New River Canyon

4.7/5 (32 reviews)
New River, Arizona (Maricopa County)
Last Updated: 01/24/2022

Trail Information

Highlights

Camping
Desert
Overland
Rock
Wash
When you think of rugged off-road trails, you typically conjure up images of a trail in a land far away and not right near a major metro area such as just Phoenix, Arizona. New River is rugged and will have you feeling like you are in a remote part of the world rather than a quick drive from the Valley of the Sun. Stretching over 19 miles long across the New River Mountains and Mesa, you will feel enveloped inside the mountains and surrounded by saguaro and other cacti of the area. On a good day, you can cross the New River several times when it is flowing.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

FR 41 is a 19-mile trail that very loosely follows the New River from I-17 to FR 24 through the Tonto National Forest. The road begins as West Table Mesa Road on the west side before turning into FR41, New River. It can be driven from either east to west or west to east as mapped here. Technical obstacles at Waypoint 21 and 23 will require your attention. The obstacle at Waypoint 23 does have a bypass forming around it, but there is no guarantee that it will remain the "easier" option after any given rain. Overall, the trail is very rough and requires driving over loose rocks, boulders, and deep ruts throughout the entirety of the trail. Hill climbs, and descents are also a regular occurrence along the trail. On top of all that, anticipate washouts that can happen after any rain. This trail will push the limits of a stock SUV. Better suited for pure off-road vehicles such as the Wrangler, Tacoma, 4 Runner, Bronco, with a mild lift. River Flow The New River can be trickling or raging depending on the season and the weather. Always double-check the weather before adventuring in the desert. Using Gaia GPS, you can check flow rates through the USGS Streamflow layer. Alternatively, you can find streamflow directly from the government here.
Heavy side-by-side traffic on the weekends and flash flooding during weather events, in addition to mud forming when wet.

Trail Reviews

4.7/5 (33)
Impassable
Visited: 04/03/2023

A section of the trail between way point 23 and 24 has been washed away due to recent weather activity.
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 03/18/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Ran the trail from East to West. We were in 2 stock Mojave Gladiator with myself pulling my off road trailer. This was a fun trail to run with the center 10 or so mile being a rock garden it seem none stop. The wife did spot a few time.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 02/11/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

As a new off roader, I found the trail quite challenging. Went West to East. Waypoint 18 was intimidating but not really a problem. Waypoint 23.. we took the bypass. The trail was more difficult than I anticipated but made it through with no real issues.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 02/11/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Easier

Been almost 2 years since running this trail last, although it's gotten more technical since then we have to agree with others that this trail is a bit easier than a 5, it's a strong solid 4. We also agree the obstacle at way point 23 is in the 6-8 range, we considered it a solid 7. This trail has tons of awesome views and a great mixture of different terrains. We saw a decent amount of traffic, full size & mid size trucks, a Bronco, a couple of quads, 2 & 4 door Wranglers, a Gladiator and plenty of side by sides. We ran this trail, both times, from east to west, seems you get the best views running this direction.
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 11/19/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Easier

At the start of the trail, there was a large dirt parking lot of trucks and trailers for side-by-sides, but the trail was quiet. There was no water flowing. I would rate this trail a 4. The final obstacle would be a 6-8, but it has a bypass. Enjoyable ride so close to the city! Stopped for lunch in Cave Creek at one of our old favorites El Encanto.

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