Backway to Crown King
Arizona's gnarliest mountain road to ghost town glory.
The Crown King Road climbs 4,000 feet from desert floor to pine country through some of Arizona’s gnarliest mountain terrain. This former mining supply route follows the old Bradshaw Mountain Railroad grade, complete with original railroad bridges and cuts blasted through solid granite. Past the Oro Belle Mine ruins, the road becomes a series of brutal switchbacks that’ll test your rig’s cooling system and your nerve as you navigate loose rock shelves with thousand-foot drop-offs.
This is honest-to-god difficult terrain requiring high clearance 4WD, skid plates, and recovery gear. Summer heat makes it dangerous — stick to fall through spring. Carry extra water, tools, and spare parts. Cell service is nonexistent until you crest the ridge. The payoff is reaching Crown King’s historic saloon and camping among the pines, plus bragging rights for conquering one of Arizona’s most feared backcountry routes.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote |
| Length (miles) | 27 mi / 43.5 km |
| Duration | 4-6 hours |
| Max elevation (ft) | 6000 ft |
| Best season | October-April |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD with skid plates |
| Nearest town | Black Canyon City, AZ |
| Land manager | Prescott National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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