Sky Islands Backcountry Discovery Trail
- OTG Crew
- Jan 29
- 15 min read
Updated: Jun 24
The Sky Islands BDT Trail spans 964 miles through the rugged and stunning Madrean Sky Islands of southern Arizona, offering a unforgettable mix of mountain vistas, diverse terrain, and rich Old West history. From the legendary streets of Tombstone to the sacred Native American sites hidden in the mountains, this route is a must for those seeking adventure and a taste of Arizona’s wild past.
Route Overview
Trip Length & Season
Adventure Rating: Epic Trip Length: 964 miles, about 1-2 weeks
Digital Maps & GPX Files
Download Digital Mapping Files
If you need help working with digital mapping and GPX files, please check out our FAQ section.
Recommended Vehicle / Moto / Adventure Vans
Recommended Vehicle: Stock 4x4
Recommended Moto: While a big bike can handle the majority of the route, a mid-weight bike is recommended given some of the moderate terrain.
Adventure Vans: This route is right on the edge of what is recommended for Sprinters and Transit Vans (4x4/AWD). Beginners shouldn't attempt this track, but more experienced drivers who are accustomed to rocky and some off camber terrain may wish to give it a go. Expect to pick up your fair share of pinstripes on some of the tighter sections. Consider reading the details each segment as there are still long stretches that are still suitable for Sprinter and Transit Vans (4x4 / AWD). Segment 3 should be suitable for a Sprinter or Transit van.
Discovery Points
Sky Islands Segment 1
Santa Rita Mountains
Arizona Trail
Kentucky Camp
Cave of Bells
Onyx Cave
Empire Ranch
Hummel Ranch House
Mowry Mine ruins
Harshaw ghost town
Patagonia Museum
Patagonia
Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve Visitor Center
Telles Family Shrine
Boboquivari Mountains
Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge visitor center
Garcia Ranch
San Luis Mountains
Yellow Jacket mine
Pena Blanca lake
Historic Nogales
Historic Santa Cruz County Courthouse
Santa Cruz River
Patagonia Mountains
Huachuca Mountains
Duquesne living ghost town
Fray Marcos de Niza Historical Landmark
Lochiel
Coronado Memorial Overlook
Coronado Cave
Lavendar Open Pit Mine
Sky Islands Segment 2
Bisbee
Mule Mountains
Tombstone
O.K. Corral
Tombstone Courthouse Historic State Park
Council Rocks
Dragoon Mountains
Middlemarch Pass
Camp Rucker
Chiricahua Mountains
San Bernardino Volcanic Field
Douglas
Geronimo Trail
Slaughter Ranch and Museum
Chiricahua Desert Museum
Peloncillo Mountains
Cathedral Vista
Faraway historic ranch
Chiricahua National Monument
Massai Point
Butterfield Stage route
Fort Bowie Ruins (2nd site)
Sky Islands Segment 3
Heliograph Peak
Roper Lake state park
Klondyke ghost town
Galiuro Mountains
San Pedro River
Mt Lemmon
Peppersauce Cave
Permits & Papers
The following discovery points require day use fees (all can be bypassed without paying):
The following parks/sites are FREE:
Land Managers & Other Resources
A Note About Border Patrol
This route includes long stretches that parallels the US-Mexico border. These roads are commonly used by Customs and Border Protection. Be sure to keep an eye out for clouds of dust in the distance, and be sure to travel with a driver's license, insurance, and vehicle registration.
Adventure Badge
OTG has partnered with All Roads Taken to offer an adventure badge for this route.
Route Details
Segment 1: Green Valley to Bisbee
Trip Length & Season
Trip Length: 323 miles, 3-6 days
Season: October to mid-May usually provides the best weather, as the desert low lands regularly can exceed 110F during the warm season. While rather uncommon, snow may be encountered on higher elevation trails during winter. Check mapping apps or with Coronado National Forest for current conditions.
Technical Rating & Terrain
Avg Technical Rating: 2
Peak Technical Rating: 4
Typical Terrain: Expect a wide variety of terrain from undulating roads with errosive effects, wide dirt and gravel roads, narrow dirt roads through the mountain, and a reasonable amount of interconnecting pavement.
Recommended Vehicle / Moto / Adventure Vans
Recommended Vehicle: Stock 4x4
Recommended Moto: A mid-weight bike is recommended given some of the moderate terrain.
Adventure Vans: The vast majority of this track should be fine for Sprinter and Transit van 4x4s. There may be some sections that are more challenging for experienced drivers (tighter trails in the mountains, off camber terrain), particularly on segment 1. We'll let you decide if you feel you're ready to take on the Sky Islands BDT!
Fuel, Provisions and Recommended Gear
Fuel: Green Valley to Sonoita is 50 mi, Sonoita to Arivaca is 105 mi, Arivaca to Nogales is 95 mi, Nogales to Bisbee is 80 mi. Provisions: Provisions can be obtained in the same general vicinity as fuel. Gear: no specialized gear is recommended for this adventure.
Camping Recommendations
Dispersed camping is generally permitted on most BLM and national forest lands. Within Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge you'll need to stay at one of the 70+ designated sites (we've marked many of these within the GPX file). This segment passes through various sections of private property, so before you set up your dispersed camp, check to make sure you're on BLM, National Forest, or state land. Some of favorite our places to camp along segment 1 include:
Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge (anywhere with a good view!)
Onyx Cave vicinity (multiple dispersed sites within a few miles)
Kentucky camp vicinity
White Rock campground
Alternative Routes
n/a
The Basin and Range geological province spans much of the Mountain West and northern Mexico. In the southern reaches of Arizona and New Mexico, the Madrean Sky Islands emerge from the arid valleys and basins, creating mountains that seem to appear out of nowhere. The term "Madrean" refers to the Sierra Madre range of northern Mexico (Sonora), which is also part of the Sky Islands and the Basin and Range Province.
The Sky Islands are isolated mountain ranges that rise sharply from the surrounding desert floor, making them distinct "islands" of higher elevation within the broader Basin and Range Province. These mountainous "islands" create stark contrasts in vegetation and wildlife compared to the surrounding deserts. As the elevation increases, ecosystems shift dramatically, with lower elevations hosting desert flora such as creosote bush, mesquite, and cacti, while higher elevations support forests of pinyon pines, oak, and juniper. This diversity of habitats makes the Sky Islands an important area for a wide range of species, from Merriam's turkeys and mountain lions to endangered species like the Mexican spotted owl and the Arizona black rattlesnake.
These mountain ranges are situated on the edges of the Basin and Range Province, often where the mountains meet the desert. The formation of the Sky Islands, like other features in the Basin and Range, is the result of significant geological processes such as faulting and the stretching of the Earth's crust. These forces caused the mountains to rise dramatically above the surrounding valleys, creating the striking contrasts in elevation and habitat. Native tribes, such as the Hohokam and Pima, have long inhabited the area, utilizing the diverse resources of both the deserts and the mountains for food, shelter, and spiritual practices.
The Sky Islands Backcountry Discovery Trail explores diverse mountain ranges that transition from desert to semi-desert, and even temperate ecosystems. Over the course of 950+ miles, you'll experience a wide variety of landscapes and ecological zones. Segment 1 begins in Green Valley, about a 40-minute drive from downtown Tucson. Given the vast expanse the route covers, you can expect a significant portion (about 30%) of connecting pavement along the way. Your adventure kicks off by venturing into the Santa Rita Mountains.
As you enter the mountains, you'll travel through semi-desert grasslands that transition into oak savannas. The wide, graded Box Canyon Road takes you around the northern section of the Santa Ritas before turning south. As you traverse the eastern flank of the mountains, the road becomes narrower, steeper, and rockier in a few sections. Worthwhile stops along this section include a trio of discovery points: Kentucky Camp, Cave of the Bells, and Onyx Cave. The area around Onyx Cave also features dozens of dispersed campsites.
Crossing the highway, the track ventures into the Las Cienegas Conservation Area, which also boasts many fantastic campsites. Follow the route south and refuel in Sonoita if necessary. Eventually, you'll find your way back to dirt roads, climbing up another graded dirt road through the Canelo Hills and over Canelo Pass. Heading west across the valley, you’ll enter the Patagonia Mountains. The route passes by the old ghost town of Harshaw and eventually meets the pavement at the town of Patagonia. Heading northwest from Patagonia, the trail follows one of the more rugged and narrow sections of the route, but it’s nothing a stock 4x4 can’t easily manage.
Heading west, cross the interstate and follow the route to Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge. The grasslands and rolling savannahs create an African-like experience. The refuge is home to 80+ designated dispersed campsites. Keep an eye out for local fauna like pronghorn, coyote, and javelina. Jaguars have also been known to visit the refuge from time to time.
As you begin the long journey east, the track parallels the US-Mexico border for the next 130 miles. Keep an eye out for dust on the roads and trails ahead, as Border Patrol is active along this section of the route. The good news is that these roads are commonly used by other overlanders, adventure riders, hunters, and campers. The road winds through the San Luis Mountains (discovery point) and eventually passes the old Ruby ghost town, once open to the public. The graded dirt road eventually turns into pavement as it nears Nogales.
Upon reaching Nogales, you’re on the final leg of Segment 1. Nogales has a long history as a border town, dating back to its founding in the late 19th century, when it grew as a key point of trade between the United States and Mexico. Be sure to check out the historic downtown as you pass through. You’re now driving through the southern section of the Patagonia Mountains, not far from Harshaw ghost town. Speaking of ghost towns, Duquesne Road takes you through the living ghost town of Duquesne. While many old abandoned buildings remain, Duquesne still has a small handful of full-time residents. Duquesne and the nearby Camp Washington were both mining towns that emerged in the late 1800s, primarily focused on copper extraction. These towns were part of the larger mining boom in the region, where rich mineral deposits fueled the growth of mining operations and temporary settlements.
Continuing west along the border, worthwhile stops include the Fray Marcos de Niza Historical Landmark (discovery point). While passing through the San Rafael Ranch Natural Area, you may spot the grand ranch house in the distance. In 2023, Arizona allocated $1.5 million to renovate the San Rafael Ranch house, with hopes of opening it to the public one day. Soon, you’ll find yourself traversing the southern flanks of the Huachuca Mountains (discovery point). Be sure to make the short hike to the view at the Coronado Memorial Overlook (discovery point). Once you reach the pavement, follow the route another 25 miles to reach the historic mining town of Bisbee, where Segment 1 concludes.
Segment 2: Bisbee to Bowie
Trip Length & Season
Trip Length: 331 miles, 2.5-5 days
Season: October to mid-May usually provides the best weather, as the desert low lands regularly can exceed 110F during the warm season. While rather uncommon, snow may be encountered on higher elevation trails during winter. Check mapping apps or with Coronado National Forest for current conditions.
Technical Rating & Terrain
Avg Technical Rating: 2
Peak Technical Rating: 3
Typical Terrain: Segment two is comprised of mostly graded dirt roads, but there are some sections that can get a bit bumpy along the way. There are also some decent stretches of interconnecting pavement as well.
Recommended Vehicle / Moto / Adventure Vans
Recommended Vehicle: Stock 4x4
Recommended Moto: A big bike or mid-weight bike should work well for segment 2.
Adventure Vans: Sprinters and Transit vans (4x4 or AWD) should be able to manage segment 2, givne the majority of dirt is on graded roads.
Fuel, Provisions and Recommended Gear
Fuel: Bisbee to Tombstone is 25 mi, Tombstone to Agua Prieta is 125 mi, Agua Prieta to Animas is 80 mi, Animas to Bowie is 105 mi. Provisions: Provisions can be obtained in the same general vicinity as fuel. Gear: no specialized gear is recommended for this adventure.
Camping Recommendations
Dispersed camping is generally permitted on most BLM and national forest lands. Like segment 1, segment 2 also passes through various sections of private property, so before you set up your dispersed camp, check to make sure you're on BLM, National Forest, or state land. Some of our places to camp along segment 1 include:
Council Rocks vicinity (multiple dispersed sites within a few miles)
Walnut Grove campground (fee)
Sunny Flat campground (fee)
Bonita Canyon campground (fee)
Indian Bread Rocks rec area
Onyx Cave vicinity (multiple dispersed sites within a few miles)
Kentucky camp vicinity
White Rock campground
Alternative Routes
n/a
Segment 2 begins in the historic mining town of Bisbee (discovery point), founded in 1880 after the discovery of rich copper, gold, and silver deposits in the surrounding Mule Mountains. Quickly becoming one of the most productive copper camps in the world, it attracted thousands of miners, engineers, and entrepreneurs, transforming it into a bustling boomtown. By the early 20th century, Bisbee was among the largest cities between St. Louis and San Francisco, with a thriving economy and modern amenities like streetcars and the first public library in Arizona. The town's mining industry, dominated by the Phelps Dodge Corporation, fueled its prosperity for decades until large-scale operations ceased in the mid-1970s.
Bisbee’s mining heyday left behind more than just tunnels and tailings—it shaped a town with a unique blend of frontier grit and turn-of-the-century ambition. Its narrow, winding streets and grand brick buildings tell the story of a place that once pulsed with the energy of thousands seeking fortune underground. Even as the mining industry faded, Bisbee remained—its past etched into the hillsides, its stories lingering in the old saloons and company houses that still stand. Today, it has transformed into a hub for artists, history buffs, and travelers drawn to its vibrant galleries, historic hotels, and the immersive Copper Queen Mine tour, where visitors can step into the depths of Arizona’s mining past.
Leaving Bisbee behind, you'll head north along the pavement toward one of the Old West’s most notorious boomtowns—Tombstone (discovery point). Established in 1879, it quickly gained a reputation as a rough-and-tumble frontier town, driven by lucrative silver strikes and an anything-goes atmosphere. Its place in history was cemented in 1881 with the legendary Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, where Wyatt Earp, his brothers, and Doc Holliday clashed with the Clanton-McLaury gang in a deadly standoff. Through the 1880s, Tombstone flourished with saloons, gambling halls, and theaters, but a series of devastating fires and the collapse of the silver industry sent the town into decline by the early 20th century. Even so, Tombstone never faded away completely, and its colorful past has ensured its survival as a top destination for history buffs. Today, visitors can stroll its historic streets, step inside the Bird Cage Theatre, watch daily reenactments of the famous shootout, and visit Boot Hill Cemetery, where many of the town’s most infamous figures are buried. Branded as "The Town Too Tough to Die," Tombstone continues to embody the grit and legend of the Old West.
From Tombstone, the route leaves the pavement and heads into the incredibly scenic and rugged Dragoon Mountains (discovery point), known for their jagged peaks and boulder-strewn slopes. Make sure to take the out-and-back drive to Council Rocks (discovery point). This Native American heritage site features rock art and was a commonly used location for tribal councils of the Apache people who once called this land home. The road to Council Rocks also features dozens of fantastic campsites, many nestled among the giant boulders. From Council Rocks, backtrack and take the smoothly graded dirt of Middlemarch Pass (discovery point) up and over the Dragoon Mountains. Head south past the Courtland ghost town (tours available for a fee), then east into the Chiricahua Mountains (discovery point).
The Chiricahuas are incredibly scenic, like the neighboring Dragoon Mountains, and are rich with history. Take the graded dirt road over Chiricahua Pass. If you're a history buff, swing by the old military encampment of Camp Rucker. After crossing the pass, the route follows the pavement north to the quaint mountain outpost of Portal. The rugged cliffs and rock formations just up the road from Portal are impressive, and a short hike to Cathedral Vista Point (discovery point) is an absolute must. The pavement gives way to dirt, winding through the mountains to Chiricahua National Monument. The monument is known for its stunning landscape of towering rock pinnacles, balancing boulders, and intricate hoodoos, formed by volcanic activity and millions of years of erosion. Often called the "Wonderland of Rocks," this unique geological area also has a rich history tied to the Chiricahua Apache, who once used its rugged terrain as a stronghold.
From the National Monument, follow the pavement north, turning onto the dirt of Apache Pass Road. The route follows the graded dirt road into the hills and past historic sites like the Wagon Massacre Site, Butterfield Stage Route (discovery point), and the Fort Bowie National Historic Site (discovery point). Fort Bowie was established in 1862 to protect Apache Pass, a crucial route for settlers and the U.S. military, and to serve as a base in the conflict against the Chiricahua Apache, led by figures like Cochise and Geronimo. Nearby, the site of the 1861 Bascom Affair and the infamous Apache Pass Wagon Train Massacre marked the beginning of decades of hostilities, making the region one of the most contested battlegrounds of the Indian Wars. Descending from Fort Bowie, the dirt road transitions to pavement, leading to Bowie, where Segment 2 concludes.
Segment 3: Bowie to Oracle
Trip Length & Season
Trip Length: 309 miles, 2.5-5 days
Season: October to mid-May usually provides the best weather, as the desert low lands regularly can exceed 110F during the warm season. While rather uncommon, snow may be encountered on higher elevation trails during winter. Check mapping apps or with Coronado National Forest for current conditions.
Control Road (Road 38( is often gated during the winter months, when snow makes travel along the dirt road dangerous. It is possible to reach the top of Mt Lemmon via the paved road (Highway 39) that runs up its western flanks through the Catalina Foothills. Highway 39 typically remains open during the winter, but may see brief closures closed due to snow storms. >> Check this page for Control Road's current status.
Technical Rating & Terrain
Avg Technical Rating: 2
Peak Technical Rating: 3
Typical Terrain: The terrain along segment 3 is similar to segment 2. Expect some stretches of pavement and mostly graded dirt roads when traveling off road.
Recommended Vehicle / Moto / Adventure Vans
Recommended Vehicle: Stock 4x4
Recommended Moto: A big bike or mid-weight bike should work well for segment 2.
Adventure Vans: Sprinters and Transit vans (4x4 or AWD) should be able to manage segment 2, givne the majority of dirt is on graded roads.
Fuel, Provisions and Recommended Gear
Fuel: Bowie to Safford 100mi, Safford to Wilcox 110mi, Wilcox to San Manuel 75mi. Provisions: Provisions can be obtained in the same general vicinity as fuel. Gear: no specialized gear is recommended for this adventure.
Camping Recommendations
Dispersed camping is generally permitted on most BLM and national forest lands. Like segment 1, segment 2 also passes through various sections of private property, so before you set up your dispersed camp, check to make sure you're on BLM, National Forest, or state land. Some of our places to camp along segment 1 include:
Council Rocks vicinity (multiple dispersed sites within a few miles)
Walnut Grove campground (fee)
Sunny Flat campground (fee)
Bonita Canyon campground (fee)
Indian Bread Rocks rec area
Onyx Cave vicinity (multiple dispersed sites within a few miles)
Kentucky camp vicinity
White Rock campground
Alternative Routes
Reddington Pass
Distance: 27 miles
Technical Rating: 3
Reddington Pass is a beautiful road into the Catalinas and the Sonoran Desert. As you drop back into Tucscon majestic Saguaros begin to appear on the mountains slopes.
Control Road Bypass
Distance: 11 miles
Technical Rating: Paved road
Use this route when Control Road is gated during the winter time. Check this page for Control Road's current status.
Segment 3 is the final segment of the nearly 1,000-mile-long Sky Islands Backcountry Discovery Trail. Like segments 1 and 2, segment 3 also includes a reasonable amount of interconnecting pavement, but the vast majority of the dirt is traversed along wide, graded dirt roads, making for expedited travel times.
Departing the small community of Bowie, the pavement soon gives way to dirt. As you near the Hot Well Dunes recreation area (discovery point), the road briefly returns to pavement for a few miles. The dunes are a popular OHV recreation area, so expect a lot of traffic within the dense network of trails. The track eventually heads back west and follows the pavement up to Heliograph Peak (discovery point), which happens to be the high point along the route and features fantastic views of the Madrean Sky Islands. Heliograph Peak is part of the Pinaleño Mountains, which act as a natural divider between the Sonoran Desert to the west and the Chihuahuan Desert to the east.
Once you've had your fill of views, head back down the mountain and follow the pavement through Safford, then take Highway 70 through Pima before jumping onto the dirt of Tripp Canyon Road. Eventually, you'll turn onto a rougher secondary road (County Road 351) through Tripp Canyon that intersects with Klondyke Road. It's smooth sailing from here on wide, graded dirt roads that lead to the living ghost town of Klondyke (discovery point). This old mining outpost came to be in the late 19th century during a period of mining speculation, borrowing its name from the Klondike Gold Rush in Alaska—except they got the spelling wrong. The town's founders hoped the name would attract prospectors and settlers eager for riches, but Klondyke never turned into a true boomtown. Today, you'll find some of the old historical buildings like the Klondyke General Store and the restored Power Cabin, along with a small handful of residents who still live in the area.
Follow the track south through the various farms and ranches that surround you. As you near Wilcox (a good place to refuel), the dirt gives way to pavement once again. As you make your way west toward the Santa Catalina Range and the greater Tucson area, the track transitions back to dirt. Once you have a visual on the Santa Catalinas, you're on the final leg of the track. But if you're itching to extend your adventure, consider connecting with the Saguaro Traverse, which forms a 300-mile loop through the Sonoran Desert in Tucson. The main route takes you along Control Road, but Coconino National Forest closes the road during winter months after snowfall. Be sure to check the status of Control Road (Road 38) if you're traveling in winter. If the road is open, consider making the short drive to Mount Lemmon (discovery point), which features some of the best views of the Tucson area. The route concludes in Oracle, but there is an alternative route via Reddington Pass (discovery point) that will take you to the Tanque Verde neighborhood of Tucson.
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