Moss Wash OHV Trail | Arizona
Moss Wash Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Trail is a challenging 9.5-mile trail that meanders through scenic Pinyon-juniper woodlands, interior chapparal, Ponderosa pine forest, and Mojave Desert vegetation. In the higher elevations, there is a forest of ponderosa pine, gambel oak, New Mexico locust, and various grasses and forbs. In the lower elevations is a chaparral plant community consisting of Sonoran scrub oak, manzanita, desert ceanothus, silktassel, and scattered pinyon pine.
The trail travels along Moss Wash underneath the tall pines or within a riparian area of Arizona black walnut and species of willows. The trail passes several areas of historic mining activities, including Gold King Mansion. The nearby Gold King Mine produced gold, silver, copper, and lead, but never reached the success investors hoped for. The 1929 stock market crash ended both the mine and the mansion’s use.
There are two main trailheads or entry points to the trail. The first is located off of Blake Ranch Road and is the location where most trail users start the trail. The second location is located by Wild Cow Springs Campground just off of Antelope Wash Road. The trailheads are not suitable to haul a trailer to or to be used as a staging area. Trailers can be parked off of Blake Ranch Road near where the pavement ends or at the Hualapai Mountains.
Recommended vehicles are modified four-wheel drives, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) and motorcycles. Due to the condition of the southeast part of the trail within a mile of Gold King Mansion, motor vehicles are limited to non-stock four-wheel drives, four-wheel drives with short wheelbase, ATVs, and UTVs. All travel is at your own risk and recovery of your vehicle is at your own cost.
Go slow in unfamiliar terrain and watch for other riders. Not wearing a helmet can lead to serious injuries — even on short or slow rides.
Nearby attractions include Bureau of Land Management's Wild Cow Springs Campground and the Mohave County Hualapai Mountain Park.
Hours and Seasons
Moss Wash OHV Trail is open all year. The weather is most comfortable in spring and fall, though early morning summer rides can also be pleasant.
Features and Services
- Drinking Water: There is no drinking water available along the trail.
- Cell Phone and Internet: There is no public internet or Wi-Fi.
- Pets: Pets are allowed and must be kept on a leash at all times. Service dogs are legally permitted anywhere that visitors can go. Please pack out all waste.
Safety and Conditions
You are responsible for your own safety. Call 911 to contact local law enforcement, obtain emergency services, or report a fire. While enjoying your visit, keep in mind that there is no first aid available on-site.
Open mine shafts and tunnels are dangerous and should be avoided.
Expect potential hazards such as venomous reptiles and invertebrates, extreme heat or cold, and flash floods. Be prepared for changes in weather and stay informed on weather warning alerts. Make sure you have the appropriate gear, food and water.
Respect and Protect
The area is home to many species of wildlife. Please remember to practice outdoor ethics and recreate responsibly. Help us protect this unique environment by leaving no trace during your visit.
Check for fire restrictions before your visit. Using exploding targets, fireworks, sky lanterns, tracer ammunition and other incendiary devices is prohibited on BLM-managed public land in Arizona.
Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA)
Contact Us
Activities
Addresses
Geographic Coordinates
Directions
Upper Trailhead: From Kingman, head south on the Hualapai Mountain Road to the Pine Lake community past the Hualapai Mountain County Park. Turn right on Flag Mine Road and travel south for 2.75 miles to the Wild Cow Springs Recreation Site turnoff. Turn left and follow the “Evacuation” signs for 0.4 mile. Turn right to the trailhead (35.064169, -113.86728).
Lower Trailhead: From Kingman, head east on Interstate 40 for approximately 15 miles to exit 66 for Blake Ranch Road. Turn right onto Blake Ranch Road and drive south approximately 11.3 miles. Turn right to the trailhead (35.026124, -113.814094).
Fees
Moss Wash OHV Trail is free (no fee required) for general visits by the public.
However, commercial, competitive, and large organized group events require a special recreation permit. Contact the Kingman Field Office for more information about special recreation permits.
All OHVs designed by the manufacturer primarily for use over unimproved terrain, and weigh 2,500 pounds or less, are required by law to display a valid Arizona OHV decal to operate on public and state trust lands in Arizona. Get more information from the state Arizona Game and Fish Department.