Stockyard Junction

Trail Overview

This trail appears to be an old railroad trail that runs parallel to the new railroad tracks. It is technically an out-and-back because it ends on private property at Stockyard Junction. The property has multiple trails leading to it and access across the new railroad. Access through the property is undetermined. There are tanks, structures, and old trailers on the private property. This trail has some large open areas for potential dispersed camping closer to the beginning. There are excellent views of the mountains. This area is open grazing for sheep and cattle, so be on the lookout for them in the middle of the trail. The trail is generally easy but has a couple of nasty sandy washes to navigate, with steep transitions and ruts that make driving off-camber. The area remains muddy for some time after a storm, and there aren't bypasses for all the muddy, rutted sections. This area gets very hot in the summer months. Bring extra water and supplies if traveling in the hot months. Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes.

Photos of Stockyard Junction

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Difficulty

Expect several washes to cross with steep or washed-out transitions. Some of them are off-camber. The trail is narrow in places, running along a ridge. There are long, muddy sections during the wet months that cannot be avoided.

History

This route is on Arizona State Land 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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