The best gravel rides in Coronado National Forest

Beginning of the gravel section, in good condition as of 2025

Roadside views of twin rock columns reaching tall into the sky. a short spur road crosses the creek and leads north off Cave Creek Road to Sunny Flat Campground.

Dead end gravel road off Cave Creek Road, with panoramic views of the Chiricahua mountain range.

Stewart Campground is a cool, shady streamside camp situated under the canopy of Arizona cypress and sycamore trees. The campground, and nearby Cave Creek Nature Trail and South Fork Trail, offer excellent birding. A spur trail across the road links to the Cave Creek Nature Trail. A short distance up the canyon, the Cathedral Vista Trail leads to unobstructed views of Cave Creek Canyon. Though this short, easy stroll has little elevation change, the view it presents is impressive. Sites at Stewart have pull-ins making it one of the better places along Cave Creek for camping if you have an RV. Trailers up to 16 feet are permitted. Note: Black bears are in the area. Store and dispose of all food and garbage in bear-safe containers and trash receptacles. Campsites: Single Site: $20 per night. With Golden Age, Golden Access, Interagency Senior or Interagency Access Pass $10.

Paradise is near, just 5 miles from this junction of Portal and Cave Creek Roads. The way to Paradise goes via the Paradise Cemetery, of course ;-)

The Portal Bunkhouse is a two-room cabin located one mile west of Portal, Arizona. Constructed in 1933 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Bunkhouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The structure is one of the finest remaining examples of river-cobble masonry construction from that era. In the neighboring building is a live snake exhibit with a dozen terrariums of snakes that live in the surrounding area. There are restrooms and drinking water fountain open to the public. https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/coronado/recreation/portal-bunkhouse The Portal Bunkhouse is a two-room cabin, suitable for up to four people. It has electricity, heater, and running water. The cabin has a bedroom with bathroom including a shower, sink, and toilet; and a kitchen with a dining area. The bedroom has a twin-over-double bunk bed and a single bed. A small dinette with seating for four is located in the kitchen, which is equipped with a stove, oven, microwave, refrigerator, and coffee pot. Pots, pans, utensils, and dishes are provided. Outside, guests can use the propane grill and picnic table for outdoor dining. It can be reserved for $100 per night, for up to 14 days https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/250019 Although the cabin has amenities for comfortable lodging, guests will need to provide some of their own supplies, including food, sleeping bags or linens, pillows, towels, dish soap, matches, a first aid kit, toilet paper, and garbage bags. It is recommended that guests bring additional drinking water, and a flashlight in case of emergencies. The Portal Bunkhouse is located at the entrance to Cave Creek Canyon at an elevation of 5,000 feet. The canyon's soaring cliffs, with their caves and pinnacles, are often described as "Arizona's 'Secret' Grand Canyon." Cave Creek, a perennial stream, flows through the canyon nearby. The diverse wildlife that can be seen in the canyon include a stunning variety of bird species. Cave Creek Canyon is located on the eastern slope of the Chiricahua Mountains in southeastern Arizona, about 2.5 hours from Tucson. It is world-renowned for its dramatic rock formations and diverse wildlife. Birding is exceptional year-round, and particularly rewarding during the summer months. Hiking and rock-climbing are also popular activities, and picnic areas dot the canyon for its many hikers.

The Arizona Trail leads directly through the small town of Patagonia. At Patagonia Market (open from 5am until 8pm!) and Red Mountains Foods you can refill your supplies. The only hotel in town is the Stage Stop Inn, which offers a discount for AZT hikers/bikers and has a hiker box available. If the hotel is fully booked, comfortable accommodation is available through AirBnB. Wifi and a great breakfast is available at the Gathering Grounds.

Just past the ghost town of Harshaw, is the somewhat controversial Hermosa Mine Project. Although you are in a very rural part of the state, due to the mining operations here please be aware and cautious of mining trucks and other large vehicles and heavy machinery pulling in and out of here. Please be courteous and give way to these trucks on these narrow roads through the high desert and mountains.