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Mohave Milltown West Trailhead

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages thousands of acres across the US for recreational use. These areas are not part of named or restricted sites and are available for a wide variety of recreational uses. The Mohave Milltown West Trailhead is located in one of these general-use areas. The trail is open to hiking, biking, horseback riding, and off-highway vehicle (OHV) use.

Located between the towns of Oatman and Bullhead City in Arizona, the trail provides an up-close look at one of the most desolate landscapes in America: the Mohave Desert. As forbidding as the desert is, it is rich in unique, natural phenomena and historical sites. The Mohave Trail National Monument and Fort Mohave are short trips from the BLM site. The Colorado River and Lake Mead National Recreation areas are also nearby. The closest national parks are Joshua Tree National Park in California, two and a half hours southwest of the Mohave Milltown West Trailhead, and Grand Canyon National Park, which is three hours and 50 minutes to the northeast.

What to See and Do

What to See and Do

Hiking and BikingHiking and Biking

Mohave Milltown West Trailhead

The trail follows the abandoned railbed of a mining railroad that was constructed in 1903. There are two trails. The track that follows the railbed is intended for hiking and biking. A parallel path is for horseback riding and OHV use. The OHV trail meanders near the railbed, crossing it occasionally. The west trail grade is uphill as you travel east. The grade is gentle and consistent. The trail suffers from washouts, so it can be rocky and rough in spots. There are no services at this location. There is no fee.

Length: 7 miles

Intensity: Easy-Moderate

Fishing and BoatingFishing and Boating

The Lake Mead Recreation Area, managed by the National Parks Service, is 50 minutes north of the Mohave Milltown West Trailhead at the Arizona/Nevada border. The southern end of the Lake Mead Complex is home to Lake Mohave and is known for its beaches and quiet coves. Lake Mead offers several marinas and boat launches to accommodate nearly any type of watercraft. There are several varieties of fish stocked in the lake to test your angler skills. Fees apply, and permits are required.

Picnicking

Though you are welcome to picnic at the Mohave Milltown West Trailhead, there are no facilities or shade. However, there are several picnic areas along the Colorado River on the west side of Bullhead City. Bullhead City Community Park, 43 minutes north of the Mohave Milltown West Trailhead, is a 375-acre city park that provides shady spots, picnic tables, ball fields, a dog park, restrooms, and a beach along the Colorado River. In the same area is Bullhead City Rotary Park, a 300-acre city park that has something for everyone. Amenities include ball fields, beach access, a dog park, disc golf, fire pits, horseshoe pits, and a fishing pier. Picnic areas and restrooms are also available.

Camping

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping Caravan Icon

The area around the Mohave Milltown West Trailhead is very sparsely populated. However, there are a couple of RV camping facilities less than a half-hour from the BLM site. Crossroads RV Park, 25 minutes north of the Mohave Milltown West Trailhead, provides extra-large, pull-through, full-hookup sites. There are also showers, laundry facilities, restrooms, and a picnic area. You could also stay at Fender’s River Road Resort, which is in California 27 minutes southwest of the Mohave Milltown West Trailhead. Here, there are over 140 sites, some along the river, all of which have full hookups and picnic tables. There is a building that houses the laundry, restrooms, and showers that are open 24/7.

Free Camping Campground Icon

This BLM RV camping site is a designated boondocking site. It is six miles south of Oatman on the Oatman Highway. The site has space for several RV rigs. There are no facilities. Watch out for burros! To find other campsites on your travels, do an Internet search for "BLM camping near me" when you reach your destination. Bureau of Land Management free camping can be done anywhere you can find a safe spot on BLM land.

RV Rentals Near Mohave Milltown West Trailhead Plan your next adventure

Planning Your Trip

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Mohave Milltown West Trailhead BLM trip

Spending time on BLM land is always an adventure. Hiking and camping in the Mohave Desert could be considered extreme adventuring. Summer temperatures can push 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The climate is hot and dry year-round. 

Be sure to carry plenty of water in your rig and a liter bottle whenever you are in the sun. Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and a wide-brimmed hat are good options to keep the sun off your skin. If you choose shorts and short sleeves, use plenty of sunblock. Be alert to signs of sunstroke, and learn how to treat it. The sun in this area is dangerous.

Before you head out on your trip, check our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace Leaf

The BLM’s Leave No Trace program is a seven-step program for preserving Bureau of Land Management campgrounds and trails. The tenets are: • Plan ahead. Be ready for adverse weather, hazards, and emergencies. • Travel and camp on established trails and campsites. • Dispose of waste properly. If you packed it in, pack it out. • Leave what you find. Preserve nature and history. • Minimize campfire impact. Use established fire facilities. Keep fires small. • Respect wildlife. Do not harass, approach, or feed animals. • Be considerate of others. Use indoor voices and keep noise to a minimum. Following these guidelines will enable others to enjoy the sites you have visited for years to come.

Leave No Trace
Location

Mohave Milltown West Trailhead Location

To reach the trailhead from Bullhead City, take Highway 95 south to Willow Drive. Head east on Willow drive for approximately three miles. Bear left (northeast) at a fork in the road. The trailhead is two miles beyond the fork. Watch for signage on your left.

Ready to visit the Mohave Milltown West 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 of 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.

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