Forest Service Road 35
Arizona's rim country escape route.
Forest Service Road 35 traces 42 miles of Arizona’s Mogollon Rim from Camp Verde to Forest Lakes, climbing from desert scrub at 3,000 feet to cool ponderosa pine forests above 7,000 feet. This well-maintained dirt road follows the dramatic escarpment that separates the Colorado Plateau from the Sonoran Desert, offering sweeping views across the Verde Valley to distant mountain ranges. The route passes through diverse ecosystems and provides access to numerous hiking trails, fishing spots, and dispersed camping areas in the Coconino National Forest.
Any high-clearance vehicle can handle this moderate graded road, though 4WD helps in winter when snow can close sections above 6,000 feet. Spring through fall offers the best conditions, with summer providing escape from Phoenix heat. The road connects to dozens of side trails and camping spots, making it perfect for multi-day exploration. Fuel up in Camp Verde or Payson—services are limited along the rim, but the solitude and scenery make this one of Arizona’s most rewarding high-country drives.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 42 mi / 67.6 km |
| Duration | Full day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 7200 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance recommended |
| Nearest town | Camp Verde, Arizona |
| Land manager | Coconino National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle FS Road 35 without modifications?
Yes, a stock high-clearance truck or SUV handles this trail fine in dry conditions. Lifted rigs aren't necessary, but low-clearance sedans and crossovers will get hung up on the rougher sections. All-terrain tires are a smart call.
Is FS Road 35 accessible in winter or early spring?
The trail sits above 7,000 feet at its highest point, so snow and mud can close or seriously degrade it from November through March. April access depends on snowmelt — check with Coconino National Forest before heading out early in the season.
Do you need a permit or pass to drive FS Road 35?
No permit is required to drive the road. If you're camping in the Coconino National Forest, no fee is charged for dispersed camping, but standard fire restrictions and Leave No Trace rules apply — check current fire restrictions before you go.
What's the hardest section of the trail and what should I expect?
The roughest stretches show up where the road dips through drainages — expect loose rock, embedded boulders, and rutted sections that get worse after rain. Nothing here is technically extreme, but a couple of spots will require you to pick your line instead of just rolling through.
How far is the nearest gas station and is cell service reliable on the trail?
Camp Verde is your last reliable fuel stop before the route — fill up there. Cell service is spotty to nonexistent for most of the 42 miles, so download offline maps and don't count on calling for help if something goes sideways.
Trail track
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