Arizona’s White Canyon 4×4 Trail

Arizona's White Canyon Trail

A few weeks ago we explored the 14-mile-long White Canyon Trail in the White Canyon Wilderness near Superior, AZ. The scenery along this 4×4 trail is pretty spectacular. In fact it was so stunning I lost track of how many times I said, “wow!” The dirt road leading to the trail, called Battle Axe Road, is unmarked, so finding the turnoff can be a little tricky. The entrance is on Arizona-177 .9 miles south of mile marker 159 on the west side of the highway. The main part of the trail basically follows a large wash which cuts through the center of the canyon. Being in a wash, of course, results in a road surface composed of loose sand and littered with large and small boulders. In some parts, the trail narrows quite a bit by encroaching trees and bushes. We had to do a lot of cutting and trimming in places to allow our rig to pass without getting scratched up. Still, we had a great time and will be back again in the Spring when the wild flowers are in full bloom. Look for a detailed report on the White Canyon Trail later this Spring. In the meantime, enjoy a few pics.

White Canyon Trail, Superior, Arizona
On Battle Axe Road at the entrance of the trail off Highway 177.
White Canyon Trail, Superior, Arizona
Warning sign at the entrance to the trail.
White Canyon Trail, Superior, Arizona
View of the trail a 1/2 mile from the entrance.
White Canyon Trail, Superior, Arizona
The trail passes through several washes like this one.
White Canyon Trail, Superior, Arizona
Another view of the trail.
Arizona's White Canyon Trail
A breathtaking view of White Canyon looking west.
Arizona's White Canyon Trail
Unable to get around this tree, we had to hack our way through a detour.
Arizona's White Canyon Trail
Approaching White Canyon Butte.
Arizona's White Canyon Trail
The dip in the trail here is much deeper than it looks.
Arizona's White Canyon Trail
One of my favorite pics during our two-day visit on the White Canyon Trail.
White Canyon Trail, Superior, Arizona
Boondocking in the White Canyon Wilderness at sunset.
About Mello Mike 820 Articles
Mello Mike is an Arizona native, author, and the founder of Truck Camper Adventure. He's been RV'ing since 2002, is a certified RVIA Level 1 RV Technician, and has restored several Airstream travel trailers. A communications expert and licensed ham radio operator (KK7TCA), he retired from the U.S. Navy in 2004 as a CWO3 after 24 years, holds a BS degree, and now runs Truck Camper Adventure full-time. He also does some RV consulting, repairs, and inspections on the side. He currently rolls in a 4WD Ram 3500 outfitted with a SherpTek truck bed with a Bundutec Roadrunner mounted on top.