Verde OHV Trail
2-Hour Route
Verde OHV Trail Overview
Verde OHV Trail is a convenient off-road trail in the Verde Valley that connects forest service roads and trails from 89A(heading towards Sedona) to Sycamore Canyon road. This route gives you gorgeous views of Sedona red rocks in the background, along with Sycamore Canyon, Mingus Mountain, and the Verde River without rough terrain. This gem of a trail offers easy access for 4×4 vehicles to have a quick get away from town and experience scenic desert landscapes.
Throughout this 4×4 route you can expect to get not many crowds, and more scenic desert views with less aggressive terrain. Once on a portion of the Verde Trail on FR-258, there are a couple camping pull-offs that are great spots to take in the views and snap a picture or two of your adventure. On Sycamore Canyon Road(FR-131), another leg of the Verde Trail, there is a perfect opportunity to stop at Lower Tapco or Tuzigoot Takeout to see, swim, and cool off in the Verde River. Off Bill Grey Road(FR-761), the remaining section of the Verde Trail, there’s a convenient access point to connect with the other OHV trails located in West Sedona.
Difficulty Rating
Verde Trail is a great way to see amazing views of the Verde Valley without the truly rough, technical terrain other OHV trails offer. The main FS-roads along this route are smoother dirt roads, so do not expect to get the extreme 4×4 experience along this route. As you transition onto FR-258 there’s a variety of terrain to ride with a little more difficulty with some more bumpy areas with unexpected, winding turns that overlook Sycamore Canyon and the Verde River. Overall most would consider this a novice trail. But be careful along this off-road trail as though the main trails are smooth, the side routes and FS-roads along the trail are considered to be some of the more aggressive terrain Northern Arizona can offer that are not safe to travel for most people.
Off-Road Vehicle Access
Verde Trail is advisable to use high clearance 4×4 vehicles, such as side-by-sides, jeeps, ATVs, and motorcycles. Low clearance vehicles can typically make it most of this route(as majority of the route is smooth), but are discouraged due to potential trail damage, bottoming out, and possible washouts running when weather arises. Caution is urged regardless as though most sections are smooth and less technical, certain segments randomly come about that can pose risks without proper maneuvering but to make the most of this beautiful trail rent an ATV with us at Vortex ATV Rental.
Getting To Verde OHV Trail
Verde Trail is easily accessed off 89A(towards Sedona from Cottonwood), where Immaculate Heart Church is located. RIght before the church parking lot, take a right onto Bill Grey Road(FR-761) and head on your way along the Verde Trail. Take a left on FR-258 and head up and over to get the scenic viewpoints which connect with Sycamore Canyon Road(FR-131). Another way to access Verde Trail is from Cottonwood. Go past Old Town Cottonwood towards Clarkdale and shortly after you’ll turn right onto Tuzigoot Monument Road. Right after the river and bridge, turn left onto Sycamore Canyon road(FR-131) until the pavement turns to dirt road. Shortly after take a right onto FS-258, which connects with FS-761. Verde trail can be driven in either direction for different landscape viewpoints depending on which direction you choose.
