaller mammals. In spite of the lengthy drought, springs continue to provide water year-round. Ruins of old mining shacks dot the landscape here, and scattered along the hillsides are piles of stones put there by Spaniards to mark their mining claims.

A permit is required for this trail. It’s easy to obtain and free. Carry it with you at all times. This is a highly sensitive area and subject to closure. The trail passes through scenic Sonoran Desert with views of Goldfield and Superstition Mountains. Several short, steep rocky climbs that require careful tire placement and some driving skill. Suitable for aggressive stock SUVs with high ground clearance. Go with a friend and carry a tow strap.