Arizona Overland Adventure Trail
- OTG Crew
- Mar 30
- 7 min read
Updated: Apr 15
Arizona is more than just desert and saguaro cacti—it's a land of striking contrasts. The 500+ mile Arizona Overland Adventure Trail captures this grandeur, winding through pine-clad mountains, scenic lakes, towering canyons, volcanic cinder fields, and snow-capped peaks. This might just be the ultimate overland route in Arizona.
Route Contributor
Originally known as the Heart of Arizona, this route was first developed by Journey West and later refined by the Arizona Pinstripers through extensive runs. After reviewing the route with Arizona Pinstripers founding member Dragos M., it was clear—this had to be part of OTG's route directory! This route isn't just a trail; it's a journey through some of Arizona’s most rugged and scenic terrain, shaped by those who know it best.
Route Overview
Trip Length & Season
Adventure Rating: Epic Trip Length: 557 miles, 6-12 days Season: The shoulder seasons of spring and fall typically provide the best weather (season typically opens mid-March and closes the end of November). It is possible to travel the route during the summer months, but expect 100F + heat around the lowlands around Phoenix (temps should be much cooler at elevation). The higher elevations portions of the route typically become impassable during winter due to snow, but may be open some years.
Digital Maps & GPX Files
Technical Ratings & Terrain
Recommended Vehicle / Moto / Adventure Vans
Fuel, Provisions, and Recommended Gear
Alternative Routes
Camping Recommendations
Discovery Points
Land Managers & Other Resources
Permits & Papers
Route Details
Arizona, the Grand Canyon State—famous for its red rock canyons, mesas, and the saguaro forests that blanket the southern half of the state. While the red rock country of Sedona and the Grand Canyon is incredible, Arizona boasts varied topography and an impressive range of ecosystems and biological diversity. The Arizona Overland Adventure Trail was developed by a small group of locals intent on showcasing Arizona in all its splendor—from the towering pines surrounding Flagstaff, the expansive volcanic fields near Williams, the grand 200-mile-long escarpment known as the Mogollon Rim, to the striking mountains like the Four Peaks Wilderness near Phoenix. There’s a lot to see in Arizona, and the Arizona Overland Adventure Trail hits it out of the park with the wide variety of terrain and scenery the intrepid traveler will experience.
While the route can be driven in either direction, this guide follows the loop in a clockwise direction starting just outside of Scottsdale. The track begins with a foray into the rugged beauty of Camp Creek Wash. Continuing north, the trail begins to climb into the mountains via Cave Creek Road. The desert scenery that dominates the Phoenix area gradually transitions into shrubland and woodlands. As you turn left onto Bloody Basin Road, pay attention to the views—they’re incredible. Soon you’ll find yourself traveling through juniper woodlands, similar to those around Sedona and Williams.
As you pass near the Agua Fria National Monument, consider stopping at the Pueblo La Plata Interpretive Site (discovery point). Pueblo La Plata is a significant archaeological site featuring the remnants of a large Pueblo village. Archaeologists believe the structure once contained 80 to 90 rooms, built using fieldstone and simple mud mortar.
Up until this point, the route consists primarily of mild, graded dirt roads. As you head north from the monument, expect one of the bumpier/rockier sections along the route. The trail includes portions impacted by erosion with ruts and a fair number of rocks—nothing typically considered technical by any means. If it’s vacant, Sycamore Cabin (discovery point) is worth a quick stop. Not far from the cabin, the route passes through Camp Verde—a great place to refuel before crossing the interstate.
The trail then zigzags through rugged mountain slopes, climbing toward Mingus Mountain (discovery point). Expect a few spicier sections here, especially on the slopes above Jerome. The views atop Mingus are impressive, with Sedona’s red rock cliffs and mesas creating a stunning backdrop. Just down the mountain lies the historic mining town of Jerome (discovery point). Once called the “Wickedest Town in the West,” Jerome boomed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries thanks to its rich copper deposits. Today, it’s a haven for artists and tourists, with many renovated buildings and quaint shops.
From Jerome, the route climbs into the highlands that cap the mesas and canyons north of Sedona. One highlight is Sycamore Canyon, one of Arizona’s largest and least developed canyons. Most visitors to Sedona never make it to Sycamore Point (discovery point), an impressive overlook well worth the detour. The trail continues north on a series of mild dirt roads with opportunities to spot wildlife at JD Dam Wildlife Area (discovery point) and Sunflower Flat (discovery point).
By now, you’ve probably glimpsed Arizona’s tallest mountain in the distance—Humphreys Peak (discovery point)—a sign you’re entering the massive San Francisco Volcanic Field (discovery point). Spanning 1,800 square miles across northern Arizona, the field features over 600 cinder cones, lava domes, and volcanoes. Pay attention to the three prominent volcanic peaks in the northern section of the route: Sitgreaves Mountain, Kendrick Peak, and Humphreys Peak (all discovery points). One of our favorite segments explores the cinder cone fields in and around Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. The black and red cinders create a striking contrast against the green pine forests, and the area offers abundant dispersed camping opportunities.
By the time you’ve reached Sunset Crater, you’ve completed more than half of the Arizona Overland Adventure Trail. The route continues south on a series of graded dirt roads, with plenty of great lakeside camping options—Ashurst, Kinnikinick, Soldier, and Long Lakes among them. Moqui Lookout (discovery point) signals that you’re nearing the 200-mile-long escarpment known as the Mogollon Rim. It’s where many Arizonans flee to escape the summer heat—and the views are hard to beat. On weekends, Rim Road can be crowded with visitors and campers, but if you venture onto the smaller dirt roads nearby, you’ll likely find a fantastic campsite with a view to match.
Departing south from the Rim, you’re officially on the final leg of the route. You’ll follow a series of mostly graded dirt roads past McFadden Peak (discovery point), which eventually cuts westward above Theodore Roosevelt Lake (discovery point). The views from the ridge above the lake are second to none. The final stretch of the trail takes you through the rugged and incredibly scenic Four Peaks Wilderness (discovery point), a popular off-roading corridor for quick day trips. The Arizona Overland Adventure Trail officially concludes where the dirt meets the pavement at Beeline Highway.
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