Reviewed by: MB , from Marin Ca.

Summary:
This is a review of this trail as of 3/25/2003. There are 4 distinct parts to this trail. It is all jeep/fire road. Starting elevation is about 3200 feet based on my altimiter. Part 1 starts at the parking lot and immediatly heads up the hill. The first 800 feet of climbing are about 8%-10% grade and is fairly easy if your in good shape. Then a level off for about one-eight mile. Then part 2. This is the hardest part. Elevation 4000 to 6000 is about 10% to at least 15% grade. I'm not good at figuring grade so I may even be underestimating the grade. At least one third of the trail has been washed out and now has ruts and loose rocks up to baby head size. You will have to spin and crank over this. Your legs will feel this. Part 3 starts at 6000 feet to 7000 feet. This is a maintained access road up to Mt. Ord. Grade ranges from 5% to about 12%. Thank God for this because I am in top physical condition for my age (45) but my legs were feeling it big time. At 7000 feet there is a sign that says lookout tower one half mile. This is part 4. It is about a 10% to 15% grade again with loose rocks but smaller than baby heads. You will have to spin this again to the top. I had no wind or heart fatigue, but my legs were burning. Elevation on my altimiter was 7200 feet. Bring food for the top, it made my legs feel much better. When you get to the top, climb up the stairs to the top of the tower. It's an awesome view of the surrounding mountains. There is a sign that says not to climb the tower, but after all that effort I had to. I normally would give this type of trail 2 tires but because of the view off the lookout tower and the serious butt kicking leg burning climb, I will give it 5. Now if there were only some single track down... Dream on!!

Recommended Route:
Take Hy 87 toward Payson. You will start to climb toward Mt. Ord. At the crest of the mountain, pass the Mt Ord sign and head down into a valley. At the bottom of the valley is a turn out onto a dirt rd. Park there. There is a sign giving you the milage to Payson and 2 other towns at the turn-off. It's easy.

Reviewed by: Cozmic Coyote , from Apache Junction, Arizona

Summary:
AWESOME

Recommended Route:
there R at least 3 ways up Mt. Ord that i use. As described in other post of this trail it can B accessed from the bottom of hwy 87 at Slate Creek, but just before this the forest service has cut a NEW road up the mountain an the new turn off is well marked, the top can also be accessed from Sunflower near Bushnell Tank you'll need a Tonto National Forest Map to find the trails although they seem to end on the map they continue just look for bicycle tracks also in the same area is Reno Pass ya got 2 ride it over to the Tonto River definetly worth the ride

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Reno Pass & 4 Peaks

Reviewed by: Sam Snyder , from Phoenix

Summary:
This should sum it up:
Gain = Good
Pain = Gain
Mt. Ord = Pain
Therefore Mt. Ord = Good!!! If you have a screw loose for climbing, then Mt Ord gives you an unparalelled chance to do so, mostly in complete solitude. Undiscovered largely by the maggot ATV'ers, this climb offers a terriffic view of the verde river valley, tonto river valley, Maztazals , sierra anchas, and the rim.

Recommended Route:
Follow sign on AZ 87 to Mt Ord not as described above, this will save you 1500 feet of climbing or so. This road to the summit is actually rideable.

Reviewed by: Eric , from Ahwatukee

Summary:
I've ridden this trail once for a reason. I usually only climb that far if I have something to look forward to other than going back the way I came on a Jeep road. Coming down is as hard as you make it. There's no single track. The view from the top makes it worth the trip.

Recommended Route:
Do it in your Jeep, it's more fun.