Arizona Peace Trail by UTV

What the Arizona Peace Trail is

The Arizona Peace Trail is a long loop of off-highway routes through western Arizona, stitched together from existing dirt roads and trails across Mohave, La Paz and Yuma counties. Published figures for its length run from roughly 675 to 750 miles, depending on the source and which connectors are counted. The name comes from La Paz County, whose Spanish name means "the peace." The loop runs between Bullhead City in the north and the Yuma area in the south.

For someone renting a side-by-side in Bullhead City, that means the trail isn't a long drive away. Its northern segments run through the foothills east and south of town, close to where you pick up your machine. You don't need to ride hundreds of miles to enjoy it. A few hours on the local stretch shows you what makes the desert here worth exploring.

What riding the northern section is like

The trail near Bullhead City runs between the city and the Black Mountains, weaving through sandy washes and climbing and dropping over a series of hills. Some of those hills are gentle; others are steep, with loose rock and erosion ruts. Wider dirt roads connect the more interesting pieces, and alternate routes often run in the same direction, so it's easy to pick the line that suits your comfort level.

• Washes: soft, sandy and sometimes deep. Keep momentum steady and avoid sudden stops in deep sand.
• Hill climbs: short and punchy, sometimes rutted. Look before you climb, and keep your speed under control on the way down.
• Graded roads: faster but often washboarded. Slow down where it's rough and watch for other vehicles.
• Old mining country: the hills east of town are full of old diggings and mining roads. Stay out of mine openings and off posted private claims.

Riding to Oatman

The most popular day out on this end of the trail is the ride to Oatman, a historic gold-mining town in the Black Mountains on old Route 66. Dirt routes such as Silver Creek Road climb from Bullhead City through mining country, a ride of roughly ten miles each way depending on your route. Oatman is famous for the wild burros that wander its main street, descendants of animals used by early miners. Enjoy them from a distance, drive slowly through town, and don't feed them.

The ride to Oatman and back fits well into a full-day rental, with time for lunch and a walk around town. On a half day, plan a shorter loop in the foothills instead.

Choosing a machine for the Peace Trail

Almost any side-by-side handles the easier northern sections. If you plan to spend most of the day on rocky climbs and rough roads, the long-travel Can-Am Maverick is comfortable over a long day. For quick, playful driving in the washes, the Polaris RZR is a great fit. Riding with family or friends? A 4-seat side-by-side keeps everyone together. And if you want to explore more of the trail, a multi-day rental lets you ride a different stretch each day.

When to ride

Fall, winter and spring are the comfortable seasons. Days are mild, though winter nights can be cold and higher elevations may see frost. Summer in Bullhead City is extremely hot. If you ride between late spring and early fall, go at first light, be off the trail before the worst of the afternoon heat, and carry far more water than you expect to drink. Summer monsoon storms can also send water rushing down washes with little warning, so never park or wait in a wash if storms are around.

Rules and permits

• OHV decal. Arizona requires a valid off-highway vehicle decal for vehicles ridden on public and state trust land. Ask us about the decal status of your rental.
• Helmets. Riders under 18 must wear a properly fitted DOT-approved helmet. Helmets are strongly recommended for everyone.
• Stay on open routes. Drive only on roads and trails open to motorized use. Don't make new tracks or ride on routes narrower than your vehicle.
• Spark arrestors and dust. Vehicles need a working spark arrestor, and slowing down near others keeps dust and tempers in check.
• Know whose land you're on. The trail crosses public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management, state trust land and private property. Respect closures and posted signs.

What to bring

• Plenty of water, plus snacks or lunch
• Sunscreen, sunglasses or goggles, a hat, and a bandana or buff for dust
• Closed-toe shoes and a light layer for cool mornings
• A paper map or downloaded GPS route; phone signal is patchy away from town
• A charged phone and a simple first-aid kit

Ask us what's included when you book, and plan to bring anything else on this list yourself.

Want something rougher and more remote? Read our guide to riding to Secret Pass. Staying south of town? See side-by-side rentals for Fort Mohave.