You’ll find some of the best off road trails in Arizona – from easy to difficult trails. Some of the shorter trails are a combination of hiking and OHV roads. Enjoy views of sandstone arches, mountains, canyons, desert and more. Because of Arizona’s diverseness, you can choose trails in mountains, desert, canyons and more. You’ll never be bored with off roading in Arizona since there are so many different types of trails to choose from.
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Devil’s Bridge Trail
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Distance: 3.9 miles
Elevation: 521 feet
Seasonality: Year-round
Type of Trail and Unique Traits
Take the Devil’s Bridge Trail to one of the largest natural sandstone arches in the Sedona part of the Coconino National Forest. Be sure to bring a camera, as there are amazing views of Red Rock country. You’ll maneuver through washes with prickly pear cactus and juniper, then go up a natural rock staircase to see the views. The second level of stairs takes you to the bridge, which also has spectacular views. The steps at the end are not suitable for most dogs, though they are allowed on the trail.
Sedona offers places to eat, New Age shops and art galleries. There are many trailheads in the area if you’re ready for more after you finish the Devil’s Bridge Trail.
Starting and Ending Points
When you get to the unpaved part of Dry Creek Road, look for the trailhead. You need a high-clearance vehicle to access it.
If you have a low-clearance vehicle, you can park at the Dry Creek Road trailhead, which is a mile from the official trailhead. You can also access the trail at the Mescal trailhead on Long Canyon Road and take the Mescal Trail to Chuckwagon Trail before intersecting with Devil’s Bridge Trail. The trail ends at the top of steep steps.
Obstacles on the Trail
Washes, steep rocks.
Hangover Trail
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Distance: 5.8 miles
Elevation: 921 feet
Seasonality: Year-round
Type of Trail and Unique Traits
The out-and-back Hangover Trail is 5.8 miles and is very popular. This is one of the off roading trails you will share with hikers and mountain bikers. Located near Sedona, it features lots of wildflowers. You are welcome to bring your dog but must keep it on a leash.
Starting and Ending Points
The trail map shows the starting point just off FR 153 at coordinates 34.86643-111.74866 and ends at Pointed Dome.
Obstacles on the Trail
This route is considered a rocky trail with lots of loose rock and some steep sections.
Upper Antelope Canyon Trail
Difficulty Level: Easy
Distance: 6.5 miles
Elevation: 252 feet
Seasonality: Year-round
Type of Trail and Unique Traits
The out-and-back Upper Antelope Canyon Trail is a popular trail near Page. Though it is an easy trail, it is good for all skill levels. The trail features a river and is on Navajo land. You must pay a tour fee and take a mandatory tour. Antelope Canyon is one of the most-photographed slot canyons in the area. The canyon has upper and lower sections. The lower section has stairs that go into the slot canyon. You reach the upper canyon by 4×4 vehicles and driving up the creekbed. Because of the beautiful views, it is one of the best off road trails in Arizona.
Page is a small town, but offers lodging and more, should you decide to stay in the area to enjoy Lake Powell, more scenic sights, and other nearby trails.
Starting and Ending Points
The trailhead is near the intersection of Navajo Road 222 and State Hwy 98. It ends at Antelope Canyon.
Obstacles
Steps
Backway to Crown King
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Distance: 27.3 miles
Elevation: 6,148 feet
Seasonality: Year-round
Type of Trail and Unique Traits
This 27.3-mile trail located near Peoria is very popular. You’ll see a lot of wildlife on the trail, Oro Belle Mine and Tiger Mine. Dogs are allowed but should be kept on a leash. The trail starts in the desert and features a steep climb into the mountains in the Prescott National Forest. The steepest part is the last four miles and is the most difficult part. You’ll need at least an aggressive stock vehicle with good articulation, but four-wheel drive and a lift are recommended. If you try it with a stock vehicle, be sure you are traveling with someone and have a tow strap or a winch.
Peoria is a suburb of Flagstaff, so if you want to stay in the area, you’ll find plenty to do between the two cities.
Starting and Ending Points
The paved road near Lake Pleasant Regional Park – follow it north to the right on Cow Creek Road. A short way down, you’ll see a large staging area on the right where you can off-load unlicensed vehicles. The trail ends in the town of Crown King.
Obstacles on the Trail
The road gets steep. It has rocks. Additionally, the condition of the road has deteriorated over the years since it is not maintained.
Edge of the World Drive
Difficulty Level: Easy
Distance: 53.4 miles
Elevation: 3,307 feet
Seasonality: Best from May through October
Type of Trail and Unique Traits
This 53.4-mile back trail near Flagstaff has moderate traffic. This is one of the best places to go off roading in Arizona if you want a mostly relaxing drive. You’ll see tons of wildflowers along the trail and will pass Rogers Lake. It’s an in-and-out trail that starts in Fort Tuthill and ends in Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness.
Starting and Ending Points
The trail starts on Beulah Boulevard and ends in the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness.
Obstacles on the Trail
None.
Chiva Falls Trail
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Distance: 8.6 miles
Elevation: 961 feet
Seasonality: Year-round
Type of Trail and Unique Traits
If you are looking for something close to Tuscon that will give you a challenge, try the Chiva Falls Trail. There are water crossings, but they are mostly small unless you go after it rains. There are some gnarly hills, but you only need four-wheel drive to make it up. You can bring your dog but must keep it leashed. The main feature of this trail is a waterfall. Hikers do use this trail, so be careful while you are driving. There is no shade along the trail, so be sure to take plenty of water with you. Many reviewers said the beginning of the trail was somewhat boring but worth the drive or hike once you get to the falls. It is during the last few miles that the scenery starts to pop.
Starting and Ending Points
The Chiva Falls Trail begins on Redington Road east of Tanque Verde and ends at the waterfall.
Obstacles on the Trail
Rocks, some loose gravel – mostly a problem for hikers, not Jeeps or ATVs.
Monument Valley Scenic Drive
Difficulty Level: Easy
Distance: 13.6 miles
Elevation: 1,010 feet
Seasonality: Year-round
Type of Trail and Unique Traits
This trail takes you past several views on the way to John Ford’s Point Overlook. It’s a loop trail near Monument Valley. In addition to the wildflowers, you’ll see Three Sisters, The Hub, Totem Pole, The Cube, Artists Point, City Butte and The Thumb. The trail is just 13.6 miles, but plan to spend some time if you want to stop and take pictures of the views. While a high-clearance vehicle and four-wheel drive make this trail easier, it’s not a must. Some made the trip in passenger cars, but said to go slow.
Monument Valley is on Navajo land and the whole area is one of the most photographed places on earth. If you decide to go to Monument Valley, you will have to take a guided tour because the terrain is so rough.
Starting and Ending Points
The starting point is at The View Wilderness Camp Site on N42 and ends at John Ford’s Point Overlook.
Obstacles on the Trail
None.
Outlaw OHV Trail
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Distance: 23.2 miles
Elevation: 1,551 feet
Seasonality: Year-round
Type of Trail and Unique Traits
This loop trail near Sedona is 23.2 miles long. You’ll see tons of wildflowers along this mostly gravel trail. You should have at least all-wheel drive and good clearance. You can combine this trail with the Diamondback Gultch if you want a longer ride. Diamondback Gultch is an intermediate trail that does require four-wheel drive. If you go during the winter, you will need four-wheel drive, as there is mud and slush.
Starting and Ending Points
The trailhead is on 89A east of Cottonwood and circles through Lincoln Canyon, where it makes a loop back to the trailhead.
Obstacles on the Trail
One rocky spot where you might hit your rear bumper if you don’t pick the right line.
Reymert Mine Trail
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Distance: 4.5 miles
Elevation: 442 feet
Seasonality: Year-round
Type of Trail and Unique Traits
This out-and-back trail near Gold Canyon features lots of wildflowers, a waterfall, and the Reymert Mine. It is a quick 4.5-mile trail. The trail does get rocky at points but is worth the trip to the ruins. You will need four-wheel drive with some clearance is recommended.
Starting and Ending Points
Pick up this out-and-back trail on North Mineral Road. It ends at the Reymert Mine, which is on the side of the hill across from the parking area.
Obstacles on the Trail
Narrow in spots. The road leading to the trailhead might be difficult for two-wheel drive vehicles. Larger trucks might suffer scratches from the trees.
Mount Ord Trail
Difficulty Level: Hard
Distance: 14.4 miles
Elevation: 3,937 feet
Seasonality: Year-round
Type of Trail and Unique Traits
This out-and-back trail is near Tonto Basin and has many scenic views. However, the trail does have fire damage, and many places are washed out. You will need high clearance and four-wheel drive to run this trail. On the way up, you’ll pass the Ord Mine, cross streams, and spends part of the time on FR27.
Starting and Ending Points
The trailhead is on 87 north of Sunflower and south of the intersection of 87 and 188. The trail ends at the Mount Ord lookout tower.
Obstacles on the Trail
Rollover spots that could be disastrous.