| Alt Names |
Charleau Gap, Coronado National Forest, Santa Catalina Mountains, Samaniego Ridge |
| DESCRIPTION |
This is a moderate 4x4 trail that stretches about 19 miles from N. Lago Del Oro Parkway all the way to Oracle. The trail is maintained by the Tucson Rough Riders club, and consists mostly of rocky creek bed washes, deep ruts and some steep climbs. There is not much in the way of actual motorcycle trails or ATV trails here, but there are a few shallow water crossings and some great desert scenery. This is can be a full day trip for 4x4s, or a couple of hours for dirt bikes and ATVs. Be sure to sign in at the gate and bring plenty of water because this is a very large area.
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| LOCATION |
| Nearest City |
Tucson, AZ |
| GPS Coordinates |
N 32º 31.234' W 110º 53.107' |
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From: Tucson, AZ
1) Take SR-77 (Oracle Rd.) to Golder Ranch Rd. intersection
2) Turn right (east) onto Golder Ranch Rd., continue 1.2 miles
3) Turn left (north) onto N. Lago Del Oro Parkway, continue 3 miles
4) Look for a kiosk and cattleguard on the right, enter here. |
| AREA TYPE |
| Area Type |
Trail |
| Land Type |
National Forest, State Trust Land |
| QUALITY |
| Pros |
free, great mountain scenery |
| Cons |
no actual motorcycle trails, is really a 4x4 trail |
| Rating |
 Good
|
| Recommended Stay |
Full Day
Fall/Spring |
| TERRAIN |
| Miles Of Trail |
19 |
| Climate Type |
Desert |
| Elevation |
3000 to 5400 ft. |
| Trail Maintenance |
Marked, Not Rated, Lightly Maintained |
| Loose Dirt |
 Some |
| Hard Pack |
 Mostly |
| Sand |
Some |
| Mud |
 Little |
| Dust |
Some |
| Rocks |
Some |
| Trees |
 Few |
| Steep Hills |
 Many |
| Water Crossings |
Few |
| Small Jumps |
Few |
| Large Jumps |
 None |
| Berms |
Some |
| Sand/Gravel Pits |
None |
| Single Track |
None |
| Roads |
 All |
| Intersections |
Few |
| Rider Traffic |
Few |
| Shade |
Few |
| Ranges/Gunfire |
Few |
| Hazards |
Few |
| Novice Terrain |
Some |
| Amateur Terrain |
Mostly |
| Expert Terrain |
Little |
| REGULATIONS |
| Permit Required |
No |
| Dates Open |
Year-Round |
| Spark Arrestor |
Yes |
| Noise Limit |
Yes |
| Night Riding |
Yes |
| Flags |
Not Required |
| Two Strokes |
No Restriction |
| Cross Country |
Prohibited |
| ATVs |
No Restriction |
| 4x4s (registered) |
No Restriction |
| Unregistered Cars/4x4s/Buggies |
No Restriction |
| Bicycles |
No Restriction |
| Hiking |
No Restriction |
| Horseback |
No Restriction |
| Camping |
Some Areas |
| Campfires |
Some Areas |
| Alcohol |
No Restriction |
| Fireworks |
Prohibited |
| Firearms |
Some Areas |
| Law Enforcement |
Few/Periodic |
| FEES |
| Parking Fee |
No ($0.00)
|
| Entry Fee |
No ($0.00)
|
| Riding Fee |
No ($0.00)
|
| Camping Fee |
No ($0.00)
|
| KEY SERVICES |
| First Aid |
20-30 Miles (SW) |
| Gasoline |
1-5 Miles (SW) |
| Diesel |
1-5 Miles (SW) |
| Water |
1-5 Miles (SW) |
| RV Hookup |
5-20 Miles (S) |
| RV Disposal |
5-20 Miles (S) |
| Campground |
5-20 Miles (S) |
| Conv Store |
1-5 Miles (SW) |
| Swim Area |
30+ Miles (SE) |
| Water Body |
30+ Miles (SE) |
| Boat Ramp |
30+ Miles (NW) |
| CONTACTS |
| Contact Info |
Coronado National Forest - Santa Catalina Ranger District
5700 N. Sabino Canyon Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 749-8700
www.fs.fed.us
|
| Contact Info |
Arizona Game And Fish
555 N. Greasewood Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85745
(520) 628-5376
(800) 352-0700
www.azgfd.gov
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| Charouleau Gap Trail Photo |
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| The main staging area has a kiosk with information and a sign-in box. |
| Charouleau Gap Trail Photo |
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| The trail starts to get rough quickly as it heads toward the mountains. |
| Charouleau Gap Trail Photo |
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| Charouleau Gap Trail Photo |
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| There are some shallow stream crossings. |
| Charouleau Gap Trail Photo |
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| Charouleau Gap Trail Photo |
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| This is a good view of the start of the main route. |
| Charouleau Gap Trail Photo |
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| Charouleau Gap Trail Photo |
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| Charouleau Gap Trail Photo |
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| Charouleau Gap Trail Photo |
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| Charouleau Gap Trail Photo |
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| Charouleau Gap Trail Photo |
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| Charouleau Gap Trail Photo |
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| Charouleau Gap Trail Photo |
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| Charouleau Gap Trail Photo |
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| Charouleau Gap Trail Photo |
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| Charouleau Gap Trail Photo |
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| Charouleau Gap Trail Photo |
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| Charouleau Gap Trail Photo |
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| Charouleau Gap Trail Photo |
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| Charouleau Gap Trail Photo |
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| Charouleau Gap Trail Photo |
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Scroll down for trail contact information and regulations. Select a photo to enlarge.
