Backway to Crown King

Total Miles
25.0

Elevation

1,996.44 ft

Duration

5 Hours

Technical Rating

7

Difficult

Best Time

Summer

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Backway to Crown King
10

Trail Overview

The Backway to Crown King begins at Lake Pleasant and ends at the old mining town of Crown King. This historic route offers something for everyone, making it the most popular 4x4 trail in Arizona. While the majority of the trail is easy to moderate, you will find some very challenging obstacles to test your skills. Unlicensed vehicles are allowed on roads in Prescott National Forest. Keep it street legal on Cow Creek Road. The conditions on this trail are ever-changing. Depending on the season, you may encounter erosion and creek crossings. Be sure to check conditions before you go. Dogs are allowed. The little town of Crown King, named for the Crowned King Mine-the largest mine in the Bradshaw Mountians- offers up some history, a chance to refuel and has several options for food and lodging.

Photos of Backway to Crown King

Backway to Crown King
Backway to Crown King

Difficulty

Several steep and rocky climbs without a bypass are present. Winter snow melt can change conditions because of erosion.

Technical Rating

7

Status Reports

Dustin Maas
Sep 21, 2024
4x4
Open
Normal
Got in the trail before 0900 a few groups were assembling as we headed out… the usual obstacles all had a bypass option. There was one boulder obstacle 2/3rds the way to Crown King that required assistance (stacked rocks, tow strap and or winch). Thanks to the others out there that day that lended a hand and support. Other than that a beautiful trail and looking forward to bring others. Oh yeah there is some construction about 1/2 way through. A bypass is provided that gets joins back with the backroad trail. Enjoy!!
Kaleb Padgett
Jul 03, 2024
4x4
Open
Normal
Dusty
Rough/Deteriorated
This trail is a fun one. It is also rather long. The cool thing about this trail is that it has a ton of bypasses in the event you're not comfortable doing some of the more "intense" trails. There are beautiful views of the nature when you're on the cliffs. You'll start on the ground, but just keep going up up and away.
Thomas Stewart
Jun 10, 2024
2017 Jeep Wrangler
Open
Normal
Dusty
Update from last trip… made it to Crown King this time. The first 9 miles from the pavement is just a gravel road. When you see a sign about road work, you will need to go down into the creak and drive through. At about 24 miles, you will reach a red truck. That is a tough obstacle. Then a half mile after that is another tough obstacle. From there, you have about 4.5 miles to Crown King. 29.5 miles roughly from the pavement at Lake Pleasant.
Thomas Stewart
Jun 04, 2024
2017 Jeep Wrangler
Open
Normal
I only made it to about 8 miles past the sign that says 20 miles to CK. Had to turn back after I realized my front drive shaft was spinning greases everywhere. 4.5” lift with stock shaft. Ordered new shaft. I will finish this trail once I have that upgraded for the flex I’m getting on this trail!

Access Description

The trail starts at the west side of Lake Pleasant.

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