This trail is 16 miles one way (one way out and one way in) and takes between 2-4 hours to complete. It crosses wide-open farmland and weaves its way towards Belmont Mountain on It is a fairly easy trail. It climbs towards numerous remnants and mines around Belmont Mountain before ending at Vulture Mine road, offering plenty to be explored. Because the staging for this trail is so far into the trail, other vehicles will be traveling about 5 miles more to get to the CAP where the trail “officially” starts. Take note as you pass, if you want to loop back to this point after completing the trail (slightly more difficult) this is where you will come out. Begin riding on the wide, flat trail north from the CAP. Stay right at 0.8 miles and stay left at 1.3 miles. Stay right when the trail forks again at 2.5 miles. The trail crosses a wash and begins to climb and become rockier. After you round a small hill, you will begin to see Belmont Mountain which has distinctive mining activity on its south face. At 4.3 miles, the trail goes around a washed out section and begins to climb to Belmont Mine. The right side of this portion of the trail is heavily eroded, make sure to stay as far left as possible to avoid any unnecessary challenge. On a quick side note, in the past we had to help someone with a 2WD stock truck get out of this small ditch he got stuck in while trying the trail. The hill isn’t hard but clearance and careful tire placement makes it easier.

Directions:

From the interchange of I-10 & Loop 101, head west on I-10 for 37 miles. Take exit 98 (Wintersburg Road) and turn right. Turn left at Indian School road. After 1 mile, turn right onto 387th Ave. Follow this north for four miles past dairy farms and a few small houses. The road turns to dirt near a row of houses and then turns left to become Northern Ave. Follow this west 1 mile and then turn right onto 395th Ave. Bear left and follow the road for an additional 2.5 miles until it crosses the CAP (Central Arizona Project). The best staging is found off to the right just after the CAP. Coordinates for this are: 33°35'19.86"N 112°55'15.28"W. Reset trip odometer as you leave the staging area just after crossing over the CAP. The trail: Because the staging for this trail is so far into the trail, other vehicles will be traveling about 5 miles more to get to the CAP where the trail “officially” starts. Take note as you pass, if you want to loop back to this point after completing the trail (slightly more difficult) this is where you will come out.