The Rover’s Playground. Trails abound here, and there’s something for every level of driver. 4+ trails offer complex and technical challenges while some of the less challenging drives offer spectactular scenery.
Worth the trip, every time.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.
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
Venue Website: pima.gov
This is a beautiful run through the extreme southern portion of the state, starting just north of Nogales and ending south of Sierra Vista. This is not a difficult trail, and is suitable for any SUV. We may explore several side trails if time permits. If you enjoy visiting / photographing old ghost towns and mines you will not be disappointed. Take your camera equipment and take your time enjoying the area. This is a perfect family run. Here is a picture of the Coronado National Forest area.
Venue Website: elcorraltucson.com
This location has closed.
Venue Website: elcorraltucson.com
On Alvernon and Pima
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.
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.
Highlights: Very remote location, exceptional vistas, lots of wildlife
Near: Safford, AZ
Distance: 10.78 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 2942 ft
