Moon Canyon Off-Road and Hiking Adventure from Chrysotile

If you’re searching for a way to combine thrilling off-road driving with a scenic hike into the wild beauty of Arizona’s desert landscapes, the Moon Canyon Off-Road and Hiking Adventure might just be your ticket. Offered by Arizona Off-Road Adventures, this tour promises a memorable day exploring the rugged terrain of Tonto National Forest, with opportunities to see native plants, wildlife, and some truly out-of-this-world scenery. While it’s perfectly suited for those with a moderate level of physical fitness, it’s a great choice for outdoor lovers wanting to experience the Sonoran Desert in a more adventurous way.

One thing we really appreciate about this tour is the way it balances the adrenaline of off-roading with the tranquility of hiking. The guides are knowledgeable and friendly, giving you a sense of safety and insight into the landscape. A potential consideration is that, since the tour involves both driving and hiking, it’s best suited for those prepared for a physically active outing. This experience works best for travelers eager to explore seldom-visited spots, enjoy excellent photo ops, and get a true taste of Arizona’s rugged wilderness.

Key Points

• Balanced Adventure: Combines off-road driving with a scenic hike for a diverse experience.
• Guided Expertise: Knowledgeable guides ensure safety and enrich the journey with local insights.
• Stunning Scenery: Expect views of Ash Creek Canyon, Moon Canyon, and desert flora like cacti and wildflowers.
• Wildlife Encounters: Possible sightings of cows, javelina, snakes, lizards, and birds add an authentic wild touch.
• Moderate Physical Effort: Suitable for those with moderate fitness who enjoy an active outing.
• Value for Money: The tour’s detailed itinerary offers a mix of adventure, exploration, and photo opportunities at $125.

Starting Point and Safety First

Your adventure begins in Chrysotile, Arizona, where a brief safety talk prepares you for the day ahead. The meeting point is convenient, with proximity to public transportation, making it accessible for most travelers. After gearing up, you’ll hop into your off-road vehicles — sturdy and designed for desert terrain — and set off along a Forest Service Road. The initial drive, lasting about 30 minutes, takes you through dirt and small rocks, giving you a taste of Arizona’s rugged backcountry.

The guides, who are known for their friendliness and knowledge, are quick to share information about the landscape and safety tips. They also help set expectations, ensuring everyone feels comfortable with the off-road experience, especially if it’s your first time on such terrain.

The Private Meadow and Ash Creek

The first stop of significance is a privately owned meadow along Ash Creek, a remnant of the town of Chrysotile’s mining days. Here, the scenery shifts from open desert to lush, green patches, framed by towering trees growing beside the creek. This spot offers a perfect photo backdrop, with the peaceful ambiance contrasting the rugged drive. The meadow’s history adds a layer of intrigue—what once was part of a mining operation now transforms into a serene area for exploration.

This stop also serves as a good breather before the more strenuous hike. It’s a chance to stretch and prepare for the next part of your adventure.

The Hiking into Moon Canyon

After parking the vehicles, the real exploration begins. The hike along Ash Creek Canyon is where the adventure truly sparks. The trail is winding, with rocks, tree roots, and logs, making it an engaging and sometimes challenging walk. Expect to cross the creek over a small dam, then navigate over boulders to reach Moon Canyon—a place that’s easy to see why it’s named for its otherworldly appearance.

Travelers who have been on this trail share that the ground is a mixture of rocks, sand, and conglomerate, packed over millions of years. The landscape looks like something out of a sci-fi movie, which makes it an ideal spot for photos. The guide points out native plants, cactus, and wildflowers, offering insights into the Sonoran Desert’s unique flora.

One reviewer described Moon Canyon as “something from out of this world,” emphasizing the surreal, almost lunar landscape. The hike takes about two hours, including exploring and taking photos. There’s a small dam in the creek that you’ll need to climb over, adding a bit of fun and challenge to the trek.

Wild Encounters and Scenic Views

Wildlife sightings are a bonus on this tour, with reports of cows, javelina, snakes, lizards, and birds observed along the trail. While not guaranteed, the guides’ experience often yields interesting animal encounters, adding to the authenticity of the desert experience.

Throughout the tour, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of Ash Creek Canyon and surrounding desert scenery. The guides frequently stop for photo opportunities, where you can capture the vast, rugged beauty of the landscape. The feeling of being in such a remote, seldom-visited area is a highlight for many travelers.

Return and Off-Road Driving

After exploring Moon Canyon, the hike retraces its steps back to the vehicles. The return drive is along dirt and rock roads, where the tour continues to showcase scenic viewpoints. The guides will point out notable landmarks and perhaps share stories about the area’s history. The off-road portion lasts around 30 minutes, culminating back at the starting point near US Highway 60.

Many reviews mention how the off-road drive offers a fun, bumpy ride with amazing vistas, making it a memorable part of the trip. The guides are skilled drivers, maintaining safety while providing an exhilarating experience.

Tour Duration and Group Size

The entire tour lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours, making it an excellent half-day outing. The group size is capped at 15 travelers, which helps ensure personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere. This small-group setting often results in more meaningful interaction and a more intimate experience with the guides.

At $125 per person, the tour offers a solid value considering the combination of off-road driving, hiking, and access to private and rarely visited locations. The inclusion of a guided experience means you benefit from local knowledge and safety oversight, which enhances the overall adventure. The price also covers the park entry fees, so you’re not caught off guard with additional costs.

The tour’s emphasis on authentic scenery, wildlife, and the chance to explore places you likely wouldn’t reach on your own makes it a worthwhile choice for outdoor enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

This adventure is ideal for travelers who enjoy physical activity, as it involves some climbing, walking on uneven terrain, and creek crossings. It’s also suitable for those wanting a guided, safe experience in remote wilderness. Nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and those interested in Arizona’s desert ecosystems will find plenty to love here.

While not a tour for casual stroller pushers or those with mobility issues, it’s perfect for active travelers who want to combine adventure with education in a stunning setting.

If you’re after an adventure-packed half-day with a mix of off-road thrills and scenic hiking, this tour hits the mark. The guides’ expertise and the chance to see untouched desert landscapes make it a compelling option. The views of Moon Canyon, with its lunar-like terrain, will appeal to anyone looking for something a little different from your typical national park visit.

The tour’s small-group format fosters a sense of camaraderie and allows for personalized storytelling, making it feel more intimate and engaging. Plus, the opportunity to spot local wildlife adds an authentic touch you won’t get on more commercialized tours.

However, if you prefer a more leisurely, less physically demanding experience, this might be a bit too active. Also, keep in mind that weather can influence the trip’s availability and safety — cancellations for poor weather are fully refundable if notified 24 hours in advance.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about 3 to 4 hours, including off-road driving, hiking, and exploration time.

What is included in the price?
The $125 fee covers the guided off-road adventure, the hiking portion, and park entry fees.

Is this tour suitable for kids?
It’s designed for those with a moderate fitness level, so children should be comfortable with hiking and some physical activity. It’s best to check with the provider for specific age recommendations.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activity, sturdy shoes, and sun protection are recommended. Layers are advised in case of temperature changes.

Is the off-road ride bumpy?
Yes, expect some bumps and jolts on dirt and rocky roads, but the guides ensure safety and comfort as much as possible.

Can I expect to see wildlife?
Wildlife sightings are possible, including cows, javelina, snakes, lizards, and birds, but are not guaranteed.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How many people are in each group?
Groups are limited to 15 travelers, providing a more personalized experience.

In summary, this tour offers a compelling mix of adventure, nature, and photography opportunities for active travelers eager to explore Arizona’s lesser-known wilderness. With knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and a balanced itinerary, it’s a great way to spend a half-day immersed in the wild beauty of the Sonoran Desert.