| Difficulty | Novice- Intermediate |
| Miles | Depends on route |
| Time | 1-3 days |
| Land | BLM, USFS, AZTL, Private |
| Max Elevation | Approximately 7,000 ft |
| Fuel Stint | 80+ miles |
Description
The Bradshaw Mountains expedition offers an exciting and challenging 4×4 adventure through the rugged landscapes of Arizona. With a difficulty level ranging from novice to intermediate, this expedition is perfect for off-road enthusiasts looking for a thrilling experience.
The expedition can take anywhere from 1 to 3 days, depending on the chosen route and the pace of the journey. The Bradshaw Mountains are known for their diverse terrain, which includes washed-out trails, boulder obstacles, deep sand, and narrow shelf roads. It is important to note that these trails can be demanding, and you should be prepared for potential vehicle damage and obstacles along the way.
The Bradshaw Mountains are located in various types of land, including BLM (Bureau of Land Management), USFS (United States Forest Service), AZTL (Arizona Trust Land), and private land. It’s crucial to respect private property and avoid trespassing while exploring the area.
With a maximum elevation of approximately 7,000 feet, the Bradshaw Mountains offer breathtaking views and pristine natural beauty. The trails in this collection often lead to the historical town of Crown King, Arizona, where you can explore the rich mining history and visit places like Bradshaw City and the gravesite of Isaac Bradshaw, a famous silver miner.
During the expedition, you’ll have the opportunity to discover abandoned places, gravesites, mines, and other historical attractions on public and state land. To help you navigate the area, there are downloadable GEOJson, GPX, and KML files available for you to use.
It is recommended to have a lightly modified 4×4 vehicle with at least a 2-inch lift and 33-inch tires to tackle the challenging terrain of the Bradshaw Mountains. While many of these roads are lightly used, it’s always wise to be prepared for any situation and never venture alone.
Please note that this collection contains technical obstacles, and it’s crucial not to attempt them alone. Safety should always be a top priority. Additionally, make sure to obtain a State Trust Land Permit, as it is recommended for this expedition.
The Bradshaw Mountains expedition promises stunning scenery, historical exploration, and an unforgettable off-road adventure. So gear up, grab your maps, and get ready to conquer the rugged beauty of the Bradshaw Mountains in Arizona.
Downloads
Download the GPS tracks, points of interest, and offline basemap for this self-guided tour.
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Trail Write-ups
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Boulder Pass Trail | The alternative route to Crown King
Boulder Pass Trail is a highly demanding 4WD adventure trail that will take 2 to 3 days to complete. This route incorporates Ruby Wash, a long-lost mild rock crawling trail. Its short distance will take you about 4.5 hours. This section is tight, overgrown with a single, highly technical waterfall. Heading north will take you…
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Day four | Crown King and the Swastika Mine
A mildly challenging trail and an awesome mine After a good night’s sleep, we woke up to prepare some breakfast and pack up camp. Our camp was located near China Dam, just north of Lake Pleasant along Humbug Creek. There was a good amount of water flowing in the creek. Little did we know, 15…
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Buckskin Canyon, Hassayampa River Wilderness and the UFO mine
A fantastic weekend with friends in the Bradshaw Mountains I was recently fooling around on Google Earth and came across a massive mining operation in the middle of nowhere. My intention was to research the next Arizona Backcountry Explorers Overland adventure, but we quickly got sidetracked, and boy, did we find a gem! This weekend…
Important information
This collection contains technical obstacles and should not be attempted alone.
There is a lot of private land along these routes. Please be respectful and don’t trespass on private land.
State Trust Land Permit recommended.