Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is AZOFFROAD.NET?
A: The goal of our website is to provide fellow adventurers and off-road enthusiasts with a collection of free, useful information to help promote both responsible use of the trails as well as provide new information for newcomers and seasoned offroaders alike.
Q: Is this a club?
A: No, AZOFFROAD.NET is not a club. Just a group of fellow enthusiasts. Many trips are taken with just 1-2 people. In the future, we’d like to do a meetup or group ride, but for now, we do trips in our free time with family and friends.
Q: Do you recommend any off-road clubs?
A: Yes, Arizona is lucky enough to have numerous great clubs. We are personally a part of the Arizona Virtual Jeep Club (AZVJC), Splorin’ 4x4 (based out of Surprise), and other smaller offroad groups on social media sites like Arizona Offroad on Facebook. There are a lot of great regional rider clubs across the state for both ATV’s and dirtbikes as well as Jeeps and other 4x4’s.
Q. Do you host/lead any trips?
A. At this time, we do not host or lead any public trips. The trips we take are done on our free time which varies from month-to-month and throughout the year. Due to the interest, we will likely do group trips in the future. Stay tuned to our social media for updates.
Q. Why do you take solo trips? Is it safe?
A. Solo trips have long been categorized as dangerous & unsafe by many. While there is certainly a level of risk involved, many can be mitigated. It is crucial to know your vehicle, keep up with maintenance, and know how to do simple repairs. Carrying extra parts and tools is important should something go wrong. In addition, carrying extra food and water is absolutely critical. Some kind of two-way communicator (GPS device, SAT-phone, or Personal Locater Beacon) allow you to communicate in remote areas and request help if you need it. While this only scratches the surface — with proper planning & preparation, a solo-trip can be a rewarding experience for some, but is not recommended for all.
Q: Why is everything free?
A: We believe in sharing information as correctly and responsibly as possible as a way to further our hobby and sport for future generations. We focus on creating quality and accurate content. Unlike other sites, we don’t believe in charging fees for access to common public knowledge. If you would like to help support us, visit our advertisers and/or make a donation via Paypal.
Q: What is the number next to each trail title mean?
A: That is the difficulty of the trail out of 10. The higher it is, the more difficult the trail is. You can see an explanation of each number rating here.
Q: What is the difference between a loop, one-way, out & back, and point-to-point trail?
A: We use different trail types to designate how you will navigate on the trail and where you will be at the end of the trail. Loop trails begin and end at the same point. One-way trails (also referred to as through trails) begin at one point and end at another, usually more civilized or populated place. Street legal vehicles are able to continue on the highway — for example the Apache Trail or Backway to CK. Point-to-point trails are similar to one-way trails, but usually end in the middle of nowhere, along another trail in the area, or have multiple exit routes. An example is El Camino del Diablo. Out & back trail types require you to complete the trail in both directions due to some sort of physical barrier or closure at the end of the trail. An example is the Tip Top Mine Trail or Big Eye Mine Trail.
Q: What are current trail conditions?
A: We can’t be 100% certain on the condition of a trail at any time, but most trail conditions are accurate within the last year or two. We try and hit each trail when we can and/or monitor club trail reports to get the latest updates. The most accurate conditions will be found by contacting the land agency for each specific trail. This will often be Bureau of Land Management or U.S. Forest Service. Each trail lists the land agency in charge of the trail and a phone number. If you run a trail and find it is different than described on our website, please contact us so we can update the page.
Q: Why do some trails/trips say “coming soon”?
A: Unfortunately, this website isn’t our full time job. We try to add new content and update the website as often as possible, but we get busy with school and work from time to time. At the minimum, we try and update weekly.