Sawmill Road to Lonesome Valley — Prescott National Forest Bradshaw Mountains High Circuit via Crown King Approach

The Bradshaw Mountains between Crown King and Walker sit in a forgotten middle ground of Arizona overlanding — too low for the alpine crowd, too rough for casual tourists, and just remote enough that you’ll rarely see another rig. Forest Road 52 and its connecting spurs off Goodwin Mesa wind through ponderosa pine and chaparral above Lonesome Valley, linking old mining claims, granite outcrops, and the occasional cattle tank. The shelf road sections off the main Bradshaw ridge are the crux — narrow, loose decomposed granite with cambered outboard pitches and no room to pass. Walker and Mayer are both accessible from different ends of the circuit, making a proper loop possible.

Stock 4WD with decent clearance runs this fine in dry conditions, but the decomposed granite turns to greasy red slop after monsoon rain — respect the season. The monsoon window runs July through September and afternoon storms are guaranteed; plan your timing accordingly. No permits required, and dispersed camping is allowed throughout the Prescott National Forest with standard rules. Prescott is your resupply point — 35 miles of gravel separates you from anything once you’re in the Bradshaws. This is a legitimate half-day to full-day circuit with enough variety to hold your attention for the whole run.