The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The curvy Route 66 Historic Back Country Byway through the Black Mountains near Oatman, Arizona, is one of the best-preserved sections of the original Route 66 Highway. The 42-mile road runs near Mount Nutt Wilderness and Warm Springs Wilderness and crosses Sitgreaves Pass. "How the West Was Won" and "The Edge of Eternity" was filmed near this location. Do not be surprised if free-roaming burros slightly delay your drive. The eastern end of the highway is near Kingman, Arizona, while the western end is near the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge. You can easily reach this highway by taking a short detour off Interstate 40. Route 66 Historic Back Country Byway is about 168 miles from this highway to Grand Canyon National Park.
When traveling along this backcountry byway or any of the other 53 backcountry byways in the Western United States, search for "BLM camping near me." You can stay for up to 14 days at Bureau of Land Management campgrounds for free or by paying a nominal fee. While most have limited services, you find most in areas filled with hiking, boating, fishing and other outdoor activities to enjoy.
This loop trail starts at the corner of McCulloch Boulevard North and Beachcomber Boulevard. Lake Havasu City employees constructed it during the 1980s so visitors and residents would have a place for aerobic exercise. Hikers and runners should go counterclockwise around the asphalt trail while bikers should go clockwise. This trail is primarily flat, and it offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
Length: 3.5 miles
Intensity: Easy
This trail starts at London Bridge in Lake Havasu City and runs along the Bridgewater Channel through Havasu State Park. The course also passes through an Arroyo De Camino Cactus Garden, the English Village and along Windsor Beach. As the name suggests, this is an excellent trail for an evening hike.
Length: 4 miles
Intensity: Easy
This trail starts at milepost 192 off Arizona Highway 92. This trail runs through a deep canyon in Havasu National Wildlife Refuge. As you hike this trail, you will likely see bighorn sheep and wild burros. This trail is poorly marked, so bring a trail map with you.
Length: 7.3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Lake Havasu is a terrific place to go on a boating adventure. London Bridge, the second-most visited attraction in Arizona, is a great place to start. Join the parade of boats that run up and down the Bridgewater Channel and stop to play on the beach at its south end. Anglers will love fishing at Site Six Fishing Pier, where an artificial reef attracts many fish species.
Crab Claw Rock located along Arizona 95 about six miles north of the Lake Havasu City Airport, offers at least six named climbs. The northwest side of the area is called Gargoyle's Gash, and the gash in the middle is a particular favorite location with many climbers.
Havasu National Wildlife Refuge runs from the north end of Lake Havasu almost to Bullhead City, Arizona. Boating down the Colorado River, which cuts through the center of this refuge, is the best way to explore this area, where you are likely to see mountain lions, jackrabbits, packrats, mice, foxes, coyotes, bobcats and desert bighorn sheep. This is a favorite stopping point for many migratory birds, including Yuma clapper rails, southwestern willow flycatchers, southern bald eagles and peregrine falcons. While there are no marked trails, Topock Gorge in the refuge is a great hiking destination because you may see oxen, porcupines, bobcats, desert bighorn sheep, coyotes, tortoises, and Gila monsters.
The 12 ramadas at London Bridge Beach in Lake Havasu City are terrific spots for a picnic, and each comes equipped with a barbecue grill. The park also features two swimming areas and a fully enclosed dog park with water features. You will love this location's views of London Bridge and the Bridgewater Channel.
While you can find resort-style RV camping in Kingman, Bullhead City and Lake Havasu City, consider staying at Windy Point Campground about 20 miles north of Kingman. Another option near Kingman is Wild Cow Campground in the Hualapai Mountains. A third fantastic option is Burro Creek Campground, where you will love exploring the Mojave interpretive garden and the watchable wildlife exhibit.
Bureau of Land Management free camping facilities can be challenging to find in this area. There are numerous camping spots in Golden Valley Wilderness, which is especially beautiful in the spring when the desert wildflowers are blooming. You can also camp for free in the Mount Nutt Wilderness, where you will love exploring the hiking trails running through deep canyons at this location.
Besides the scenic beauty, one of the highlights of driving along Route 66 Historic Back Country Byway is visiting Oatman, Arizona. This mining town would have become a ghost town except for the wild burros seen on the streets. Local merchants will sell you a cup of hay cubes to feed the adult donkeys, but you should not try to feed the babies. Staged gunfights and a bank robbery occur almost daily. Wear great walking shoes as you will want to visit many merchants and parking can be hard to find.
Especially as Route 66 Historic Back Country Byway passes through the mountains, officials recommend that vehicles with a total length of more than 30 feet not attempt this road. Yet, vehicles up to 40 feet long are legal. If your vehicle is too long, car rentals are available in Kingman and other nearby towns.
The first wild burros were brought to this area during the late 1500s by Spaniards. Ever since people have worked together to ensure that the area stays clean. Please support their efforts by cleaning up after yourself. Only start fires in designated areas and stay on designated trails.
Travelers can easily access the northern end of Route 66 Historic Back Country Byway by taking the McConnico exit near Kingman. Turn south onto the highway. It ends at the Topock/Golden Shores Exit to Interstate 40.
Address: Route 66 Historic Back Country Byway, Kingman, Arizona, 86401
Ready to visit Route 66 Historic Back Country Byway? 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.
