BLM, local off-highway groups remove graffiti from remote Gold King Mansion

The Bureau of Land Management’s Colorado River District Kingman Field Office partnered with local off-highway vehicle groups and businesses to remove illegal graffiti from the historic Gold King Mansion in the Hualapai Mountains southeast of Kingman. 

The cleanup effort was led by Matt Driscoll, BLM Kingman Field Office outdoor recreation planner, and Carrie Wostal, BLM Colorado River District law enforcement ranger.

Reaching the two-story, poured-concrete structure is not easy. The site sits along the rugged Moss Wash Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Trail, and access requires high-clearance, capable vehicles or a hike in from nearby trailheads. Because of the remote terrain, BLM staff coordinated with members of the off-highway vehicle community to safely transport equipment and supplies to the site and complete the cleanup.

Several local groups responded to assist, including Walapai 4 Wheelers, Sunshine Off-Road, Bullhead 4 Wheelers, Desert Drifters and Local Jeepers. Automotive Specialists and Stockton Hill Tire also contributed support for the effort.

Using specialized graffiti-removal products and soft brushes, the team applied multiple careful treatments designed to lift spray paint while minimizing impacts to the underlying historic surface. The work required time, teamwork and persistence, but the results validated the efforts by restoring the appearance of a landmark that residents and visitors recognize as a unique piece of northwest Arizona’s mining history.

“Matt and Carrie’s leadership — and the willingness of local off-highway groups and businesses to step up — shows what stewardship looks like on the ground,” said Amanda Dodson, Kingman Field Office manager. “These partnerships help us protect important historic places like the Gold King Mansion, especially in remote areas where access is challenging.”

The Gold King Mansion is tied to the short-lived boom of the Gold King Mine. Built in 1929 and associated with the Gold King Corporation, the mansion was intended to help promote investment and support operations at the mine. The mine produced gold, silver, copper and lead, but it never reached the level of success investors hoped for, and the 1929 stock market crash helped bring the venture to an end. Today, the mansion remains a striking reminder of the region’s early mining era and continues to draw history-minded visitors, hikers and OHV enthusiasts who value its connection to the nation’s rugged and resource driven heritage.

BLM staff appreciate the public’s role in protecting places like the Gold King Mansion. Partnerships with community groups and individual volunteers help extend on-the-ground stewardship, especially in areas that are difficult to access and maintain. 

To learn more about volunteering with BLM and earning a free volunteer park pass by completing 250 hours, visit Volunteer.gov.

Vandalism of cultural resources is taken seriously and damages irreplaceable public lands. BLM law enforcement is actively investigating leads related to the graffiti at the Gold King Mansion. Anyone with information about vandalism to cultural sites or other natural resource crimes on BLM-managed lands in Arizona is encouraged to contact the BLM Mission Support Communication Center at 1-800-637-9152.