AZOFFROAD.NET

One thing to note before trying to do this trail is that it is TEMPORARILY CLOSED.

Due to an effort to control erosion and dust in the Maricopa Mountains and the Sonoran Desert National Monument (which this trail crosses) this trail has been temporarily closed. At the time of this writing (May, 2012) a verdict was expected to be reached on whether or not this trail should be permanently closed by September 2012. Check this website for current updates and to read more about the closures:

 http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/info/nepa/environmental_library/sdnm_temporary_closure.html

We’ve included the trail description below in the hopeful event that it will re-open soon.
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On this ride, follow the historic Butterfield Overland Stagecoach Trail used by the U.S. Postal Service from 1858 to 1861. In addition, the history of this trail dates back far before the stagecoach days, including multiple uses by those that were here before us.

To get there: From the west valley, follow I-10 to Junction 85. Continue south on Highway 85 until you reach the town of Gila Bend. Continue left, turning onto Maricopa Road (Highway 238). After 17 miles, you’ll near the town of Estrella (known only on the map, no actual civilization in it). Turn left onto the dirt road and park off to the left to unload

The trail: Begin heading northwest on the lightly traveled trail. Remain on the more traveled trail as it winds through the desert, staying straight at 1.4 miles. Stay straight again at 2.5 miles, where another road continues left into the National Monument. After 4.4 miles, you will come to a 4-way, continue left, you are now on the historic Butterfield Overland Stagecoach Route. Be sure to stop at the informational signs along the way, including the one at 5.7 miles. Continue on the narrow trail as it winds and climbs towards Butterfield Pass, which is reached at 5.9 miles. Pass through the gate here and continue west. This point marked one of the most dangerous points on the entire stagecoach route. Just after 8.2 miles, you’ll reach Happy Camp Cistern, another historical point along this trail. Happy Camp Cistern was used to water the horses and was hauled from the Gila River; it was the only source of water for miles. The trail continues west, remaining at about the same difficulty and retaining the same type of scenery. At 11 miles, turn left to return back to Highway 238. At the 12.4 mile mark, you arrive back at Highway 238. If you have an OHV, you are not required to do the whole trail, and will be forced to return back the way you came. If you took a Jeep or other SUV, you are able to continue on Highway 238 back towards Gila Bend.

Overall, this trail from Highway 238 through Butterfield Pass to Highway 238 and back is 25 miles. Allow for about 3 hours, more time if you like to spend a lot of time at the stops or less if you decide only to ride to Happy Camp Cistern. Overall, this trip is a fun, mostly easy, and very historic trail!