Southwest Traverse

----Trail Leader----

Justin Pascarella

----Trip Dates----

December 3rd to December 14th (10-12 days)

----Trail/Region History----

Spanning much of the Mountain West and northern Mexico, the Basin and Range Province is defined by dramatic geological shifts—faulting and crustal stretching that have sculpted a landscape of isolated peaks and sunken valleys. In southern Arizona and New Mexico, this terrain gives rise to the Madrean Sky Islands: towering mountain ranges that emerge abruptly from the desert floor like islands in a sea of arid grasslands. Named for the Sierra Madre of northern Mexico, these ranges host striking ecological contrasts. As elevation climbs, mesquite trees give way to oak, juniper, and pine forests, creating habitats for diverse wildlife including mountain lions, Merriam’s turkeys, and rare species like the Mexican spotted owl. For generations, Indigenous communities such as the Hohokam and Pima have called this region home, drawing on its rich natural resources and spiritual significance.

----Trip Overview----

From cave entrances and historic adobe outposts to sweeping grasslands and African-like savannahs, the first leg of our journey through southern Arizona is a vivid blend of frontier history and wild beauty. But the adventure doesn’t stop there—if time allows, we’ll push deeper into the borderlands, tracing rugged dirt roads past Montezuma Pass and into the heart of the Wild West. Tombstone’s legends await, followed by volcanic valleys, dramatic mountain crossings, and the haunting silence of the Chihuahuan Desert. With the Dragoon and Chiricahua Mountains as our backdrop, this route promises not just a drive—but a full immersion into the soul of the Southwest and a glimpse into the Wild West!

Our journey will begin about 30mins South of Tucson Arizona where our route heads East while passing through the foothills of the Santa Rita Mountains. On our way, we’ll explore a couple cave entrances and check out the Kentucky Heritage site. Some of the drive to the heritage site winds along the high-desert grasslands and the Mesquite trees punctuate the sprawling grassland near Kentucky Camp. The handful of adobe buildings that make up Kentucky Camp served as headquarters for the Santa Rita Water and Mining Co. from 1902 to 1906. We’ll also plan a short hike along the Arizona Trail in the vicinity. From the Eastern slope of the Santa Rita Mountains we’ll stop to get a bit of history from the historic Empire Ranch HQ. The historic Empire Ranch has been a working cattle ranch for 140 years. We’ll proceed around the Las Cienegas conservation area as we curve our way through the town of Sonoita and continue South over the Canelo Hills and over Canelo Pass. Turning our sites North past the Patagonia Mountains and into the town of Patagonia. If the timing works we’ll check out the Museum in town and historical Telles Family Shine. From here, we’ll continue to explore the very Southern edge of Coronado National Forest and turn Northwards into the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge, a landscape that is like the wild of Africa’s open plains. This essentially completes the first segment of this trip. 

Time permitting, we have the option to continue onto segment 2 which connects via a short highway drive before heading back on a dirt road that hugs the Mexico border as we head East towards Montezuma Pass overlook, cave exploring and a couple other interesting points of interest. Our travels will take us back in time to the legendary Wild West town of Tombstone! We’ll play tourist for a few hours as we meander this wildly historic town before soaking in the dramatic views of the Dragoon Mountains. After stopping for fuel or provisions in the border town of Douglas, our route will take us into the Chiricahua Mountains not once but twice, but not before we observe the volcanic fields of San Bernardino Valley. We’ll head North as we drive through the Peloncillo Mountains and the Chihuahuan Desert before crossing again over the Northern end of the stunning landscapes of the Chiricahuas. 30mi away, our journey will eventually conclude and dump us out in the town of Bowie and highway 10 where we begin our drive home.

----Off-Road Miles----

Varied depending on pace: 256 to 600mi

As always, this is about the journey, not conquering miles.

(This will be an extended trip throughout Southwest Arizona and New Mexico. Many of these locations I’ve never been to and will be experiencing it for the first time) Temperatures estimated between 70/day to 40/night

Segment 1:

Min Elevation - 2,850ft

Max Elevation - 5,601ft

Segment 2:

Min Elevation - 3,751ft

Max Elevation - 7,622ft

----Trail Difficulty----

Easy to Moderate: Expect a wide variety of terrain from undulating to washboard roads that have potential to be eroded or washed out in some sections. Dirt and gravel roads, narrow dirt trails through the mountains, and some amount of connecting pavement.

**Be prepared for varying types of roads and unpredictable weather conditions

As always, expect the unexpected. Adventure is subject to change.**

----Vehicle Requirements----

Stock 4x4

Off-road/All-terrian tires (plus wheel key)

Full-size spare

----Minimum Recommended Equipment----

Fire Extinguisher

First Aid Kit/Personal Medication

Extra Water

Extra Fuel (optional)

Vehicle Unique Tools

Warm Emergency Clothing

----Radio Comms: HAM (Optional)----

Primary 146.550 

Secondary 146.580

----Meeting Location/Time----

Chevron - 10am - 12/3/2025

171 W Continental Rd, Green Valley, AZ 85614

maps.app.goo.gl

★★★☆☆ · Gas station

----Time to Trail Head from Denver----

900mi / 13hrs

Please make sure you arrive with a full tank of fuel and all of the necessities required for the duration of the trip if not meeting at a gas station.

—-Camping—-

We'll be camping at all dispersed locations. With that in mind, bring appropriate gear for packing out your trash and occasional potty waste. Bring spare cash in case we have to camp at a more established campground.

---Cost—

$500 Per Vehicle

Price includes a fully guided trip, planning, logistics, campsites and we will do our best to provide some special refreshments, treats and/or snacks/meals while we're at camp during breakfast and dinner times, but you're expected to be self-sufficient throughout the duration of the trip.

If you have any questions please email me at justin@rockymountainoverland.com

---Route Overview---

*Cancellation/Refund Policy:

2 Weeks Before Trip = 50% Refund

1 Week Before Trip = No Refund

No Show = No Refund

*While we understand unforeseen circumstances and emergencies occur, if there is any reason that you need to cancel within these timeframes, please reach out to us to discuss.