The beautiful area around Flagstaff, Arizona, is a paradise for off-road lovers and adventure-seekers. From scenic views to challenging cliffs and soothing trails, it has a little something for everyone.
80-miles south of the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff enjoys a four-season climate. It’s the city with the highest elevation on Route-66 and was made for the traveler’s spirit!
If off-roading is your thing, the city has a small-town charm with endless outdoor adventure. To fill your weekend with some mud, we’ve picked the five best places to off-road in Flagstaff, Arizona.
Flagstaff, AZ Off-Roading Trails
Why is Arizona the ultimate place to off-road?
Flagstaff is a beautiful community blessed with desert, mountains, and ponderosa pine forests. It’s also home to Arizona’s tallest mountain, San Francisco Peaks. The city offers a variety of quick escapes with exciting off-road opportunities.
If you are new to this city and are passionate about the outdoors, you can’t pass up this metropolis of nature. The vibes, calming environment, and adventurous roads make Flagstaff a perfect destination for going beyond the pavement.
With that in mind, here’s a look at some of the most popular off-roading spots in Flagstaff today:
Hutch Mountain (Easy)
Elevation: 8,532 feet
Length: 14 miles (one-way)
Considered one of the easier trails, Hutch Mountain is a super popular off-roading destination southeast of Flagstaff. It forms the highest summit of the Mormon Plateau, within the large tract of Coconino National Forest. If you like a more quiet and relaxing drive, Hutch Mountain is the perfect spot.
Hutch Mountain is ideal for beginners and families. From a large grove of Aspens to passing Lake Mary, the drive is a quiet and scenic display of everything Arizona has to offer.
The mountain roads are wider with washboard surfaces, so you won’t have any trouble. However, a high-clearance vehicle is still recommended, with a 4-wheel-drive.
Schultz Pass Road (Easy)
Elevation: 8,088 feet
Length: 26 miles
If you’re a little short on time and want to experience a scenic ride, Schultz Pass Road is a good choice. The trail opens up into a lush green forest located in San Francisco Peaks’ eastern shade. Besides a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle and is a visual treat that makes for lasting memories.
Considered a 2/10, Schultz is definitely an easy pass! The moderately-trafficked loop is a twenty-six-mile trail that begins just two miles north of Flagstaff. From a variety of hiking trails to painted aspens in the fall, the picturesque trail provides off-roading opportunities on a calmer scale.
It’s a great place to take the family and kids for a nice picnic without any crazy risks.
Apache Trail (Easy)
Elevation: 2,356 feet
Length: 19.8 miles
The Apache Trail is a beautiful 200-mile paved, scenic route that starts at Apache Junction and connects Hwy 88 to I-60. Once you cross Tortilla Flat, the loop turns into a full dirt track that takes you towards Roosevelt Dam on a 22-mile journey.
It’s the perfect scenic treat that covers several popular destinations, including Three Bar Wildlife Area, Four Peaks, and The Superstition Wilderness.
You will find some OHV trails in this area, but the Apache Trail is not a motorcycle trail; it is a road. If you are an off-roading beginner, Apache Trail is one of the best options Arizona has to offer.
Schnebly Hill Road (Moderate)
Elevation: 6,000 feet
Length: 11.8 miles
Schnebly Hill Road is among the most visited trails in Arizona that you can’t miss if you like an off-roading challenge. It is a winding, steep, and unpaved road that greets you with breathtaking scenic views of towering red rock buttes set against a rich backdrop of the deep-green forest.
The road quality varies depending on the weather and how much grader work has been done recently. Avoid visiting Schnebly Hill Road during heavy rains, as the roads may be closed to public traffic.
The trail overlooks the Verde Valley and Sedona right below the summit, Steamboat Rock at the mouth of Oak Creek, and the mineral-rich Mingus Mountains to the west. The road can be driven in an hour, but allow more time to stop along the way.
Cinder Hills OHV Area (Hard)
Elevation: 7,800 feet
Length: 21 miles
Looking for a true off-roading challenge in the Sedona Valley? Then the Cinder Hills OHV Area welcomes you!
The trail is located on Highway 89, northeast of Flagstaff. The area is fully stocked with off-roading trails that range from easy to steep climbs.
The trail features loose dirt with a hardpack, so this road isn’t for beginners. The rocky terrain also contains volcanic cinders that can be damaging to tires, so be sure you have the right equipment before traversing this pass.
The adventure continues as you’ll find long, 19-mile trails that go through volcanic craters. The majority of the routes here are two-track and suitable for quads as well.
How Can I Protect My Vehicle When Going Off-Road?
Before you attempt these off-roading journeys, it’s important to protect your vehicle and equip it for the Arizona terrain. For a smooth and seamless adventure, you must prepare in advance.
To help with that, we at Inspector’s Auto offer off-road vehicle services that run the gamut from window protection to ceramic coating. We are experts in repairing and upgrading your vehicle for any type of environment the off-roading lifestyle throws at you.
Our technicians will assist you with all the important upgrades needed to keep your favorite car safe. We offer a variety of off-road services, including:
Auto Detail Packages
We offer top-quality auto detailing packages to keep your vehicle as new as the day you bought it. Our professional services will have your off-roading gem sparkling on the inside and out.
To keep your car in perfect condition for dry and dusty climates, we offer a wide range of detailing services that include:
- Headlight restoration
- Tree sap removal
- Engine steam cleaning
- Llumar paint protection film
- And much more!
Choose from our variety of auto detail packages and get your vehicle ready for the off-road challenges ahead. Our auto detail packages start as low as $40.
Auto Ceramic Coating
We offer the revolutionary Kenzo protective coating for your vehicle. It contains 100% silica to provide the best possible protection against the Arizona arid climate and ends with a glossy finish.
This type of ceramic coating forms a thick layer that gives your car a natural, rich shine. The film provides an unmatched level of protection with a soft and silky texture.
Our certified auto detailing staff applies the IGL coating to form a durable ceramic layer between the exterior and interior of the vehicle and the outside natural environment.
Our team will keep your car looking like new for years to come, freeing you from additional paint maintenance in the future.
Auto Paint Protection Film
We use the best LLumar Paint Protection Film for the best visual quality in all weather conditions.
The optical clarity provides an invisible shield that protects your vehicle from unwanted scratches caused by insects, cinders, and road grime. It is ideal for mounting on the back of mirrors, hoods, bumpers, and door edges.
Our experienced team uses advanced plotter software to precisely cut a vehicle’s pattern and ensure a perfect fit. It is a great alternative to plastic bug guards and leather hoops.
Since it comes with a 10-year warranty, you don’t have to worry about ongoing maintenance.
Who Does Automotive Paint Protection in Flagstaff?
Inspector’s Auto is the best place to protect your car and ready your ride for all the challenges of off-road driving.
We are the leading paint protection and ceramic coating company in Flagstaff, Arizona, and have been providing quality and affordable automotive services since 1988.
Our team is composed of experts in auto detailing services, with a variety of unique skill sets. Whether you’re planning a visit to a steep and treacherous track or keeping it calm with a family picnic, our team members know the exact solution.
Inspector’s Auto offers a full range of auto repairs and modifications, as well as robust paint protection and ceramic coating. From auto glass repair to window tinting and installation of high-performance accessories, we are your best automotive partner in Flagstaff, Arizona.
We service vehicles from a wide range of popular and international brands, so you don’t have to worry about the quality of work.
With years of experience in the auto repair industry, offering top-quality accessories, our auto experts are dedicated to providing you with the best service.
Our team follows all safety and standard guidelines to ensure the best quality of service on every visit. Contact Inspector’s Auto to learn more about how we can ready your car for off-roading today!
Contact Inspector’s Auto Appearance Today!
So, which popular place are you planning to visit with your family or friends? If you are a beginner and want to explore adventurous places, start with Hutch Mountain or the Apache Trail. If you’re an experienced off-roader looking to take risks, Cinder Hills OHV is your prime go-to!
Flagstaff is an enchanting place surrounded by natural beauty and rugged terrain. Before visiting any of the places, check the weather. Too much rain or snow can mean danger in some cases.
Overall, Flagstaff offers you the best combination of adventure along with desert tranquility and a complete set of seasons. Plan your outdoor fun ahead with help from Inspector’s Auto!
Don’t worry about your vehicle off-road. We’re always here to assist you with the best services to equip your car for an adventure. It’s time to pack your bags, get your vehicle ready, and chase those fascinating places around Flagstaff.
Click if you’re looking to get paint protection for your vehicle and whether to go with film or ceramic coat.
See also: IAA Employee’s Favorite Boating Lakes
Recent Comments