Off-Road Trails for Winter Fun

6 Amazing Off-Road Trails for Winter Fun in Northern Arizona

Are you thinking the winter season is sour grapes for off-road exploration? Think again. In fact, right here in the beautiful mountains surrounding Prescott, some excursions almost seem to be created for winter Off-Road fun. Here are a few of the best:

Beautiful views on the way to Crown King

Crown King

There are a couple of great Off-Road Trails for Winter trips you can take to Crown King:

• Prescott to the North on Senator Highway. Senator Highway is clearly not really a highway, but a gorgeous trail through scenic and rugged land rich in history. BONUS: you can’t get lost! This is a simple “straight through trip”. It runs about 37 miles, with the highest elevation at 7,100 feet. Even so, the duration is about three and a half hours—a truly magnificent way to spend a winter afternoon.

• “Backway to Crown King” is a 27.3-mile point-to-point trail beginning near Peoria, Arizona, rated as difficult. Primarily this is a ohv/off-road driving trail. Dogs are welcome, and it is open year-round. The highest elevation is 6441 feet, and the wildlife you will encounter is amazing. This is a long ride, duration is about 8 hours.

Clouds roll in over Mingus Mountain

Mingus Mountain Trail

Take Highway 89A from Cottonwood for another winter Off-Road trail for fun. Stay on Highway 89A, and just past the airport, turn left onto Mingus Ave. Keep heading southwest for 1.2 miles until the pavement ends. However, the road makes some tight turns and then a long climb, after a mile. The trail rating is easy for the start and end of the ride. While driving gets moderately difficult in the middle. In addition, the trail is 17 miles, one way, and expect a duration of about three to four hours. The highest elevation is 7543 ft.

Mormon Lake in Winter

Coconino County

Up north a bit are some fine trails in Coconino County:

• Casner Park Road passes by both Casner and Bert Lee Parks. Rugged pioneer families settled in here. Consequently, the parks are named after them. The trail climbs to where you will discover spruce, fir, and aspens. Then the road drops a bit, and the final curve takes you to a magnificent view of Mormon Lake.
• Bar M Road will take you way back in time. The over 100-years old Brolliar Cabin is on the east end and poised at the edge of an Alpine meadow. This makes a great point to watch deer. elk, and pronghorn, peacefully grazing. The road is easy, just a little bumpy.

Off-roading to Castle Hot Springs

Castle Hot Springs Rd/Champie Ranch Road Loop

Take an easy trip on Castle Hot Springs Road. You will pass through the scenic Castle Creek Wilderness area and also ride through a mountain road to connect back to the start. Near New River, the loop is about 17 miles. Definitely, prepare for a 2 to 4-hour ride. Even so, the Castle Hot Springs Road is well-maintained. Likewise, this trail can be navigated in any 2WD or 4WD SUV.

Sedona vista on Schnebly Hill

Schnebly Hill Road

Schnebly Hill Road is an easy though bumpy trail descending from the Mogollon Rim into Sedona. The views are delightful, with red rock and sandstone. Above all, this is one excursion you will never forget. In short, a little over 11 miles, the trail takes about 3 hours to complete. Directions: From the intersection of Interstates 40 and 17 in Flagstaff, drive 19.4 miles south on I-17 and take Exit 320, where you will turn west to the trailhead.

Call Hoist Towing & Recovery to the Rescue!

If you head out to one of these off-road trails for winter and you get stuck: Call Hoist Towing & Recovery to the Rescue!

You can quickly become stuck no matter how cautious you are. If you do, call the Tow Pros at Hoist Towing & Recovery. We’ll get you out of ANY jam quickly and safely, 7 days a week. Serving All of Northern Arizona. We will come to the aid of stranded vehicles on trails near Prescott, Sedona, Williams, Flagstaff, Black Canyon City and many other areas throughout Arizona. Call us at (928)-660-0606 and visit our website here.