Overview :
IMPORTANT NOTICE: This trail has been closed after the turn for the Coke Ovens at Point #8. It is now necessary to hike in about 1.6... more » Absolutely stunning scenery, including remarkably intact Martinez Mill. This is an environmentally sensitive area; stay on the trail at all times. 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:
Difficult and dangerous. Extremely steep with technically challenging rock obstacles. The most dangerous part, called “The Luge,” is akin to driving off a cliff. This trail is for experts only. Turn around at the top of the loop to avoid “The Luge.” Stock SUVs can make it to the top of the #7 Scenic High Point.
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. less «
Martinez Canyon 4x4 Trail, Arizona
Tips: Carry spare parts and travel with other well-equipped vehicles. Carry water and sun protection. Notify someone where you are. Make sure... more »
Take this guide with you!
- 1. Download the EveryTrail app from the App Store
- 2. Search for the Martinez Canyon 4x4 Trail, Arizona guide
- 3. Enjoy your self-guided tour
Points of Interest
This is a convenient place to start. It is the intersection of two major county roads. Your phone directions will get you to this point. Head south from here on Mineral Mountain Road. Follow the tracklog as roads and wash bottoms mingle together and it can be confusing at times.
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.
This spot looks worse than it is. The easiest line goes down the right (west) side. Not for vehicles with low ground clearance.
Main route and higher bypass route come back together here.
Although rapidly deteriorating, this used to be and old stage stop. Note remnants of an old well.
Make sharp left turn here and climb hill. This way goes to Martinez Canyon and the Coke Ovens. Straight heads into Box Canyon. (Available as eGuide from FunTreks on EveryTrail.)
Low-clearance SUV should stop here at this scenic high point marked by a cattle guard.
Stay left here for Martinez Canyon. Right goes to Coke Ovens (available as FunTreks eGuide on EveryTrail.
Historical cabin has significantly deteriorated over the last few years. Stay left of the cabin and continue on road.
Stay right here and begin loop. You'll come back down the steep road you see on the left.
You'll wind through a narrow canyon with some difficult spots and arrive at the fantastic Martinez Mill. Stay in the bottom of the canyon going under part of the mill. Please note that our tracklog is off somewhat through this section due to GPS signal bouncing off the canyon walls. Just stay in the bottom of the canyon. After more rough obstacles... More
You reach high point at top of loop and start back down. Trail is very steep in places.
Extremely steep and dangerous obstacle. Like driving off a cliff. Don't lock up your brakes or you'll slide sideways and lose control. Allow your wheels to turn to maintain steering control. You return to start of loop at the bottom of the hill. Right goes out the way you came in.
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