Box Canyon 4x4 Trail, Arizona

Nearby Guides

Content
provided by

Viewed 11978 times

(0 votes)

Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 6.8 miles / 10.9 km
Duration: Half day

Family Friendly • Dog Friendly

Download to Phone

View Large Map

View Photos

Overview: This is a central-corridor route through a popular 4-wheel-drive area. Branching off of this route is Woodpecker/Ajax loop, Martinez Canyon and the Coke Ovens. (All available as eGuides from FunTreks on EveryTrail.) The main feature of this route is narrow Box Canyon at the southern end of what’s described here. Although rare, this section is susceptible to dangerous flash floods. Stay out of the canyon if heavy rains are predicted or if you see dark clouds nearby. The walls are too steep to climb should you get caught in the canyon. This trail can also be driven in the opposite direction starting on Price Road just north of Florence. Open all year except a few weeks a year when military training exercises are in progress. Dates of closure are posted at the main entrance at Cottonwood Canyon Road and Mineral Mountain Road. The area is closed if red flags are flying. A State Trust Land permit is required to ride in this area. Call 602-364-2753 for details.

Rating:

Moderate. It’s tempting to rate this trail easy but there are several moderate-size rocks to get over. Stock 4x4 SUVs with good ground clearance should be okay. You may bottom out occasionally but damage is unlikely. A giant ledge must be negotiated if you take the lower road. SUVs with low ground clearance should take the high-road bypass.

This trail is one of 75 trails from the book, Guide to Arizona Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails, by Charles Wells, and is available at www.funtreks.com. This trail is also in FunTreks ATV Trails Guide Arizona Phoenix Region.

Tips: Carry lots of water and sun protection. Travel with other vehicles. Don’t go if heavy rains are predicted. Be sure you carry a State Trust Land Permit.

Trail conditions can change without notice. FunTreks, Inc. and its owner and employees are not responsible for injury, death, or vehicle damage as a result of using this guide. The content of this guide is the property of FunTreks, Inc. and is made available to the user pursuant to EveryTrail’s Terms of Service (http://www.everytrail.com/tos.php)

Points of Interest

map

North Starting Point

We've selected this point on the north end of Box Canyon as the most convenient starting point. You can get online directions to this point from anywhere, since county roads reach this point. To drive Box Canyon in opposite direction, enter via Price Road just north of Florence. Tracklog is provided.

You'll pass entrance to Woodpecker Photo

Check signs at main entrances for closure dates copy Photo

map

Decision Point

Right here follows the canyon bottom. It is mostly easy except for one giant rocky ledge that many will find difficult. Stock SUVs with low ground clearance should not go this way. Left follows high points around the canyon. It is narrow and steep in places, but fairly easy. It is also more scenic.

map

Giant Ledge

This spot looks worse than it is. The easiest line goes down the right (west) side. Not for vehicles with low ground clearance.

map

Bypass route rejoins

Main route and higher bypass route come back together here.

map

Old Stage Stop

Although rapidly deteriorating, this used to be an old stage stop. Note remnants of an old well.

map

Important Intersection

Continue south here to go through Box Canyon. Road that joins on left (east side) goes to Martinez Canyon and the Coke Ovens. Both of these routes are available as eGuides from FunTreks on EveryTrail. Look for yellow sign with black arrow pointing back the way you came.

This SUV got hung up before entering canyon Photo

map

North End of Box Canyon

The canyon narrows dramatically here and the danger of a flash flood dramatically increases. Do not enter canyon if heavy rain is expected or if dark clouds are anywhere in the area.