The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Crossroads OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) Area lies in western Arizona along the Colorado River, which marks the border between Arizona and California. The site, which serves as an exciting playground for off-roading enthusiasts from all over the country, is administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a federal agency. While many of the natural areas protected by the BLM feature inexpensive camping areas, others are centered around outdoor recreation. You can find out more by researching "BLM camping near me." The closest national parks to Crossroads OHV Area are Joshua Tree National Park, two hours and two minutes to the southwest in California, and Grand Canyon National Park, four hours and 32 minutes to the northeast in Arizona.
The Bill Williams Peninsula Trail lies within the Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge, which is 53 minutes northeast of Crossroads OHV Area. The short out-and-back trail caters to all hikers regardless of skill or fitness level. The trek will take you near the gorgeous waters of Lake Havasu, where you'll enjoy remarkable waterfront views.
Length: 1 mile
Intensity: Easy
Buckskin Mountain State Park, which is just a half-hour southeast of Crossroads OHV Area, is a serene area boasting a variety of trails. One of them is Buckskin Trail East, a busy out-and-back trail popular with hikers and trail runners. Because of the area's hot climate and the trail's lack of shade, the most pleasant time to visit is between October and April. On this route, you'll encounter desert hills, mines, riverfront views, and a footbridge to cross.
Length: 6.4 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Gray Eagle Mine Trail is another lovely trail located around Buckskin Mountain State Park. In addition to being a great hiking destination, the trail and nearby area are excellent for off-road driving and wildlife observation as well. If you enjoy solitude, the Gray Eagle Mine Trail is a great choice as you'll be unlikely to encounter many other people during your visit. Dogs are welcome on the trail, and there's truly no wrong time of year to visit.
Length: 5.1 miles
Intensity: Moderate
If you head 40 minutes northwest of Crossroads OHV Area, you'll reach Lake Havasu, a fantastic destination for both fishing and boating. The sizable lake serves as an oasis in the desert region and is one of the most popular spots in the country for boating enthusiasts. Lake Havasu regularly sees family boaters, sightseeing boaters, and sport boaters. As for fishing, you'll have a great chance to catch largemouth and smallmouth bass, striped bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish, flathead catfish, and crappie. The lake offers fishing docks, piers, launch ramps, and marinas. It's entirely up to you where you want to cast your line from, but you really can't go wrong anywhere at this beautiful lake.
Although the specific species that you encounter will vary depending on the season, the nearby Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge is the perfect spot to observe interesting wildlife. During spring, the area is an excellent place for bird-watching as many waterfowl and songbirds can be seen soaring by. Summer is an especially fascinating time to visit the refuge since that's when many reptiles come out of hibernation. You may see spiny lizards, desert iguanas, California kingsnakes, diamondback rattlesnakes, or chuckwallas.
Since the Crossroads OHV Area tends to be alive with off-roading activity, you may need to move to the perimeter of the area to find a suitable picnic location. You may find a couple of picnic tables at the site, but there probably won't be any significant shelters or designated picnic areas. You will, however, find picnic tables and BBQ grills at nearby Crossroads Campground, a mere 10 minutes southwest of Crossroads OHV Area. Alternatively, enjoying lunch by the water is always pleasant, so you may consider laying out a picnic blanket somewhere on the shores of the Colorado River or the nearby lake.
Most of those who visit the Crossroads OHV Area BLM site are there for some off-roading excitement. The OHV area includes a parking area and an unloading ramp for vehicles. You'll also find an informational kiosk with a basic map of the site. There are roughly 1,500 acres open for off-road driving, and riders have the option of exploring the entire space freely. There are marked trails to explore and many short rocky climbs with gorgeous views of the surrounding valley and nearby river. When riding, be sure to don all the necessary safety equipment, and avoid riding beyond your means or experience level.
If you prefer RV camping with amenities, there are numerous campgrounds and RV parks scattered along the Colorado River. A couple of the many nearby options are Foxs RV Resort, 18 minutes south of Crossroads OHV Area, and Branson's Resort, 20 minutes to the southwest.
If you want to stay at one of the nearby Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, Crossroads Campground is located just 10 minutes southwest of Crossroads OHV Area and features 26 campsites, some of which are accessible for RVs. Another option for Bureau of Land Management free camping in the area is the Standard Wash OHV Area, 24 minutes north of Crossroads OHV Area.
If you're heading to the Crossroads OHV Area with plans to enjoy some off-roading, there are a few rules and regulations you should be aware of. To use a vehicle for off-roading at the site, it needs to be street legal or have official off-highway vehicle stickers. Your vehicle must also have a spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap, and there is a 96-dB noise limit. Because temperatures in the area regularly top 100 degrees Fahrenheit, you're likely to have a more enjoyable time if you visit during fall or winter.
If you choose to stay overnight at the nearby Crossroads Campground, be aware that the sites are first-come, first-served, and some of them are not accessible by RVs. There is a fee required for camping, which you can pay at an on-site self-pay kiosk. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
The BLM asks that you make an effort to keep the Crossroads OHV Area clean during your visit. If you eat or produce any trash at the site, please don't litter or leave any unused food behind. Treat any people you encounter with respect, and if you come across any wildlife, remember that you're a visitor in their habitat. When OHV riding, please follow any regulations posted at the site, and do not disturb the land any more than is necessary while riding.
The Crossroads OHV Area is located within the Parker Strip Recreation Area, roughly 45 minutes south of Lake Havasu City. To reach the site from Lake Havasu City, you'll need to cross over the Colorado River onto the California side by going over the Parker Dam. Then you'll continue driving south along the river for about eight miles until you come to a BLM sign. Turn right at the sign, and you will reach the OHV area.
Ready to visit Crossroads OHV Area? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night, where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice, soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
