Four Peaks Backcountry, Hard 4x4 trail in Fountain Hills, AZ
    Hard
    Hidden Gem

    Four Peaks Backcountry

    Fountain Hills, AZ•Southwest

    Four Peaks Backcountry is a hard 40+ miles off-road trail near Fountain Hills, AZ, best run October - May. The gear list marks 33"+ mud-terrain tires, 3"+ lift kit, 4WD with low range and Recovery straps as required, and Winch as recommended. Stock trucks and Jeeps are not recommended without the required build parts.

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    Four Peaks Backcountry takes you into the rugged desert mountains east of Phoenix, ascending from Sonoran Desert to mountain pine forest. The trail system accesses Arizona's only amethyst mine and the base of the iconic Four Peaks, visible from across the Valley. Rocky creek crossings, steep grades, and increasingly technical terrain reward adventurers with sweeping views of the Verde Valley and Theodore Roosevelt Lake.

    Fun Facts

    #1

    Four Peaks is home to Arizona's only commercially viable amethyst deposit.

    #2

    The four peaks are visible from much of the Phoenix metro area, reaching 7,657 feet.

    #3

    Archaeological evidence shows humans have visited the area for over 7,000 years.

    #4

    The amethyst found here is known for its deep purple color, among the finest in the world.

    Length
    40+ miles
    Elevation
    2,000 - 7,657 ft
    Best Season
    October - May
    Permit
    Not Required
    Amethyst mineDesert wildflowersCreek crossingsVerde Valley viewsRemote

    🛞 Tires

    required
    33"+ mud-terrain tires

    🔧 Suspension

    required
    3"+ lift kit

    ⚙️ Drivetrain

    required
    4WD with low range

    🪢 Recovery

    recommended
    Winch
    required
    Recovery straps

    🛡️ Protection

    required
    Rock sliders
    required
    Skid plates
    1
    El Oso Road Start
    33.6234, -111.3456
    2
    Amethyst Mine TH
    33.6789, -111.3123
    3
    Four Peaks TH
    33.6867, -111.3289

    Closest campgrounds to Four Peaks Backcountry:

    Straight-line distance. Check the map for drive time.

    Where to Camp

    6 campgrounds within 30 miles of this trail

    Arizona|8 mi|13 min
    $$
    200 sites
    Season: All Year
    Arizona|12 mi|20 min
    $$
    11 sites
    Arizona|18 mi|31 min
    $$
    211 sites
    Fort McDowell, Arizona|20 mi|35 min
    150 sites
    Season: All Year
    Arizona|22 mi|37 min
    $$
    5 sites
    Season: Seasonal
    Apache Junction, Arizona|23 mi|39 min
    683 sites
    Season: All Year

    GPS Coordinates

    33.6867, -111.3289

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