Arizona BDR Central Segment — Globe to Payson via the Mazatzal Mountains and Tonto Rim
Mazatzal backcountry — rim rock and long views.
The central segment of the Arizona Backcountry Discovery Route between Globe and Payson is where the route earns its reputation. Leaving the copper country around Globe, the track pushes north through Tonto National Forest on Forest Roads 203, 406, and the notorious Barnhardt area tracks, threading the eastern edge of the Mazatzal Wilderness. The climb up toward the Tonto Rim gains serious elevation fast, with basalt rock ledges and loose shale making the ascent technical in sections. Pinal Creek crossings early in the route can run fast after monsoon rain. The payoff is the high Tonto Rim country — remote ponderosa pine forest, long views west into the Mazatzal peaks, and dispersed campsites that see almost no one during the week.
Moderate-to-difficult depending on season and recent weather. A stock high-clearance 4WD will handle this in dry conditions; after monsoons the clay sections near the rim become slick enough to stop unprepared rigs. Skid plates recommended — the basalt rock is aggressive on undercarriage. Best season is April to June and September to November; summer monsoons July to August add water crossings but cool temperatures significantly. No permits required within Tonto National Forest. Fuel in Globe before you leave — nothing until Payson. Carry 20L of water; springs in the Mazatzals are seasonal.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed, Rock |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 148 mi / 238 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 7200 ft |
| Best season | April-June, September-November |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Globe, AZ |
| Land manager | USDA Forest Service — Tonto National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | Tonto National Forest — USFS Arizona BDR Official Route Page |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner run this segment without mods?
A stock high-clearance 4WD will make it through, but you'll want at minimum all-terrain tires — the rocky two-track along the Mazatzal edge will punish highway rubber. Lifted rigs with skid plates will have a more comfortable time on the rougher Forest Road stretches.
When does snow close access on the Tonto Rim section?
Higher elevations near the 7,200-foot max can see snow from November through March, and some Forest Roads may be gated or impassable when wet. Stick to April–June or September–November for reliable access and dry dirt.
Do you need a permit to run this route or camp along it?
No permit required to drive the route. Dispersed camping is allowed in Tonto National Forest under standard 14-day limits — stay 300 feet from water sources and established roads. No campfire permits needed outside fire restrictions, but check current fire conditions with USFS Tonto before you go.
What's the hardest section between Globe and Payson and what makes it technical?
The rocky two-track sections along the Mazatzal Wilderness boundary are the most demanding — loose rock, off-camber shelf road, and embedded boulders that require deliberate line choice. It's rated moderate, but those sections will feel earned if you're not used to technical rocky terrain at elevation.
How far is it between fuel stops and is there water on route?
Fuel up in Globe before you leave — there's nothing reliable for the bulk of the 148-mile stretch until you near Payson. Water crossings exist along the route but treat anything you collect; carry at least 5–7 gallons of stored water given the remote nature and heat potential outside of shoulder seasons.
Trail track
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