7 Best Off-Roading & Jeep Tours in Arizona This Fall

When Arizona’s summer heat finally gives way to cooler fall breezes, off-roaders know it’s their moment.

September and October are the months when the desert opens up like an adventure playground.

From Sedona’s iconic red rocks to Crown King’s legendary climb, we’ve handpicked the “best of the best” off-roading and Jeep tour spots that make fall in Arizona unforgettable.

Best of the Best Off-Roading & Jeep Tour Spots

1. Sedona Trails (Broken Arrow, Soldier Pass, Diamondback Gulch)

Sedona is the poster child of Arizona Jeeping — red rock spires, rugged trails, and views that could be straight out of a movie set.

Broken Arrow is a technical playground, Soldier Pass adds historic caves and sinkholes, while Diamondback Gulch offers pure thrills.

• Permits & Fees: A Red Rock Pass may be required for parking at trailheads.
• Difficulty Rating: Moderate to challenging depending on the trail (Broken Arrow being the toughest).
• Trail Length & Duration: 3–6 miles; expect 1–3 hours.
• Camping: Nearby campgrounds like Manzanita or Chavez Crossing are perfect for overnight stays.
• Fuel & Service Availability: Gas and full services available in Sedona town, just minutes away.
• Local Jeep Tour Operators: Pink Jeep Tours is iconic here, offering guided trips daily.
• Nearby Food & Rest Stops: Don’t miss a meal at Sedona’s Cowboy Club or grab coffee at Indian Gardens Café.

2. Apache Trail (AZ-88)

The Apache Trail is where history meets adrenaline. This former stagecoach route winds past canyons, lakes, and towering cliffs.

• Permits & Fees: Some areas require a Tonto Pass, especially near Canyon Lake.
• Difficulty Rating: Easy to moderate — mostly dirt roads with narrow cliffside stretches.
• Trail Length & Duration: About 40 miles; allow 4–5 hours with stops.
• Camping: Canyon Lake and Lost Dutchman State Park nearby offer great camping.
• Fuel & Service Availability: Gas up in Apache Junction; no fuel along the route.
• Local Jeep Tour Operators: Apache Trail Tours in Goldfield Ghost Town is a solid choice.
• Nearby Food & Rest Stops: Stop at Tortilla Flat for burgers and its quirky saloon atmosphere.

3. Box Canyon (Florence)

Box Canyon is a slot canyon experience in the heart of the desert. Narrow sandstone walls rise dramatically as you drive through, making it one of the most photogenic trails in Arizona.

• Permits & Fees: Typically free, but check BLM regulations.
• Difficulty Rating: Moderate — expect sandy washes and tight squeezes.
• Trail Length & Duration: About 15 miles; 2–3 hours.
• Camping: Primitive camping allowed in surrounding desert areas.
• Fuel & Service Availability: Closest gas is in Florence; no services on the trail.
• Local Jeep Tour Operators: Several Phoenix-based off-road tour companies include Box Canyon.
• Nearby Food & Rest Stops: Florence has great local diners like LB Cantina.

4. Four Peaks Trail

If you’re after stunning views of mountains and desert, Four Peaks Trail delivers. It’s a winding route with scenery that shifts from saguaros to alpine forest.

• Permits & Fees: Tonto Pass is required.
• Difficulty Rating: Moderate with rocky inclines and narrow stretches.
• Trail Length & Duration: 28 miles; 3–5 hours.
• Camping: Multiple dispersed camping spots along the route.
• Fuel & Service Availability: Fuel up in Fountain Hills or Apache Junction before starting.
• Local Jeep Tour Operators: Mild to Wild Jeep Tours occasionally run guided trips here.
• Nearby Food & Rest Stops: Try Euro Pizza Café in Fountain Hills after the ride.

5. Schnebly Hill Road

Few trails scream Sedona adventure like Schnebly Hill Road. Panoramic views of the red rocks make this a Jeep tour favorite.

• Permits & Fees: A Red Rock Pass is required for parking.
• Difficulty Rating: Moderate — bumpy, rocky road, not ideal in wet weather.
• Trail Length & Duration: 12 miles; 1–2 hours.
• Camping: Schnebly Hill Vista area has primitive camping spots.
• Fuel & Service Availability: Fuel available in Sedona.
• Local Jeep Tour Operators: Pink Jeep Tours dominates here, with daily departures.
• Nearby Food & Rest Stops: Grab pizza at Hideaway House in Sedona post-ride.

6. Crown King Trail

Crown King is the off-road rite of passage — climbing from desert floor to pine forest and ending in a historic mining town.

• Permits & Fees: No special permits, but OHV decal required for some vehicles.
• Difficulty Rating: Difficult — steep climbs, rocky sections, and tight switchbacks.
• Trail Length & Duration: 27 miles; 4–6 hours.
• Camping: Dispersed camping near Crown King and Bradshaw Mountains.
• Fuel & Service Availability: Very limited; fuel up before leaving Lake Pleasant.
• Local Jeep Tour Operators: Crown King Jeep Rentals offer guided rides.
• Nearby Food & Rest Stops: Don’t miss the rustic Crown King Saloon for burgers and cold beer.

7. Montana Mountain Loop

Remote, rugged, and breathtaking — Montana Mountain Loop offers one of the best full-day Jeeping experiences in Arizona.

• Permits & Fees: No special permit required, but check Forest Service updates.
• Difficulty Rating: Moderate with some steep climbs and rocky patches.
• Trail Length & Duration: 27 miles; 5–7 hours.
• Camping: Plenty of dispersed camping spots throughout the Superstition Mountains.
• Fuel & Service Availability: Fuel up in Superior, as services are nonexistent on the trail.
• Local Jeep Tour Operators: Some Phoenix-based operators run guided loops.
• Nearby Food & Rest Stops: Superior’s Jade Grill serves delicious Asian fusion after your ride.

Conclusion

Fall is hands-down the best time to explore Arizona’s rugged beauty by Jeep.

Whether you’re carving through Sedona’s red rocks, tracing history along the Apache Trail, or conquering the legendary Crown King climb, the state offers endless adventure.