The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Mohave Milltown East Motorized Trailhead is a seven-mile trail that intertwines with a historic railroad grade. Visitors can ride horses or use their off-highway vehicles. This trail is clearly marked with rock cairns and signs. Like many other significant sites in Arizona, this trailhead is maintained and preserved by the Bureau of Land Management. By helping to protect the natural landscape, generations of visitors will be able to hike, climb, and camp in the area. You can also fish and boat in the popular Topock Marsh Lake to the south. Visit the trail between September and May for moderate weather and amazing natural sights.
Grand Canyon National Park is about 240 miles east, and Joshua Tree National Park is 135 miles west in California. Las Vegas is 107 miles north if you're looking for a great city adventure. You'll be able to get most of your supplies from nearby Mohave Valley and Lake Havasu City.
This popular trail is great for off-roading and scenic driving. The trail is sandy in some areas while rocky and rough in others. Be sure to bring plenty of water and plan to spend several hours exploring. There are even a few abandoned mineshafts close to the nearby historic Milltown site.
Length: 10.2 miles
Intensity: Easy
Prepare yourself for a steep and rocky climb to the top. This trail requires some rock climbing and scrambling, so be sure to bring enough water and follow the markers. Stop by in the winter or fall so that you're not overwhelmed with the heat or bees. Once you make it to the top, you'll have an amazing panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
Length: 1.5 miles
Intensity: Difficult
To get to the start of this trail, you'll need a vehicle that can handle some off-roading. Walk through a beautiful canyon and spot petroglyphs on the walls around you. There's limited cell service in this area, so be sure to download the trail map before starting.
Length: 3.1 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Topock Marsh Lake is full of carp, crappie, and bass. Spend an afternoon fly-fishing, spinning, or baitcasting. The lake is also open to boating and has several free-to-use boat launches. You can also head south to the popular Lake Havasu to catch catfish and largemouth bass.
Lace your boots and grab your climbing gear to explore amazing peaks like McHeffy Butte, Ute Mountain, and Wrigley Peak. Several local mountainous trails will take you hours, if not days, to fully explore and enjoy. Plan your trips in the cooler fall and winter months for easier and safer climbs.
Arizona is home to a variety of exciting wildlife, including Gila monsters, coyotes, cougars, and bighorn sheep. You might even spot black-footed ferrets, striped skunks, bark scorpions, or rattlesnakes. Exploring local trails gives you plenty of opportunities to see rare desert animals in their natural environment.
While you won't find picnic tables alongside the Mohave Milltown East Motorized Trailhead, picnicking is still allowed. Feel free to pull over along the road or lay out a blanket in a flat area. You're more likely to find organized picnic areas closer to Mohave Valley or another established city. Be sure to thoroughly clean up all trash before leaving.
Arizona is well-known for its rough and craggy landscape. The best way to explore the state is by bringing your ATV. Many local trails are meant only for motorized vehicles, giving you access to great sites away from the bustle of the city. Fit in as much Arizona exploration as possible by bringing an ATV along.
When exploring BLM lands, consider staying at local Bureau of Land Management campgrounds. The BLM Wild Cow Springs Recreation Area is open year-round and has plenty of sites available at affordable rates. BLM RV camping areas give you direct access to trails, climbs, and local fishing spots. However, they also often have limited amenities and may require you to use vaulted toilets and go without electricity. If you're looking for a more luxurious RV camping option, you can stay at Pirate Cove RV Resort, which offers full amenities as well as mini-cruises and a water playground. Needles Marina Park is another great option with a swimming pool, dump station, and laundry facility.
Dispersed camping is allowed on BLM lands in Arizona. Many visitors take advantage of Bureau of Land Management free camping spots by parking near the local highways. These spots are limited, and you'll likely have better luck setting up camp out near a trail. If you're near Topock Marsh Lake, you can stay in a clear area by the lake. To find other camping options, search online for "BLM camping near me."
Maximize your exploration time by finding a safe place to keep your RV. Choosing a local campground will ensure that your motorhome is safe while you're hiking, climbing, and boating. Don't forget to bring extra clothes and be prepared for high temperatures. You'll need plenty of sun repellant, bug spray, and water to keep hydrated. Plan to take plenty of breaks if you're going to be under the sun for long periods. Keep an eye on the weather and check in with the local wildlife department for updates on animal sightings. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Fully clean up after your group. Pack away all garbage and avoid disturbing or interacting with local wildlife. Bury all human waste at least 200 feet away from water sources. By doing your part, you can help to preserve Arizona wildlife and wildlands for future generations.
Starting in Oatman, Arizona, head southwest on Historic Road 66. After 2.4 miles, keep left after the fork for another 1.6 miles. Turn right at mile marker 21, and continue until you see a road at the end to the right.
Ready to visit the Mohave Milltown East Motorized Trailhead? 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.
