Rolls Road (FR 139)
Desert to pine forest in one drive
FR 139 cuts a 35-mile swath through the Tonto National Forest’s transition zone, climbing from Sonoran Desert scrub at 3,000 feet to towering ponderosa pines at 6,400 feet near Pine, Arizona. Named after early settler William Roll, this maintained dirt road follows historic cattle routes through the Mazatzal Wilderness boundary, passing the remnants of Depression-era CCC camps and providing access to dozens of hiking trails into some of Arizona’s most remote backcountry. The road’s middle section threads between towering granite boulders and crosses several seasonal creek beds that can run deep during monsoons.
Easy to moderate difficulty for stock vehicles with decent clearance—most passenger cars can handle the southern portion, but you’ll want 4WD for the full route during wet weather. Tonto National Forest requires no permits, and dispersed camping is allowed throughout except near water sources. Best driven March through November; winter snow can close the high country sections. Fuel up in Cave Creek or Carefree before heading out—this is 60+ miles from services. You’ll trade Phoenix crowds for solitude and some of the best stargazing in central Arizona.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 35 mi / 56.3 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 6400 ft |
| Best season | March-November |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Cave Creek, Arizona |
| Land manager | Tonto National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle Rolls Road without any mods?
Yes. Stock high-clearance 4WD is the minimum and it's sufficient for FR 139. The road is maintained dirt — no rock crawling, no lockers needed. Skid plates are a nice-to-have but not required.
When does FR 139 typically close, and is it accessible in winter?
Best window is March through November. Winter snow at the upper elevations (near 6,400 ft) can make the northern end muddy or impassable. Check Tonto National Forest road conditions before heading out in early spring or late fall.
Do I need a permit or pass to drive and camp on FR 139?
No permit required to drive the road. Dispersed camping on Tonto National Forest land is free but limited to 14 days in one spot. No campfire permits needed outside fire restrictions — always check current fire restrictions on the Tonto NF site before you go.
What's the hardest part of the trail and what should I actually expect?
There's nothing technically demanding here — this is an easy scenic drive, not a trail. The water crossings are the main wildcard; after heavy rain they can get deep enough to give pause. Otherwise expect washboards, loose dirt, and a gradual climb through saguaro desert into ponderosa pines.
How far is the nearest gas station, and should I fill up before leaving Cave Creek?
Fill up in Cave Creek before you leave — there's no fuel on the 35-mile route and the next reliable stop north is in the Payson area. With 35 miles of dirt driving plus approach and exit miles, budget at least 80–100 miles of range beyond your start point.
Trail track
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