Arizona
| Recreation Trails Affected by Power Line Upgrades |
Description
Sleeping Princess Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Trail climbs up the west slope of the Black Mountains for about 3.2 miles and ends at top of the Black Mountains range. The Sleeping Princess, as its name implies, is located on the Black Mountain’s skyline as viewed from the Colorado River area. The trail meanders through sparse Mohave Desert vegetation. The trail gains approximately 1,600 feet in elevation over its 3.2 mile length. It provides a great trail ride for the advanced jeep enthusiast. Use of the trail is most comfortable between the months of September and May
Location
Sleeping Princess OHV Trail is located in Mohave County, AZ, 10 miles northwest of Bullhead City in the western half of the Black Mountains.
Access
Turn north at approximately milepost eight on State Route 68 between Bullhead City and Kingman. This turnoff is about eight miles east of Bullhead City and approximately 23 miles west of Kingman. From the milepost eight turnoff, travel approximately 0.5 mile northeast old State Route 68, then turn left and travel north for approximately 1.7 miles to the trailhead.
Visitor Activities
The trail is primarily used by non-stock, four-wheel drive vehicles and four-wheel drive vehicles with a short wheel base; however, the trail is also used by All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), Universal Terrain Vehicles (UTVs), and motorcycles.
Special Features
You may observe desert bighorn sheep that live in the area. At the top of the trail, spectacular views are available of Lake Mohave and the surrounding mountains of the tri-state area (Arizona, Nevada and California).
Permits, Fees, Limitations
No permits or fees are required. The trail has a variety of conditions contributing to its dangerous attributes including steepness, off-camber, narrow passages, loose surfaces, sharp turns and ledges/drop-offs. Shade and drinking water are not available along the route.
Accessibility
Recommended vehicles are non-stock four-wheel-drive vehicles and four-wheel-drive-vehicles with short wheel base. Other users can be experienced operators of ATVs, UTVs and motorcycles. The trail meets a wash at 1.4 miles and continues up the wash for another 1.8 miles to the top of the mountain range. Miller Extension is only accessible by non-stock, four-wheel drive. It is located 1.4 miles into the trail when the trail meets a wash. Miller Extension is downstream in the wash from this intersection and is 0.7 mile in length. Located 1.5 miles into the trail is an intersection of an easy trail to the north and west for emergency evacuations for disabled vehicles and medical assistance.
The sign at the trailhead states, “Difficult 4WD Trail, Possible Vehicle Damage”.
The site is not wheelchair accessible.
Camping and Lodging
Primitive camping without fees is available on public lands year-round. Motel lodging is abundant in Kingman and Bullhead City, AZ.
Food and Supplies
There are many large grocery stores and businesses supplying outdoor recreation needs in nearby Kingman and Bullhead City.
First Aid
The nearest hospitals are in Bullhead City, AZ (approximately 10 miles east of the trail head) and in Kingman, AZ (approximately 25 miles west of the trailhead). In the event of a medical or law enforcement emergency people may call 911 or the Mohave County Sheriff’s Department 928-753-2141.
Additional Information
Union Pass 7.5’ USGS Topo
Davis Dam, Arizona 1:100,000 Surface Management Map (1999)
 |