Arizona Trails

HS290 - True Grit - Parker

Parker, Arizona (LaPaz County)

Last Updated: 08/02/2022

Trail Information

Highlights

Camping

Desert

Mine

Rock

Sand

Wash

Whether you are an extreme 4x4 enthusiast or looking for an epic rock crawling destination, the True Grit off-road trail near Parker, Arizona has it all. With many towering ledges and waterfalls, extreme off-camber turns, freakishly deep v-notches, and the proximity to the Desert Bar, there is nothing this off-road trail doesn't have if you are wanting something extreme and exciting. The next time you are in the deserts near the Colorado River, and you are looking for something that will test your skills and vehicle, check out True Grit and experiencing what a true difficult offroad trail is all about.

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Josh Noesser

Official Crew

Trail Navigation

True Grit isn't just another western off-road trail near Parker, Arizona. This 4x4 trail is full of intense obstacles waiting to destroy your vehicle and your ambitions. You should expect large waterfalls over 10 feet, large rocks over 4 feet around to get hung up on or break, deep v-notches in the waterfalls wanting to roll you over, and an extremely off-camber turn that is likely to destroy the driver’s side of your vehicle. The canyon is also extremely narrow meaning there is only one line in a lot of spots and no room to walk around the vehicle.

1. True Grit - HS290 (Southern Trailhead) (0 mi)

HS290 - True Grit - Parker - Waypoint 1: True Grit - HS290 (Southern Trailhead)

The trail starts off of Cienega Springs Road and heads to the north down a steep canyon.

2. Dropin Waterfall (Bypass on Right) - Stay to Left After Obstacle In Wash (0.2 mi)

HS290 - True Grit - Parker - Waypoint 2: Dropin Waterfall (Bypass on Right) - Stay to Left After Obstacle In Wash

Just feet up the trail is the first obstacle. This 5-foot tall waterfall has a unique feature to it, that is it has a moderate sized rock sticking up right in the center peak making it hard to drop in without getting high-centered or better yet breaking off driveline components. If you don't have the ground clearance you might have to stick a tire up high on the bank and try not to roll over as you proceed down this extreme gatekeeper. If the waterfall is too much, there is a bypass to the right just before the obstacle. ***Please note, if you can't do this one obstacle, you shouldn't attempt this trail since this might be the easiest of all the obstacles on the trail.*** At the bottom of the waterfall, the bypass reconnects from the right in the wash. To continue on the trail stay left and head up the

3. 10-Foot Tall Waterfall (Tailpipe Destroyer) (0.4 mi)

HS290 - True Grit - Parker - Waypoint 3: 10-Foot Tall Waterfall (Tailpipe Destroyer)

The first required obstacle you climb on True Grit is this 10-foot monster waterfall that just towers over everything in the area. It is likely some people will turn around just from the first impressions. The waterfall itself has two lines. You can try to climb the vertical ledge on the left or take the line most people do which is on the right. But be warned, it is extremely steep reaching 60+ degrees meaning you can rollover on this. It also is so steep that if you back down you will likely destroy any tailpipe hanging out the back of your vehicle. Only vehicles with good approach and departure angles can do this obstacl

4. 3-Foot Ledge In Corner (0.4 mi)

HS290 - True Grit - Parker - Waypoint 4: 3-Foot Ledge In Corner

Even though this obstacle is small in comparison to the many others on this trail. This one usually gets people hung up because you have to s-turn into it. What happens is your rear end gets hung up on the rocks below that are sticking up. Many people have to back up and reposition several times before making this.

5. 4-Foot V-Ledge (0.4 mi)

HS290 - True Grit - Parker - Waypoint 5: 4-Foot V-Ledge

The next obstacle on this trail is a 4-foot v-ledge that is extremely dug out on the top. Be careful of the overhang, it could break an axle.

6. Off-Camber Turn (0.4 mi)

HS290 - True Grit - Parker - Waypoint 6: Off-Camber Turn

Likely the obstacle that is going to cause you to leave paint behind, this off-camber hill / tight turn will likely make you uncomfortable or ruin your day. About halfway through is a small ledge that causes the vehicle to lift to the left easily pushing you into the wall. But if you get to high, it could also roll you over onto your lid... It is okay to backup and try a different line here. Just a couple inches can make a huge difference.

7. V-Notch Waterfall (0.5 mi)

HS290 - True Grit - Parker - Waypoint 7: V-Notch Waterfall

The second largest waterfall on the trail, this roughly 6-foot waterfall also has an extremely deep v-notch in the middle and requires you to turn as you go up it. Be careful of your rear tire placement or you might end up on your side.

8. Final Waterfall (0.5 mi)

HS290 - True Grit - Parker - Waypoint 8: Final Waterfall

Almost at the end of the trail is the final waterfall at roughly 4-5 feet. This is the only waterfall on the trail that is pretty straight forward. Just go up to the left.

9. True Grit (Northern Trailhead) at Top of Duke and Duchess (0.5 mi)

HS290 - True Grit - Parker - Waypoint 9: True Grit (Northern Trailhead) at Top of Duke and Duchess

Not to far up is where True Grit and Top of The Duke and Duchess meet. In this spot is a small flat area large enough for a small dispersed camping group. To exit the area, turn right. If you would like to go run The Duke or Duchess, head to the left.

HS290 - True Grit - Parker

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Trail Navigation

1. True Grit - HS290 (Southern Trailhead) (0 mi)

2. Dropin Waterfall (Bypass on Right) - Stay to Left After Obstacle In Wash (0.2 mi)

3. 10-Foot Tall Waterfall (Tailpipe Destroyer) (0.4 mi)

4. 3-Foot Ledge In Corner (0.4 mi)

5. 4-Foot V-Ledge (0.4 mi)

6. Off-Camber Turn (0.4 mi)

7. V-Notch Waterfall (0.5 mi)

8. Final Waterfall (0.5 mi)

9. True Grit (Northern Trailhead) at Top of Duke and Duchess (0.5 mi)

Trail Reviews

From the Community

Josh Noesser

HS290 - True Grit - Parker

Trail Information

Highlights

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Recommended Vehicle:

Concerns:

Summary:

Community Consensus

Mandatory

Optional

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Trail Navigation

1. True Grit - HS290 (Southern Trailhead) (0 mi)

2. Dropin Waterfall (Bypass on Right) - Stay to Left After Obstacle In Wash (0.2 mi)

3. 10-Foot Tall Waterfall (Tailpipe Destroyer) (0.4 mi)

4. 3-Foot Ledge In Corner (0.4 mi)

5. 4-Foot V-Ledge (0.4 mi)

6. Off-Camber Turn (0.4 mi)

7. V-Notch Waterfall (0.5 mi)

8. Final Waterfall (0.5 mi)

9. True Grit (Northern Trailhead) at Top of Duke and Duchess (0.5 mi)

Trail Reviews

From the Community

Josh Noesser

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