Location: Northwest of Phoenix, north of Tonopah.

Difficulty: Easy.

Description: Sandy washes and mild desert climbs. Steep and rocky just before Belmont Mine. Suitable for high-clearance stock SUVs. See the Tonopah/Belmint Mine high in the Sonoran Desert. Visit Vulture Mine – a rare opportunity to see a well preserved gold mine and ghost town.

Time & Distance: About 22 miles off-pavement. Allow 2 to 3 hours for the trail and several more hours to get there and return.

Trail Conditions: Bureau of Land Management, Hassayampa Field Office. Call (623) 580-5500. 

Tonopah WEATHER

Remember: trail conditions, fire restrictions, weather, and land ownership change constantly so everyone must take responsibility for themselves, both for their safety and complying with all laws. Please understand that means YOU.

Directions to the Trail: Head south on Vulture Mine Road from Hwy 60 on the west side of Wickenburg between mile markers 108 and 107. Pass Vulture Mine on right at 11.6 miles. Go straight on sandy road when Vulture Mine Road reaches a T at Wickenburg Road at 19.3 miles.

Return Trip: East on I-10 to Phoenix, west to Quartzsite.

Get yourself and your rig ready for the trip: Make sure both you and your vehicle are prepared for your next adventure.

Before you venture out on your offroading trip you need to make sure you are prepared for emergencies. Even if nothing happens to you or your vehicle, you might come across someone who needs help. Short of having your full-on bug-out-bag with you, you should at least have some basic emergency items. It might seem obvious to some, but you should get yourself a tool box with appropriate tools and leather gloves, good first aid kit, fire extinguisher, set of jumper cables, emergency blankets (stored in heavy plastic bag – both are useful), flashlight, tow strap and some extra water. I would also suggest a recovery strap, a military folding shovel, heavy duty garbage bags, and a hand crank self powered weather radio. These items are not expensive, but they just might save your day.

Another thing you should definitely do before you leave is to save the number to Arizona 4×4 Off Road Recovery in case you find yourself in need of recovery in the middle of nowhere. Their number is (602) 697-8306.

If you’re ready for a next adventure and want to plan it right, check out some of these trail guides – Arizona has so many awesome destinations to explore!