Region 1 Show Me Rides
Eastern Arizona
The high-country trails in eastern Arizona’s Region One are as scenic as they are rugged as you meander through a variety of habitat types from one picturesque White Mountain overlook to another. Elk, deer, turkeys, and other animals are common enough here to expect an encounter, and there are enough trout fishing opportunities in Region One to keep even the most dedicated trout angler active for quite some time! There are a variety of campgrounds and points of interest scattered throughout this area as well so you don’t have to worry about going home before you’ve had your fill of exploring!
We’ve designed this resource to help you plan your next OHV adventure more efficiently so you can focus on the unforgettable memories you’ll make from the trail. Find trail information below plus KMZ files and downloadable maps of designated OHV experiences throughout the region. Choose your next OHV adventure below...Then load up the trailer and point your rig to Eastern Arizona!
Attention Riders! All Region One Show Me Rides share a common staging area located here.
Click the “Explore Trails Statewide” button below to learn about Show Me Rides in other regions throughout the state!
Region 1 Trails (Eastern Arizona)
Big Lake- Ambassador
The AZ Ambassador trail ride is a 56-mile loop trail experience that is rated as moderate and shows riders a little of everything the White Mountains has to offer. You will explore the Auger Canyon area and associated mountainous country north of Alpine, AZ before looping south towards Luna Lake. If you need some refreshments or lunch, stop by the Alpine Grill before resuming the rest of this scenic ride. When you’re ready to move on from Alpine, the trail crosses HWY 191 and climbs to a maximum altitude of 9,200 feet before reaching the interesting and informative grave site of Oscar Schultz.
Some sections of the AZ Ambassador trail are pretty rocky so please use good judgement while navigating these areas. The entire trail traverses amazing wildlife habitat so be ready to see some of Arizona’s diverse species while experiencing this gorgeous slice of Eastern Arizona!
Big Lake - Bear Claw
The Bear Claw trail ride is approximately 65 miles in length, rated as moderate, and shows riders a variety of habitat types between Big Lake and Nutrioso, AZ. Bear Claw has a little bit of everything the White Mountains have to offer...Thick forest with aspens, spruce, or ponderosa pine trees, burned areas with lush undergrowth, rocky trails, open grasslands, large meadows, unimproved forest trails, and cool mountain lakes and rivers. Because the Bear Claw Trail encompasses so many habitat types, riders have a great chance of experiencing diverse White Mountain wildlife species like deer, elk, turkeys, and pronghorn antelope. During your ride, stop at the Big Lake store and talk with the locals, grab a snack, or cast a line for some high-country trout action in one of Arizona’s premier trout lakes!
Some sections of the trail are narrow with sharp switchbacks and some sections of the trail are rough and rocky. Please use caution while navigating blind turns and areas near larger roadways.
Big Lake- Grizzly
The Grizzly trail ride is a 78-mile loop trail ride that explores the areas around Nutrioso, AZ and Escudilla Mountain. Rated as a moderate trail, the Grizzly Trail travels through burn areas experiencing re-growth, narrow and steep forest trails, switchbacks, and blind turns. You’ll love the area along Mamie Creek and through the Auger canyon area. While on this section of the ride, don’t forget to visit the old ore smelter ruins! This ride passes through some of the most stunning Arizona scenery imaginable and the high country here is even pleasant during summer rides. There will be plenty of opportunities for wildlife encounters too! Elk, deer, and turkeys are pretty common along most of this trail and a rare off chance always exists to see wolves or bears!
Big Lake- Hannigan
The Hannigan Meadow lunch trail ride is a fun and challenging 72-mile trail experience in Arizona’s White Mountains. Some sections of this ride are only accessible by 4-wheel-drive because of steep, narrow, and off-camber trail sections. Many of these areas are also very rocky and have significant overgrowth that may scratch your OHV. Hannigan Meadow Lodge is along this route and is a great spot to stop for lunch during your adventure! Don’t forget to stop at the Balke Cabin for an interesting history lesson about the area. As with any of the rides in this area, the possibility is high of a wildlife encounter. Keep an eye out for elk, deer, turkeys, pronghorn antelope, and, if you’re really lucky, wolves and bears!
Big Lake- Slaughter
The Slaughter 88B trail ride is approximately 67 miles in length. The ride is rated easy—moderate and is very scenic. The ride travels through the East Fork of the Black River camping area, a very scenic and popular camping area for desert escapees. The ride will visit the PS Ranch house, PS Knoll fire tower, and Black River canyon view point. There will be a stop at the Big Lake store where participants can purchase fuel and other items and make use of the bathrooms. The ride travels on graded forest roads, unimproved forest roads, forest trails, through dense forest, through some burn areas, and some open grass areas. Some portions of the trail are rocky. There is a good possibility for viewing elk, deer, antelope, turkey, coyotes, and, rarely but possible, wolves. Ride participants need to bring water, snacks, lunch, and sufficient fuel for the ride.
