Jack Handle

Jack Handle is one of those trails that's earned legendary status with local rock crawlers. The trail's name comes from the first difficult waterfall obstacle, Jack Handle. Back when the rock gap was thinner, if your hi-lift jack was on the passenger rear, it would get hung up on the rocks. Hence the name. The trail offers multiple optional rock crawling obstacles, including a difficult and super off-camber rock waterfall appropriately named Jackass.

For over a century, the surrounding mineral-rich area has been profitable for the region. There are many abandoned as well as active mines in the area. Along the route is a spectacular array of desert plant life, from massive saguaros to towering cottonwoods hidden deep in one of many secluded canyons that litter the region. The area is remote. The rocks are sharp. And everything here wants to poke or bite you. Be cautious. This is a desert, and it's not very forgiving, especially in the summer. But it does have an irresistible rugged charm.