Back Road to Crown King
Back Road to Crown King is a hard 25 miles off-road trail near Black Canyon City, AZ. It requires a properly built 4x4 with 33"+ all-terrain tires, 3"+ lift kit, 4WD with low range and is best run Year-round. Stock trucks and Jeeps are not recommended; plan on the required modifications before attempting it.
Trail Conditions
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The Back Road to Crown King is one of Arizona's most legendary off-road routes, climbing from the desert floor near I-17 through the rugged Bradshaw Mountains to the historic mining town of Crown King. The trail features narrow shelf roads carved into mountainsides, steep switchbacks, and creek crossings that increase in difficulty as you climb. The reward at the top is the Crown King Saloon, a rustic bar that has served miners and adventurers since 1898.
Fun Facts
Crown King was a gold and silver mining town established in the 1880s.
The Crown King Saloon has been operating since 1898, making it one of Arizona's oldest bars.
Cleator, a near-ghost town on the route, was originally called Turkey Creek Station.
The road was originally built as a rail route for the Prescott & Eastern Railroad to haul ore.
🛞 Tires
🔧 Suspension
⚙️ Drivetrain
🪢 Recovery
🛡️ Protection
Closest campgrounds to Back Road to Crown King:
- Cordes Junction Motel & RV Park · Cordes Junction · 15 mi
- Rafter Eleven · Dewey · 23 mi
- Juniper Mesa RV Park · Prescott · 24 mi
- Point of Rocks Campground · Prescott · 24 mi
Where to Camp
GPS Coordinates
Import into Gaia GPS, OnX Offroad, or Garmin
Map of Black Canyon City, AZ
5-Day Forecast
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
This trail rewards preparation. Run these tools before you load up, the numbers matter.
Tire Size Calculator
Convert tire sizes and compare diameter differences before you swap.
Running 35s or 37s? Confirm fitment and sidewall height before you go.
Gear Ratio Calculator
Find the right gear ratio after lifting or upsizing tires.
Low-range crawl ratio is everything on technical terrain, calculate yours first.
Wheel Fitment Calculator
Calculate backspacing and offset so wider wheels clear your suspension.
Extra wheel width = extra clearance on tight lines. Check offset before buying.
MPG Calculator
Estimate fuel economy after a tire upgrade, important for remote runs.
Bigger tires cut MPG. Plan your fuel stops for this trail.
Trail Matchmaker
Not sure this trail matches your rig's current build? Find out fast.
Answer 6 questions and confirm Back Road to Crown King is right for your setup, or find a better match.