Carol Spring Mountain Off-Road Tour

The Carol Spring route is a stunning journey through one of Arizona’s most diverse and surprising landscapes. Beginning just off US‑60 near Chrysotile, this trail takes guests from open grasslands to dense pine forests, across valley floors, and over rugged mountain passes. It’s a dynamic, scenic adventure that blends peaceful wildlife viewing with dramatic elevation changes and sweeping vista points. This is a tour for guests who want to experience the full spectrum of Arizona’s backcountry terrain in a single unforgettable ride.

A young man wearing a cowboy hat looking out over the Upper Salt River at the Gleason Flat area during an off‑road tour near Chrysotile, Arizona.

Tour Highlights

    • Start at the edge of the Tonto National Forest near Chrysotile, AZ
    • Cross open fields where wild horses are often seen grazing
    • Navigate a shallow pond crossing and transition into forested terrain
    • Travel through a mature pine forest with towering trees and cool mountain air
    • Enjoy canyon overlooks and expansive plateau views
    • Descend a steep grade into a remote valley with historic cattle corrals
    • Climb out of the valley on a rugged mountain ascent
    • Complete the loop with a scenic road drive back to the meeting point

    A high‑angle view looking down on the Upper Salt River with surrounding canyon walls and distant mountains in the background near Gleason Flat, Arizona.
    The remnants of an old stone homestead along the off‑road route to the Upper Salt River near Gleason Flat, Arizona, with partially standing walls and desert scenery in the background.

    What to Expect 

    This tour offers a little bit of everything — open-range driving, forest trails, elevation changes, and wide‑open vistas. The route begins gently across fields and wetlands before climbing into a dense pine forest. As the terrain shifts, guests will experience a mix of smooth cruising sections and more technical climbs and descents.
    The steep drop into the valley and the later ascent over the mountain are thrilling but well within the capability of our vehicles and guides. Expect changing temperatures as you move between elevations, occasional wildlife sightings, and plenty of opportunities for photos at scenic stops.

    Who This Tour Is For

    This tour is ideal for:

    • Guests who want a diverse landscape experience rather than a single‑terrain route
    • Nature lovers hoping to see wild horses, cattle, and forest wildlife
    • Adventure seekers who enjoy elevation changes and varied terrain
    • Families or groups looking for a memorable, scenic off‑road outing
    • Visitors wanting a cooler, forested escape from the desert heat

    This route is moderately challenging but accessible to most guests. No prior off‑road experience is required.

    Two young boys playing in the shallow water of the Upper Salt River at Gleason Flat, Arizona, after stopping for lunch during an off‑road tour.
    A packed lunch laid out on a picnic surface, used to remind off‑road tour guests to bring a small cooler and lunch for their Gleason Flat Salt River adventure.

    What to Bring

    • Closed‑toe shoes
    • Weather‑appropriate clothing (temperatures vary with elevation)
    • Sunscreen and sunglasses
    • Water and snacks
    • Camera or phone for photos
    • Optional: light jacket for forested or higher‑elevation sections

    We provide unlimited drinking water to help you stay hydrated throughout the day.

    Ready for an unforgettable off‑road experience through forests, valleys, and mountain terrain? Book your Carol Spring Tour with Wilds of Arizona and enjoy a guided 2.5-3-hour ride showcasing some of the most varied and scenic landscapes near Chrysotile.