Tucson Wash
Difficulty: Easy.
Description: This is a fun little SUV trip that climbs to a high desert overlook. On the way you’ll pass under a large railroad trestle and through a scenic narrow canyon. Drivers with hard core vehicles can go up a short optional side canyon to test their rock-crawling skills. The trail crosses a mix of private and State Trust Land. Carry a State Trust Land permit. You’ll find many side roads for ATV’s, UTV’s and dirt bikes. There are places where it’s easy to get lost in a maze of roads.
Most of the way you just follow a well traveled wide sandy wash with no significant trouble spots. Road to the overlook is steep and rutted in places, but any high clearance 4×4 SUV should be able to make it. Flash floods possible in washes.
Time & Distance: The trail is 16.7 miles and takes 2 to 3 hours.
Trail Conditions: Northern part of the trail is on State Land (602) 542-4631. Best time to go: February-May, September-November.
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: From Tucson take Hwy 77 north about 14 miles past Oracle to town of Mammoth. On the north side of Mammoth turn left on paved Camino Rio Road just before medical building. Turn left off the pavement immediately before going into the medical building parking lot.
View Tucson Wash in a larger map for even more DETAILS!
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!
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