Box T Trail

Tomkins Trail is 4.66 miles near Camp Verde, in the Verde Ranger District of Prescott National Forest, as trail number 0513. The typical grade is 10 to 12 percent, so there is steady climbing across the whole distance rather than one short pitch. The tread is native material; the class is 2. Hiking, horses, bicycles and ATVs are all listed as allowed uses, which makes this shared ground with possible motorized traffic. Trailhead directions are not posted or water details for it, so check with the district office before you make the drive out.

Ryal Canyon Trail runs about 2.55 miles in the Prescott National Forest, under the Verde Ranger District, and carries the number 0521. It is open to hiking, horseback riding, bicycles and all terrain vehicles, so quiet and motorized users share the same tread. Grades run from 10 to 12 percent, a firm climb over a fairly short distance. The surface is native material, dirt and rock without paving, and it is rated trail class 2. Dust and noise are part of a shared use route. Ask the Verde Ranger District about conditions and any seasonal closures before you go.

Porcupine Mountain Trail runs about 4.28 miles in the Prescott National Forest. The Verde Ranger District looks after it, and maps show it as trail 0518. Allowed uses are hiking and horseback riding. The tread is native material, so the path is dirt and rock rather than pavement. Grades run between 5 and 8 percent, a steady climb rather than a flat walk. It is rated trail class 2, which means a simple path with little building work done to it. The route was once called Squaw Peak Trail and now carries the Porcupine Mountain name. Ask the Verde Ranger District about current conditions before you drive out.

Arnold Trail is one of the shortest trails we list near Camp Verde, at 0.34 miles. It sits in the Verde Ranger District of Prescott National Forest and carries the number 0510. The typical grade runs 5 to 8 percent, so it climbs steadily without being steep. The surface is native material, and the trail class is 2. Hiking, horses and bicycles are all listed as allowed uses. A trail this short usually works as a link between longer routes rather than as a walk on its own. We do not yet hold parking or trailhead details for it, so check with that office before you set off.

Copper Falls Trail runs about 3.11 miles in the Prescott National Forest, under the Verde Ranger District, and is numbered 0504. Hiking, horseback riding and bicycles are all allowed. Grades run from 8 to 10 percent, a moderate steady climb. The surface is native material, so it is dirt and rock. It is rated trail class 3, which means a more developed path than the plainest routes nearby, with a clearer tread. The shorter length makes it a reasonable half day outing rather than a full one. Check with the Verde Ranger District on conditions and any closures before heading out.

Arnold Trail is one of the shortest trails we list near Camp Verde, at 0.34 miles. It sits in the Verde Ranger District of Prescott National Forest and carries the number 0510. The typical grade runs 5 to 8 percent, so it climbs steadily without being steep. The surface is native material, and the trail class is 2. Hiking, horses and bicycles are all listed as allowed uses. A trail this short usually works as a link between longer routes rather than as a walk on its own. We do not yet hold parking or trailhead details for it, so check with that office before you set off.

Buckskin Trail is 1.88 miles near Camp Verde, in the Red Rock Ranger District of Coconino National Forest, as trail number 179. The typical grade is 5 to 8 percent, moderate throughout, and the surface is native material. The trail class is 1, the least developed class, so expect rough tread and light marking rather than a graded path. The allowed uses are not posted, so ask before you ride. On a class 1 trail the navigation matters as much as the distance: carry a map and do not rely on signs at junctions.

Camp Verde Trail is the longest route in this set, at 12.42 miles, and it sits in the Verde Ranger District of Prescott National Forest as trail number 0545. The typical grade is 8 to 10 percent, which over that distance adds up to real climbing. Native material underfoot, class 3. Hiking, horses, bicycles and ATVs are all listed as allowed uses, so expect shared traffic. A trail this long needs planning: water, weather, daylight and a way back. Trailhead and water details are not posted, so start with the district office rather than with the map alone.