A scenic high-mountain loop that encircles popular Hewitt Station OHV Area. Large staging areas at both ends of trail. We drove this route in late February and had to turn around at Wpt. 03 due to deep, wet snow. We came back 3 weeks later, and all had melted.
(480) 610-3300Tonto N.F., Mesa Ranger District
Check the Weather10/08/2022
Submitted by David
This trail has beautiful views of the Arizona desert. At waypoint 2, on F.S. 650. The trail changes from easy to what I would consider moderate. There are several switchbacks that require off-camber driving experience. Serval areas where erosion has taken its toll. Took between 5 and 6 hours to drive. I have a 4Runner Off Road with a 2” lift.
8/16/2022
Submitted by Patrick
Took a ride up today in an F250. Great day for a trip, beautiful scenery, saw lots of wildlife. I would probably upgrade this to a moderate trail. There are a few spots with deep trenches and narrow paths along 172. We had to turn around at Roger’s Trough. There are some pretty rough-looking rocks jutting up from the trail on 165 that we just weren’t willing to chance going over. It May or may not be a problem with a jeep.
10/09/2021
Submitted by Tom
This is a very popular trail with lots of scenery. It used to be a piece of cake, well-graded. It leads to popular hiking trails, so hikers use it to access them. In past, I have seen people with rental Subaru’s making it, easily. Not this time, it deteriorated a lot in the last couple of years. Especially lots of erosion, gullies, and down cuts, some of them outright scary, also ruts and deposed sediments. I think it could be quite dangerous for inexperienced drivers right now. We have seen some stuck and some really scared people there! For experienced drivers with good equipment, is not that hard still, but one has to be constantly on the watch, no piece of cake anymore for anybody. It really deserves a Moderate rating now. Hopefully, they will grade it sometime soon. This is supposed to be a hiking trail access route, not an expert 4×4 course.
12/28/2020
Submitted by Kevin
I drove it in a 2021 4runner Pro. Offroad driving experience is really limited, but I’ve had craploads of hardcore mountain biking experience and I think the trail becomes moderately difficult once near the peak and descending through the switchbacks. I would have had a blast descending on a bike but I would have still exercised caution.
11/10/2020
Submitted by Chas
OHV heavy travel last weekend. Slow clockwise travel. Noisy caravaners, gunshots, and hunters in the area. This is an easy trail turning into a moderate trail. Turned around Roger’s Trough due to washed-out rock and lack of information on the condition of the road beyond the site. Jeeps made it through this area without a problem.
08/25/2020
Submitted by Ron
First time on this trail in 2020 Rubicon JLU on August 25, 2020. Large, deep wallowed out area around mile 12.3. FS 650 has several rutted areas and leans more toward moderate. Only saw 3 other vehicles on easy portions of trail — 1 a Fish and Wildlife vehicle. Awesome drive, but lots of smoke from our western wildfires.
05/19/2020
Tonto National Forest temporary closure. Due to several fires, this area has restrictions. Read forest order here. For updates go to N.F. website for alerts and notices.
03/14/2019 and 03/27/2019
Great trail. Only issue is at the end, in order to get back to your truck you will need to...See More
A great experience. Third trip. We went on Mothers Day May 12, 2018. Saw only 4 other Quads and a...See More
Drove this Trail Feb 21, 2021 in a slightly modified 2013 Nissan Xterra. Lower sections are indeed easy, but once...See More
Sept. 09, 2021. Great trial overall. 172A and 650 are more a moderate rating (my opinion: 28 years wheeling in...See More
A great trail system with terrific views of the AZ desert foothills. Literally a FOREST of saguaro in several spots!!...See More
