Upper Gardner Canyon (FR 785) in AZ -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in Arizona

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Upper Gardner Canyon (FR 785) in AZ

Coronado NF, Nogales Ranger District
5,292 ft
Maps
RUTTED
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AT&TNONE
T-MobileUSABLE
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Rules not confirmed

Coronado National Forest, Nogales Ranger District administers this ground -- we don't have a verified rule for this spot.

A 4.0-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in Santa Cruz County, AZ. The road serves Tunnel Spring.

All 4 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Dirt the whole way in (4 miles). Climbs 690 ft over 4 miles -- sustained grades near 14%, with pitches to 16%. Winds through 4 switchbacks. A cattle guard at the start of the road. Water crossings 1.2, 1.9, 2.2 and 2.6 miles in. A gate 3.5 miles in.

Mount Wrightson stands 4,132 ft above the site, 5.1 miles west. Cave Creek runs 0.4 mi off. Travellers have camped along here. The nearest town, Corona de Tucson, is 16 mi off.

September normals 59–84°F, 2.3″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.

Nearby Spots
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Fire restrictions

Set by Coronado National Forest, Nogales Ranger District. Stage 1 and 2 orders change within days -- check the current order before you build a fire.

fs.usda.gov
Sources checked August 2026Something wrong here?