Arizona BDR Central-South Connector — Payson to Globe via the Mazatzal Wilderness Edge and Pinal Mountains
Mazatzal to Pinals — Arizona backcountry at its quietest.
The Arizona Backcountry Discovery Route’s central-south connector between Payson and Globe drops through the Mazatzal Wilderness boundary on FR 406 before threading the Pinal Mountain range on roads that are frequently ignored in favour of the flashier Mogollon Rim runs to the north. That’s exactly what makes it worth doing. The basalt ledge sections south of Rye Creek demand deliberate tyre placement, and the creek crossings on lower Tonto Creek can run knee-deep after monsoon storms. The Pinal Mountains approach into Globe via Six Shooter Canyon Road is a genuine four-low moment — steep, rutted, and loose — with old mining infrastructure rusting in the junipers beside you.
This is a solid one-day run for an experienced crew or a comfortable two-day trip with a camp at Pinal Mountain Recreation Area. You need a proper high-clearance 4WD with at minimum an all-terrain tyre — the basalt edges eat sidewalls on street rubber. Monsoon season (July–September) makes the creek crossings a dice roll; October through April gives you the most reliable conditions. The Tonto National Forest manages the bulk of this route; no permit required, dispersed camping allowed per MVUM. Cell service is essentially zero between Payson and Globe — plan accordingly and run a satellite communicator.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, Overland Route, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed, Rock |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 74 mi / 119 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 7848 ft |
| Best season | October-April |
| Minimum vehicle | High clearance 4WD with all-terrain tyres |
| Nearest town | Payson, AZ |
| Land manager | Tonto National Forest — Payson and Globe Ranger Districts |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | Tonto National Forest Pinal Mountain Recreation Area |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this trail, or does it need to be lifted?
A stock high-clearance 4WD with all-terrain tires can get through, but it will be working hard on the basalt ledge sections and rocky switchbacks near the Pinal Mountains. A 2-3 inch lift with skid plates gives real insurance here — rock sliders aren't overkill. Loaded down with gear, low-hanging bumpers and stock differentials are the weak points to know about.
When is this trail actually driveable — and what closes it out?
October through April is the sweet spot. Summer monsoons (July–September) turn creek crossings dangerous and make the clay sections impassable mud. Snowfall above 6,000 feet can briefly close the Pinal Mountain segment in winter, so check with the Globe Ranger District before heading out in January or February.
Do you need a permit to run this route through Tonto National Forest?
No permit is required to drive the route or use dispersed campsites on Tonto National Forest land. Campfire restrictions (Stage 1 or 2) are common from late spring through monsoon season — check current restrictions at fs.usda.gov/tonto before you go, because violations carry real fines out here.
What's the hardest section and what specifically makes it technical?
The climb into the Pinal Mountains above Globe is the crux — stacked rocky switchbacks with off-camber shelf road, exposed ledge drops, and loose decomposed granite that offers less traction than it looks like it will. Lockers or aggressive tires matter most here. A single bad line on a switchback exit can put a rocker panel on a rock with no room to recover.
Are the water crossings actual wheel-deep crossings, and where should I fuel up?
Yes — several crossings along the route can reach axle depth after rain or in early spring, so check recent trip reports before committing. For fuel, top off in Payson at the start and plan for Globe at the finish; there are no services in between across the full 74 miles. Carry extra if your rig drinks fuel in low range.
Trail track
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