Off-road trails near Lake Havasu City for UTVs and side-by-sides

Much of the desert around Lake Havasu City is public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management, crossed by dirt roads and washes. You can't ride just anywhere, though. In the Havasu area, the BLM limits vehicles to designated roads and trails. This guide covers the main riding areas within reach of town and the rules that apply.

Standard Wash OHV Area

The closest big riding area to town. Head south on Highway 95 past SARA Park and turn left about 5 miles south of Lake Havasu City. The BLM calls it an unrestricted playground for OHVs, ATVs, UTVs and Jeeps, and one of the main access points to the Lake Havasu trail system. Go Lake Havasu puts it at about 7,500 acres, with routes on existing roads and trails.

There are no facilities, no shade and no water, so bring everything you'll need.

Crossroads OHV Area (California side)

About 45 minutes south of town. Cross Parker Dam into California and it's about 8 miles south of the dam. The BLM site covers about 1,500 acres, with paved parking, a loading ramp, two vault toilets and a picnic table. It's day use only, and there's no shade or water.

Copper Basin Dunes OHV Area (California side)

About 5 miles south of Parker Dam, the BLM manages roughly 1,200 acres of open dunes, open year-round for day use. Like Crossroads, it has parking and a loading ramp but no shade or water.

On the California side, the BLM accepts an Arizona or California OHV decal. Vehicles without current home-state registration need a California nonresident OHV use permit (California State Parks).

Longer routes toward Parker

Go Lake Havasu lists several routes south of the lake for a longer day:

• Swansea Road: 23 miles, rated easy, out to the Swansea ghost town.
• Desert Bar route: 4.5 miles, about an hour each way.
• Buckskin Mountain Trail: 4 miles, rocky, about an hour and a half.
• Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge auto tour: a 3.5-mile easy loop.

Go Lake Havasu also points riders to the Arizona Peace Trail, a long OHV loop through western Arizona that can be reached from Lake Havasu City.

The rules

Arizona OHV decal

Under A.R.S. §28-1177, an off-highway vehicle needs a current Arizona OHV decal to be ridden in the state. According to Arizona Game & Fish, decals cost $25 plus a processing fee, last a year, and stay with the vehicle. Decals from other states aren't accepted. Since January 2025, one owner has to complete a free online safety course before buying one.

Helmets and eye protection

• Riders under 18 must wear a properly fitted and fastened DOT-approved helmet (A.R.S. §28-1179).
• Operators of vehicles without a windshield need eye protection, and vehicles need a spark arrestor and must stay under the 96-decibel noise limit (AZGFD).
• Lights are required from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise.

Where you can ride

• Stay on designated roads and trails. Leaving an existing trail in a way that damages habitat or cultural sites, or riding a closed route, is a misdemeanor (A.R.S. §28-1174).
• In Lake Havasu City, an off-road vehicle can't be driven on city streets unless it's street-legal, and riding on public land off designated trails is banned. Vehicles ridden in violation can be impounded (City Code ch. 10.20).
• A decal lets you cross State Trust Land, but stopping, picnicking or riding only on trust land needs a separate recreation permit.
• Fireworks, exploding targets and sky lanterns are banned on BLM land in Arizona year-round. Seasonal fire restrictions change, so check with the BLM Lake Havasu Field Office (928-505-1200).
• If a desert tortoise is in the road, move it off in the direction it was heading. It's illegal to take one from the wild (AZGFD).

Staying safe out there

Arizona Game & Fish recommends:

• Wear a helmet and buckle up. A helmet can cut the risk of a traumatic brain injury by as much as half.
• Carry only as many passengers as the machine is built for.
• Wear goggles, long sleeves, gloves and boots.
• Never ride alone, and tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back.
• Carry a map, a first-aid kit, a whistle and basic tools.

Fall through spring is the best riding season. See our UTVs and book online, or call the office to plan your day.