Oak Flat to Edwards Park (El Oso #422)

This 34.4-mile out-and-back trail follows a dirt road trail from Oak Flat to Edwards Park in Tonto National Forest west of Roosevelt Lake. The route briefly crosses through the Four Peaks Wilderness, then travels north through the national forest. It offers expansive views of rocky mountains and grassy hills. Among the vegetation are pine trees, oak woodlands, tall grasses, chaparral and wildflowers. Despite its relatively easy accessibility, it offers scenic backcountry camping and the opportunities to find solitude. 

The route begins with a steep climb, which levels off after approximately 2.5 miles, and then follows a rolling terrain along El Oso Road / FR #422. The winding and scenic dirt road route provides access to the Four Peaks mountains within the Four Peaks Wilderness in addition to crossing numerous dirt roads and trails with plenty of options for extending or altering the route. 

Edwards Park features tall trees and a peaceful meadow, a nice place to relax before retracing your steps back to the start. 

COMMON WILDLIFE

Among the many species that inhabit the area are black bears, skunks, coyotes, deer, javelinas, mountain lions, rattlesnakes, scorpions, spiders, and more.

OAK FLAT TRAILHEAD 

This route starts from the Oak Flat Trailhead located off of Three Bar Road / Forest Road 445 west of Arizona State Route 188. 

WATER

Parts of this trail are shared with the Arizona National Scenic Trail (AZT) and the AZT Water Report can be found at https://aztrail.org/explore/water-sources/.

RESTRICTIONS

A portion of this route passes through the Four Peaks Wilderness, a federally protected area where special Wilderness regulations  apply. Some of these include:

• Mechanics and motorized vehicles are prohibited. 

• There is a limit of 15 people per group. 

• No more than 15 heads of livestock are allowed in a group. 

CAMPING

Tonto National Forest provides opportunities for campground camping as well as dispersed camping. For more information please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/tonto/recreation/camping-cabins. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Tonto National Forest - Tonto Ranger District, 1-(602) 225 5395.

Arizona National Scenic Trail Association

USFS - Four Peaks Wilderness