Autumn Adventures in Arizona: 8 Overland Trails to Conquer with PAKRAX Protection

Arizona’s mix of red rock canyons, pine-covered mountains, and desert washes makes it a fall overlanding paradise. Crisp nights, cooler days, and endless trail options — from Sedona classics to hidden desert loops. As always, having the proper protection, such as PAKRAX rock sliders, bed racks, and stiffeners, keeps your rig safe while you chase the season.

Trails

1. Schnebly Hill Road (Easy/Blue – 12 miles)

   • Highlights: Iconic Sedona red rock views, especially stunning in fall light.

   • Camping: Designated sites at the top near Schnebly Hill Vista.

   • Water: No natural sources, pack in what you need.

   • PAKRAX Tip: A bed rack makes hauling rooftop tents and camp gear easier on this bumpy but beginner-friendly route.

2. Broken Arrow Trail (Moderate/Blue – 3.5 miles)

   • Highlights: A Sedona bucket-list trail with slickrock climbs and overlooks.

   • Camping: Camping is not allowed on the trail; however, dispersed camping is available nearby, outside Sedona.

   • Water: None on the trail.

   • PAKRAX Tip: Sliders protect your rig from the stair-step ledges and tight rock crawls.

3. Apache Trail / AZ 88 (Easy/Blue – 40 miles)

   • Highlights: Historic route past Canyon Lake, Apache Lake, and Roosevelt Dam.

   • Camping: Plenty of campgrounds along the lakes.

   • Water: Lakes and river access along the route.

   • PAKRAX Tip: Bed stiffeners keep loads secure on washboard sections.

4. Bulldog Canyon (Easy – 20 miles total)

   • Highlights: Permit-only area near Mesa; rugged desert landscapes.

   • Camping: Dispersed camping is available inside the permit zone.

   • Water: No water sources; carry plenty.

   • PAKRAX Tip: Cargo bed slide makes accessing recovery gear and camp setups simple after a dusty trail day.

5. Box Canyon of Florence (Blue – 14 miles)

   • Highlights: Narrow canyon walls, mild rock crawling, great photo ops.

   • Camping: Dispersed sites outside the canyon.

   • Water: Seasonal water in the washes is unreliable.

   • PAKRAX Tip: Rock sliders are critical in tight canyon squeezes.

6. Four Peaks Trail (Blue – 28 miles)

   • Highlights: Climb from the desert floor into pine forests with epic overlooks.

   • Camping: Multiple dispersed camping opportunities in higher elevations.

   • Water: No reliable sources — pack in/out.

   • PAKRAX Tip: A roof rack helps haul extra gear when heading into cooler mountain temperatures.

7. Montana Mountain Loop (Blue – 24 miles)

   • Highlights: High desert scenery, switchbacks, and fall foliage at higher elevations.

   • Camping: Dispersed camping throughout Tonto National Forest.

   • Water: Limited — seasonal creeks, not reliable.

   • PAKRAX Tip: Bed stiffeners keep gear tied down on the rough switchbacks.

8. Smiley Rock Trail (Red – 18 miles)

   • Highlights: A rock-crawling gem near Prescott with boulder fields and creeks.

   • Camping: Dispersed camping options are available nearby in the Prescott National Forest.

   • Water: Seasonal creek crossings.

   • PAKRAX Tip: Rock sliders and a high-clearance bumper are musts here — this is where PAKRAX armor proves its worth.

Arizona is unbeatable in autumn: Sedona’s red rocks glow, mountain trails cool off, and desert washes open wide. Whether you’re just starting out on Schnebly Hill or testing yourself on Smiley Rock, the right gear makes all the difference. With PAKRAX sliders, bed racks, stiffeners, and bumpers, you can focus on the adventure — not the damage.