A fun drive offering real adventure. Beautiful Sonoran Desert with towering red buttes on all sides. Northern part of the trail borders White Canyon Wilderness with many popular hiking trails. Southern half runs alongside the Gila River. A small portion of trail crosses State Trust Land, so a permit should be carried. This is a popular area for non-street-legal vehicles. Staging available at start of Battle Axe Road. Stay on designated routes at all times.
(520) 258-7200Gila District, Tucson Field Office
Check the Weather2022/03/18
Submitted by Susan
Beautiful, but ruts between points 5 and, 6 are very deep and steep, much more so than last year. Rated harder than moderate.
2018/11/23
Submitted by Thomas
I was just there and the section between 5 and 6 is pretty bad. The section closest to the river bottom is especially bad. I did the loop in reverse because I missed the turn to start the loop so it may have just been worse going up. I would prepare for this spot to be worse than you expect. I did enjoy this trail a lot and it is in my top 10 favorites now.
2017/12/08
Submitted by David Stephens
There is some confusion as to the validity of the route between Waypoints 7 and 8. It is physically marked as a hiking trail. FunTreks clarified with the BLM office that since the route is on State Trust Land it is considered a shared route and legal to motorized vehicles. The BLM also asked FunTreks to change the route from Waypoint 2 and 3 (that follows the wash) to now use the main road. Waypoint 4 is not shady anymore, the natural spring is being used for private use.
