10/28/2026
The last badge from last month's 10 day Badge trip out west has arrived.
The Telegraph Line Trail (officially designated as MT-42) is a rugged, highly technical off-road route located in the Sonoran Desert within the Tonto National Forest (specifically in the Cave Creek Ranger District's St. Clair OHV Permit Zone) in Arizona.
Historical Origins
* The Telegraph Line: The trail earns its name from its pioneer-era past. Weathered, aging wooden stumps still line parts of the route—the silent remnants of an early telegraph line that once stretched across this remote stretch of the Arizona backcountry to support regional communication and military logistics.
* Mining Country: The surrounding terrain is deeply intertwined with Arizona's historic mining and prospecting days, sharing geography with old mining roads that crisscross the Mineral Mountain and Bartlett areas.
Wildfire Closures and Reopening
* The Bart Fire: For many years, public access to portions of the area was severely restricted following major wildfire damage—most notably the destructive 2005 Bart Fire, which scorched large swaths north of Bartlett Lake Road.
* Restoration: Following years of habitat recovery, erosion management, and extensive volunteer-driven trail work, the trail network saw major phased reopenings. These efforts allowed the route to return to active backcountry mapping and ultimately join the Jeep Badge of Honor program.
Trail Profile & Character
* "Flexi 42": Spanning roughly 11.3 miles, the trail is rated as a demanding high-clearance 4x4 route and is widely known among off-roaders by its affectionate nickname, "Flexi 42." It is famous for putting a vehicle's suspension articulation to the ultimate test through severe off-camber ledges, deep seasonal ruts, and rocky washes.
* Iconic Obstacles: The route features challenging topographical features like the steep descent known as the "Nosedive" and the "Mini Edge of the Earth" drop-off, before treating drivers to scenic vistas near Bartlett Lake.