Testing My Stock Bronco Sport Big Bend on the Road to Brown’s Peak

The road from Highway 87 to the Brown's Peak trailhead is a fun one. It offers 18 miles of off-roading adventure each way (36 miles round trip). 

A vehicle with 4x4 is highly recommended, and a vehicle with decent ground clearance is required. I knew that if I wanted to begin offering hiking tours to Brown's Peak, I would (obviously) need to ensure my car could handle it! So, how did it do?

My Ford Bronco Sport's Specs

• Year: 2021
• Trim: Big Bend
• Engine: Turbo-charged 1.5L 3 Cylinder
• Ground Clearance: 7.8"
• Tires: 17.5" stock touring tires
• Lift: No
• Drive Mode: G.O.A.T. Modes (Auto 4x4)

Some have described the route to Brown's Peak as ‘brutal,’ but I found it challenging yet manageable — exactly what you’d expect from a true Arizona off-road adventure.

Why This Test Matters

We set this up because we want our guests to know that we've tested and understood our gear. This test came before crucial upgrades. 

I took the time to do my homework so I can offer the best and safest experience possible for my fellow adventurers. 

The Beginning: Cline Cabin Road

There are two ways to access the Brown's Peak trailhead. One of them is smoother and accessible with pretty much anything, including sedans, despite being unpaved. However, that route begins near Payson and significantly lengthens the drive from Phoenix. 

The other (fun) way begins on Cline Cabin road just off of Highway 87 northeast of Phoenix. The road is pretty bumpy right away, but still accessible to careful sedan drivers up to the first parking lot on the right (you can't miss it). This is where we'll meet anyone who has signed up for our hiking tours. 

The Drive: Road Conditions and Challenges

The path becomes more challenging shortly after the parking lot. This was the first time I tested my Bronco Sport on such rough terrain. So, I had decided that I would simply back up and turn around if I felt there was a chance it would be too rough for my vehicle.

However, it turns out that this isn't always practical - and I learned that fairly shortly after passing the parking lot. The road takes a hairpin turn at a segment that's largely eroded. The long divots would require either nine inches of ground clearance or very precise straddling. 

I decided to back up, but quickly realized that might not be possible. The path is too narrow to turn around. Retracing the rough hill behind me would likely require more power than I could get in reverse. 

So, I had no choice but to attempt the precise straddling. After spotting myself a few times, I successfully pulled it off. Thankfully, it was easier than I initially thought it would be.

There were a few other curves with similar damage on the way up. I was also able to straddle those pretty easily, although I would love to just drive through them with a lift and better tires. 

Driving Up and Over Small Rock Gardens

For a "moderate" path, things get pretty unforgiving after that. There are a series of (small) rock gardens along the way, with some following the dirt road up steep hills. The rocks may not be large, but I still felt a little nervous driving over them with street tires.

There were a few times when I thought I needed to turn around but simply didn't have room. Fortunately, I was wrong. 

The road eventually winds through a couple of oases. Each had a small creek flowing through it when I visited in a friend's truck last year. However, they were (unfortunately) dry during this visit. Still, they offer a great resting spot should nature call. 

Reaching the Top

The path becomes smoother shortly after the second oasis. There's still another small rock garden (or two), but those rocks aren't much compared to the others. After that, it's just a fun road and beautiful scenery until the next trailhead. 

NOT This Trailhead

The Brown's Peak trailhead is often described as a small parking area in a wooded area.

There aren't many wooded areas before the top, so it can be easily confused with the Pigeon Trail parking area. When you get to the spot pictured above, keep going. You're almost there.

It's worth mentioning that Google Maps actually will guide you accurately all the way to the Brown's Peak trailhead. However, we recommend setting the route before as you'll eventually lose service. 

Successfully Reaching the Brown's Peak Trailhead in My Bronco Sport

After the Pigeon Trail parking area, there's just one more low-key rough patch before reaching the Brown's Peak trailhead. Obviously, the Bronco Sport handled it well, and my ascent was complete. 

Honestly, I was pretty nervous going up. After all, I was driving with street tires and I hadn't yet tested the Bronco on this kind of terrain. 

However, I felt much more confident going down; comfortable enough to roll down the windows, play some music, and actually enjoy the drive. I even managed to outpace an Ineos Genadier on the way back! 

I'll definitely upgrade the tires and add a lift before the tours of Brown's Peak begin next year. 

Schedule Your Guided Tour of Brown's Peak

Ready to experience the thrilling off-road adventure and hike of Four Peak Mountain's highest peak? Sign up for our guided Brown's Peak hike today! Registration opens in 2026. I promise the Bronco Sport will be upgraded by then, making it even more capable (and safe) for off-road adventures like the drive to Brown's Peak!