Anderson Mesa

Anderson Mesa, also labeled as Winona Ranch Road along a short section of the northern starting point, is a connector from I-40 in the north to Lake Mary Road in the south, paralleling the South Side of Walnut Canyon trail. There are many side trails featuring nice private overlanding-style boondocking campsites where you will not be bothered by anyone due to the difficulty of access. Some of these sites have San Francisco Peaks views. Do not attempt FR82 in a wide or tall vehicle or without a 4x4 and high clearance. This trail is not suitable for trailers, campers, or passenger sedans.

FR82's northern half is a mostly smooth graded dirt road beginning at the Winona exit from I-40 and proceeding south until it passes through private property. In this middle portion, FR82 effectively disappears from your maps and the trail signage posted by the forest service, and a variety of confusing and outdated FR9XXX and FR128X trails can be found mixed in with FR82. Outdated maps and signage are abundant in the area, due to lack of visitation by Forest Service staff. This scout route connects the northern portion of FR82 with the southern portion of FR82 using several other roads and without violating posted private property. This middle section of the trail is rough dirt with some serious rutting. The southern portion of FR82 is extremely rocky and follows a stream through a canyon with many crossings and portions covered with 9-12" rocks; your passengers will feel the whiplash here unless you go very slow and air down. The last southern mile of the trail near Ashurst Lake Road is graded dirt with several group campsites.