The Desoto Mine trail is the route less traveled by OHV’s to the popular town of Crown King. This trail should not be traveled alone. Plenty of water and supplies should be carried as help is far away. High ground clearance and experience with off road driving is needed to traverse this route safely. Route finding is complex so it is strongly recommended that you carry a Off Road GPS and an Off Road Trail Guide.
The trail begins on a washboard road through two historic town sites. The first of which is Bumble Bee Arizona. Founded in 1878, Bumble Bee was a stage stop on the Prescott-Phoenix stage line. Nothing much is left of the town other than old a few old buildings and some modern homes.
Further down the road, situated on the base of the Bradshaw foothills is the Town of Cleator. Established in 1903, the town grew from a train stop that fed the booming mining industry in the area. Some of the old structures are still in tact, but the main attraction today is the Cleator Bar. Despite the Bar’s resemblance to a stage prop in John Boorman’s movie “Deliverance” the bartender is quite friendly and can provide stories about the town’s undocumented history.
As you pass the town of Cleator on the main road pay close attention as the trail is easy to miss. Consult your Off Road Trail Guide or Off Road GPS to ensure that you have made the correct turn. As you ascend the hill you will notice old mining equipment and a water tank. The tailings from the Desoto Mine will be visible at the top of the hill. If you have enough time you may opt to take the trail up to the 
mineshaft. Do not enter, as it is private property and requires proper respiration equipment and headgear. I was fortune enough to meet a miner from Phoenix who gave us a complete tour of the shaft a few years back. There are deep underground springs and harsh chemicals to contend with. Pictures of this tour can be found by clicking here.
Once you pass the Desoto mine the trail becomes difficult. Winding hills and steep inclines /declines appear from the start and create “hold-your-breath” tippy situations. The further you climb away from the mine the more deescalate and beautiful the landscape becomes. The rolling hills of this area last for about 8 miles before descending into a rocky wash.
The wash is moderate trail for a vehicle with a short wheelbase and high ground clearance. Those with more aggressive vehicles may opt for the two optional waterfalls to off to the left. The wash area is short lived as you ascend up the hills. At this point the landscape quickly changes from desert to forest.
As you crest the hills you will find a great place to camp within a wooded area. Although this area is close to .Senator Highway (a washboard trail), the town of Crown King is still a few hours away. Finding the correct route to the so-called highway can be difficult as there is numerous forest service roads crossing the main trail. Again consult your Map or GPS device to ensure your headed in the right direction.
Once you reach Senator highway, make a left to head towards Crown King. The entire trail is about 15 miles. You should allow six to eight hours for the entire trip from Bumble Bee to Crown King.
This trail was found using the 'Guide to Arizona Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails' book. Discover this and many more trails in Arizona by purchasing your own copy today! With maps, turn-by-turn directions and GPS coordinates remove the guesswork and enjoy the beauty of the Arizona outdoors! If you’re planning a 4x4 trip, this guide is an invaluable resource. Click here for a full description and a where to buy!
Posted
Jun 27 2008, 11:34 PM
by
ryangibson