Hartman Wash/Hartman Homestead

Trail Overview

Beginning this trail from the north, you can access it directly off Highway 60--just don't forget to close the gate as you pass through it. The sand isn't super deep or soft as wash trails go, but airing down would be helpful. As it crosses under the bridge at Ye Old Highway, it's worth stopping to observe the wonderful artwork underneath. A vehicle with a rooftop tent can pass beneath the bridge, but a spotter would be a good idea. After the bridge, the wash meanders along and is generally relatively easy. There are the occasional deep washouts and sandy, loose, tight, deep corners. Paint damage may be inevitable. Once out of the wash, you'll emerge at the 1930s homestead of the Hartmans. Nothing remains but an old concrete pad by a large tree and a steel sign. The trail gets very narrow from here, with deep washouts and tight corners with more sharp desert trees. There is a steep, loose hill climb, and it crests to reveal a stunning view of the surrounding mountains. The diverse plant life is outstanding, with all kinds of desert plants in full bloom in the springtime if there is a wet winter. There are a few bars of Verizon 3G cellular service. Downloading offline maps before adventuring is advised. Be sure to bring lots of water and extra supplies, as the desert can be harsh if you run out.

Photos of Hartman Wash/Hartman Homestead

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Difficulty

This trail is rated for the occasional tight, deep sandy transitions and deep washouts that could catch a low-hanging trailer receiver. There is also a long, loose hill climb. Paint damage is guaranteed with larger vehicles due to the aggressively sharp desert plants along the trail in its narrow sections.

History

This route is on Arizona State Trust Land. This land requires a yearly permit that can be purchased and printed online. The permits allow certain recreational activities, including camping, bicycling, bird watching, GPS-based recreational activities (geocaching), hiking, horseback riding, off-highway vehicle (OHV) usage, photography, picnicking, and sightseeing. There are a few permit options depending on your use type: An Individual Permit is $15 and grants a single person access to State Trust Land for the above-listed purposes. The permit is good for one year from the date of purchase. A Family Permit costs $20 and grants a family unit (two adults and their children under 18) access to State Trust Land for the above-listed activities. The permit is good for one year from the date of purchase. A Small-Group Permit costs $15 and grants up to 19 people access to State Trust Land locations for five consecutive days for certain types of non-commercial recreational activities, including the above-listed activities. The permit is good for one year from the date of purchase. A Large-group Permit is for a group larger than 20 people. You must apply for this size separately online and be approved for group activities of this size. Responsibilities: Permittee(s) shall respect the land and adhere to the terms and conditions of the permit at all times. Permittee(s) shall comply with all federal, state, county, and municipal laws and ordinances while on State Trust Land. The Permittee(s) shall have the permit with them at all times while recreating on State Trust Land and have it readily available if stopped by law enforcement or any State Land Department staff. The Permittee(s) shall not remove natural products from or visit archaeological sites on State Trust Land. The Permittee(s) shall not create or leave any trash on State Trust Land, except for geocaches placed according to ASLD. The Permittee(s) shall not discharge a firearm on State Trust Land except pursuant to lawful and licensed hunting. An ASLD Recreational Permit is not required for individuals with a valid hunting and fishing license who are actively pursuing game or fish. The Permittee(s) shall only participate in OHV usage on State Trust Land with an ASLD Recreational Permit and an OHV decal or license plate. The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) is the issuing agency for the OHV decal, certificates of title, registrations, and license plates.

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