Rolls Road (FR 139)

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.