Backway to Crown King
Schedule
Thu May 28 2026 at 10:00 am to 04:00 pm
UTC-07:00Location
Shell Gas Station (34951 N Lake Pleasant Pkwy Sec, Peoria, AZ 85383) | New River, AZ
Duration: 4-6 hrsWeekday Wheelers Only
Trail rating: 6-7
GMRS - Channel 20
10:00 a.m. Meet at "Shell Gas Station" (Corner of AZ-74 W Carefree Hwy & N Lake Pleasant Pkwy)
10:15 a.m. Driver's Meeting
10:30 a.m. Hard roll out to Trail
Vehicle requirements: Modified 4x4's with larger tires and HIGH CLEARANCE will be necessary.
Backway to Crown King is a point-to-point off-road trail ascending 5,000 vertical feet over a 25-mile trek. The trail begins as an easy, hard-packed dirt road following along the northern borders of the Lake Pleasant Regional Park. As you trek through the open desert landscape, you'll pass through several secluded residential areas.
After turning onto the Crown King Trail drivers begin to encounter rocky and bumpy sections, with several steep grades and multiple optional obstacles to test vehicle limitations on. The trail continues to make its way up the Bradshaw Foothills providing breathtaking views of nearby mountains and valleys. Drivers will pass through the Transition Life Zone and encounter fields of scrub brush and juniper trees.
About 2/3 of the way, the road becomes a true 4-wheel drive trail with boulder-filled creek crossings, narrow shelf roads, steep rocky ledge climbs, and blind corners. Difficulty varies yearly based on road maintenance, weather, and use. Many obstacles along the way can damage any vehicle.
As you climb into the Ponderosa Pine forest, winter snow can make travel impassable. The road once again levels off and becomes an easy, hard-packed dirt road as your journey ends near the old mining town of Crown King.
Expect this trail to be an all-day affair, as it can take 3-5 hours to complete just the Backway portion. The return back to town can take an additional couple of hours.
Trail Etiquette :
>We stop for all turn offs to make sure we have everyone
>Please keep the Jeep behind you in sight during the ride
>Need one acknowledgement minimum on all radio communications
>No drinking alcohol or marijuana use during runs
**There are inherent risks and dangers while off roading. AZ Weekday Wheelers club coordinators Tony and Nicole Tudisco are not responsible for any and all risks of injury, harm, medical conditions, or property damage to participants. All participants (on behalf of him/her self and his/her minor children) are responsible for their own safety and assumes all liabilities and waives any and all damages against AZ Weekdays Wheelers (including its organizers, hosts, sponsors, and members).**
Where is it happening?
Shell Gas Station (34951 N Lake Pleasant Pkwy Sec, Peoria, AZ 85383), 34949 N Lake Pleasant Pkwy, Peoria, AZ 85383, United States, New River
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