The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Moss Wash OHV Trail is located outside Kingman, Arizona, a little over two hours from Grand Canyon National Park. The trail offers 10 miles of steep, rocky, and challenging terrain. It passes through the Mojave Desert, and visitors can enjoy the area’s high desert and mountain forest landscape. The area is also of historic significance thanks to its history with the mining industry, and visitors will pass by the ruins of Gold King Mansion, which was once a luxury home.
No RV camping is available along the Moss Wash OHV Trail, but you can find other BLM sites with camping options by searching for “BLM camping near me.”
Located in the nearby Cerbat Foothills Recreation Area, this trail is an excellent place to spot wildflowers in the spring and is also favored by birdwatchers.
Length: 6.4 miles
Intensity: Easy
This trail offers some areas with steep climbs, but visitors will be rewarded with spectacular views of the landscape as the trail culminates at the highest point in the Hualapai Mountains.
Length: 8.1 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This trail is quiet and generally secluded, and it offers gorgeous views and many opportunities to see wild animals.
Length: 5.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Excellent for hiking or mountain biking, this trail offers some challenging areas for a strenuous journey.
Length: 6.4 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Ideal for hiking or OHV riding, this trail passes through fascinating rock formations and offers great photography opportunities.
Length: 9.9 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The Cerbat Foothills Recreation Area offers many options for bouldering, particularly along trails such as the Secret Pass Loop. Climbing enthusiasts can also head to the Beale Street Wall. The wall, located near the Castle Rock Trailhead, is 40 feet tall and offers 22 bolted sport routes.
Visitors can often see coyotes, cottontail rabbits, desert tortoise, snakes, lizards, ground squirrels, mule deer, hawks, eagles, javelina, and bobcats from the Moss Wash OHV Trail itself. The Cerbat Foothills Recreation Area is also a fantastic spot to view wildlife. The area is also home to a wide range of fascinating plant species, and OHV riders can spot desert ceanothus, willows, black walnut trees, Sonoran scrub oak, Gambel oak, ponderosa pines, and manzanita.
Anyone looking for a lovely picnic location can stop at Lewis Kingman Park. The park has shaded picnic areas, a dog park, and barbecue grills. Hualapai Mountain Park also offers barbecue grills and picnic tables.
Many trails in the area, including the Monolith Garden Trail and Badger Trail, are excellent options for horseback riding. Check each trail before heading out to see what use it is designated for.
BLM RV camping is available at the Wild Cow Springs Campground. Most sites have a trash can, fire ring, grill, and picnic table. The area is shady and much cooler than the surrounding desert, with temperatures averaging 20 degrees lower. The Fort Beale RV Park is also a great option. This park offers large sites with full hookups. There is also a pool, a pet area, restrooms, and a laundry facility.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is available throughout the Cerbat Foothills Recreation Area. There are no amenities, but visitors can set up a dispersed site in any convenient location with stable ground. Remember that water is not readily available in the recreation area, so bring any that you might need.
Because of the high elevations and rugged terrain of the Moss Wash OHV Trail, it’s recommended that you use non-stock four-wheel-drive vehicles, UTVs, ATVs, or four-wheel-drive vehicles with short wheelbases. Motorcycles are also popular but can encounter difficulty at the southeast section of the trail. As you ride, be mindful of any open mine shafts. These tunnels are extremely dangerous, so they should be completely avoided.
Arizona temperatures can soar during the summer. Daytime temperatures are often well over 100 degrees, and even spring and fall temperatures can reach into the 90s. Most riders prefer to enjoy the trail in the late fall, winter, and early spring when temperatures are mild. The early morning and late evening also tend to be cooler and a better option for riding comfortably. It’s also always a good idea to check the weather before you leave. Don’t ride on days that have an extreme heat warning, and stay in on days that call for thunderstorms, as flash floods are common in the desert, especially on summer afternoons.
Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Whenever you’re exploring Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, trails, or OHV areas, remember to care for and respect the land and nature around you. Use Leave No Trace practices, such as leaving what you find and sharing trails, to guide your actions. Never litter on the trail, and if you see litter from another rider, pick it up and throw it away. As you ride, stay on the trail and look out for any animals, including slow-moving snakes and tortoises, in your path.
From Kingman, you can reach the upper trailhead by heading south on Hualapai Mountain Road. At the Pine Lake community, take a right on Flag Mine Road. Continue for almost three miles to the Wild Cow Springs Recreations Site turnoff. Take a left and follow the signs reading "Evacuation." Turn right at the trailhead, which is about 0.4 miles down the road. To reach the lower trailhead from Kingman, take Interstate 40 east for about 15 miles. Take exit 66 for Blake Ranch Road and turn right onto Blake Ranch Road. Continue south for about 11 miles. Turn right at the trailhead.
Ready to visit Moss Wash OHV Trail? 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.
