Moon Canyon Guided Off‑Road Adventure & Hiking Tour

Once you arrive, your guide will give a brief safety talk before we begin the off‑road portion of the adventure. We’ll travel along a Forest Service Road and transition onto a rugged dirt-and-rock trail that winds through Ash Creek Canyon. This 30‑minute ride follows the original route used by homesteaders and miners traveling by horse and mule. Along the way, you’ll see a primitive hand‑dug well, stacked‑stone homestead ruins, and the remains of the Rio Salado People’s village, where intricately painted pottery shards can still be found. We’ll cross Ash Creek Canyon and pass several abandoned 1940s vehicles—possibly used by rum‑runners during prohibition—before reaching a privately owned meadow that was once part of the mining town of Chrysotile. Here, we’ll park the off‑road machines and take in canyon views, pine forests, and the chance to spot wildlife such as deer, black bears, foxes, burrowing owls, bald eagles, and free‑range cattle.

After reaching the grassy pasture along the tree‑lined Ash Creek Canyon, we’ll park the off‑road vehicles and begin the hiking portion of the adventure. The trail follows the edge of the canyon and winds through rocks, tree roots, and natural log crossings. Guests will navigate a few short climbs over obstacles as we make our way toward Moon Canyon. Along the route, we’ll pass a small moss‑covered dam in the creek and cross shallow water before continuing over several large boulders that mark the entrance to the canyon. Moon Canyon feels otherworldly—its smooth, sculpted ground is made from a natural conglomerate of rock and sand compressed over millions of years. This scenic area is perfect for exploring, taking photos, relaxing on the cool rock formations, and enjoying a snack before we continue deeper into the canyon.

After guests have enjoyed plenty of time for photos, exploring, and a snack in Moon Canyon, we continue deeper into the canyon. The trail turns right and climbs over a series of large boulders, passing a wide cave set into the canyon wall. As we follow the creek, you’ll see sunny pools of clear water shimmering between the rocks. The canyon soon opens into a circular, amphitheater‑shaped chamber with a large natural pool perfect for wading or cooling off. This peaceful area is naturally shaded, with smooth, flat rock surfaces that stay cool and make a comfortable place to relax beside the water. Fish can often be seen swimming in the pool, and small birds dart in and out of tiny holes and crevices along the canyon walls. Guests can take photos, play in the water, enjoy the shade, and soak in the unique beauty of this hidden oasis.

After enjoying the shaded pools and canyon views, we begin the return hike along the same scenic path. Guests will retrace their steps over the large boulders, cross the creek, and pass the moss‑covered dam before climbing down to the lower trail. The route follows Ash Creek back toward the grassy pasture, offering more opportunities for photos, wildlife sightings, and exploring along the way. Once we reach the off‑road vehicles, guests can relax and enjoy cold waters and sodas before we begin the ride back.

We begin the off‑road ride back up the Forest Service Road, traveling along a maintained route lined with a variety of Arizona pines. As we climb out of the canyon, keep an eye out for local wildlife—bald eagles, black bears, deer, elk, foxes, and even wild turkeys are sometimes spotted in this area. We can stop for photos whenever the group wishes, especially if wildlife appears or if you want to capture the forest scenery. The ride continues along the shaded pine corridor until we reach the original meeting and parking location, completing the loop through Moon Canyon and Ash Creek.