A Weekend Away in Kingman, Arizona

Kingman, Arizona is one of the best ATV destinations in the Southwest thanks to hundreds of miles of legal BLM trails, beginner-to-expert terrain, year-round riding access, and direct access to the Hualapai, Cerbat, and Black Mountains.

It’s a bucket-list destination for many ATV Riders, daring you to explore its thousands of miles of ATV routes. Spend one weekend here, and you will understand why off-road riders from across the USA keep coming back.

In Kingman, more than 40 downtown buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can stay in one of the original Route 66 motels, eat at a classic diner on Andy Devine Avenue, and browse antique shops.

This guide is your complete weekend plan, from where to stay and what to eat, to every ATV trail worth loading your rig for. All you need to bring is your gear, and we’ll provide the rest at TrailIntel: real-time hazards, trail conditions, and trail routes, so you can instead focus on having the time of your life.

Quick Facts About ATV Riding in Kingman

• Best riding season: Spring and fall
• Permit required: Yes (Arizona OHV decal)
• Terrain: Desert washes, mountain trails, mining roads
• Skill levels: Beginner to expert
• Closest major city: Las Vegas
• Best beginner trail: Hualapai Mountain Park Main Loop
• Best advanced trail: Sleeping Princess Trail
• Elevation range: 4,900–8,400 ft

Why Is Kingman One of the Best ATV Destinations in Arizona?

The Cerbat Mountains rise to the north, the Hualapai Mountains anchor the south, and the Black Mountains frame the west toward the Colorado River. Between them, old mining operations left behind hundreds of miles of established roads and tracks. The terrain shifts dramatically, ranging from sandy washes and hard-packed desert flats to rocky mountain switchbacks and pine-covered ridgelines above 6,000 feet.

Spring and fall are the prime riding seasons, when temperatures hover between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and the mountains are at their greenest. Summer riding is best tackled in the early morning hours before the desert heat builds, and the higher elevations of Hualapai Mountain Park stay noticeably cooler than the valley floor throughout the year.

TrailIntel Pro Tip

Before heading out on any trail near Kingman, check real-time trail conditions and hazard alerts on the TrailIntel app. BLM roads around Kingman are subject to flash-flood closures and seasonal maintenance. Always verify road status with the BLM Kingman Field Office at (928) 718-3700 or through TrailIntel's live condition updates.

The Best ATV Trails Near Kingman, Arizona

The trails listed below represent the full range of what the Kingman region offers, from approachable beginner loops to demanding technical routes that will test your machine and your nerve. Each one was selected for its accessibility from downtown Kingman, its character, and the quality of the riding experience.

What are the Best Beginner ATV routes near Kingman?

Hualapai Mountain Park Main Loop

• Distance: ~40 miles of motorized trail system
• Elevation: 4,984 ft to 8,417 ft
• Located: 12 miles SE of Kingman

Hualapai Mountain Park has a dedicated ATV trailhead with a proper unloading ramp and plenty of trailer parking, which makes logistics easy for riders traveling from out of town. The main loop runs mostly on a hard-packed surface with scattered rocky sections and moderate elevation changes, giving beginner riders a satisfying challenge without overwhelming them.

More experienced riders can branch off into surrounding BLM trails, where washouts and rugged climbs raise the stakes considerably. The park encompasses over 2,300 acres, with elevations that reach 8,417 feet, so expect temperatures to be at least 10 degrees cooler than in Kingman proper. Keep an eye out for elk and mule deer, particularly in the upper elevations among the ponderosa pines.

Moss Wash Beginner Loop

• Distance: 8–15 miles, depending on turnarounds
• Ride time: 1–2 hours
• Located: Moss Wash OHV Trailhead Upper

This is where you’ll find hard-packed desert dirt, sandy washes, small loose-rock sections, mostly wide enough for side-by-sides. This area lets you practice throttle control, riding in shallow sand, basic hill climbing, and wash crossings without dealing with ledges or technical rock crawling.

You’ll have open visibility, mild elevation changes, and fast but forgiving terrain. Always air down slightly for sand if you know how, avoid riding washes after storms, and bring extra water even in cooler months. This is a great warm-up route if you’re looking to start on something easier when you first arrive to Kingman.

Chloride / Mining Road Intro Ride

• Distance: 10–20 miles
• Time: 2-4 hours
• Location: Chloride

Here is where you’ll ride on old mining roads, gravel washes, and experience mild climbs. It’s one of the most interesting ATV rides near Kingman because you get the “Arizona ghost-town ATV” experience without hardcore terrain. Follow the wider mining roads and explore old mine structures and desert overlooks. This works well as a half-day adventure during the weekend if you’re looking for routes to prepare you for harder terrain.

What are the Best Intermediate ATV routes near Kingman?

BLM Trail 7184

• Route: Blake Ranch Road to Hualapai Mountains
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Access: Via Blake Ranch Road off I-40

Trail 7184 is a fire road that winds from the lower desert at Blake Ranch Road all the way up into the Hualapai Mountains, serving as both a standalone ride and a useful connector for building longer routes. The trail offers decent obstacles, making it a rewarding option for riders seeking more engagement than the main park loop. 

The gradual climb means the scenery shifts as you ride, transitioning from open desert brush into the cooler mountain terrain that defines the upper Hualapais. Plan for a solid half-day if you intend to ride this trail as part of a larger loop.

Music Mountains Trail

• Distance: 16.9 miles point-to-point
• Terrain: Large wash climbing into scenic mountains
• Views: Kingman Valley panorama

The Music Mountains Trail is one of the most scenically rewarding rides in the entire region. This 16.9-mile point-to-point route takes riders up into the Music Mountains, beginning in a broad wash at the southern trailhead before climbing steadily toward expansive views of the Kingman Valley. The trail features overgrowth in certain sections that can narrow the path, so riders should come prepared and move thoughtfully through the denser areas.

The payoff is considerable: wide-open mountain vistas, varied terrain, and desert solitude. This trail works particularly well as a half-day ride on a two-day weekend, pairing nicely with a morning ride at Hualapai Mountain Park the day prior.

Antelope Wash Road

• Distance: 4.5 miles point-to-point
• Elevation gain: ~1,300 ft
• Connects: Hualapai Mountain Scenic Trail to Hualapai Mountain Trail

Antelope Wash Road climbs 1,300 feet up into the Hualapai Mountains, connecting the Hualapai Mountain Scenic Trail to the Hualapai Mountain Trail or Moss Wash Trail. That elevation gain is earned steadily rather than in punishing surges, making this a trail where the journey genuinely matches the destination. The panoramas that open up as you gain altitude are among the best you will find within an easy drive of Kingman. This trail works as a standalone morning ride or as a connector piece for riders building a longer backcountry loop through the Hualapai trail system.

What are the Best Advanced ATV routes near Kingman?

ATV Trail 7178 — Hualapai Off-Road Park

• Difficulty: Difficult two-track
• Terrain: Decomposed granite, rock obstacles, off-camber sections
• Located: Hualapai Mountain Off-Road Park

This winding two-track begins with a loose rocky climb before cresting a mountain saddle and descending the back side through switchbacks, tight turns, and rain-carved washouts. The loose rock and off-camber sections create a genuine challenge for both ATVs and 50-inch UTVs.

The opening stretch rewards riders with sweeping views of pine-covered valleys, and the second half transitions into grassier, lower-elevation terrain with flashes of red rock. At the far end, Trail 7178 connects to the very challenging Trail 7180, and riders can also link to BLM Route 7178 east toward Blake Ranch Road for extended exploration. This trail is best approached by experienced riders with proper recovery gear.

Sleeping Princess Trail (Black Mountains)

• Difficulty: Advanced to expert
• Distance: About 26 miles if completed as a through-route.
• Ride time: 4–7 hours, depending on vehicle and experience

This is one of the most difficult legal OHV routes near Kingman. The trail climbs aggressively into the Black Mountains with steep ledges, off-camber shelf roads, loose rock climbs, narrow canyon sections, sharp switchbacks, and exposure/drop-offs. 

The BLM specifically warns about “treacherous attributes,” including ledges and narrow passages. Some of the biggest challenges you’ll face include loose decomposed granite, climbs that get worse after rain, shelf-road exposure, and tight turning radius areas. Only attempt this if you are comfortable climbing rock ledges, descending steep grades, feathering the throttle, and picking technical lines. 

Oatman to Gold Road Technical Route

• Difficulty: Advanced to expert
• Distance: 25–45 miles depending on side loops
• Ride time: 5–8 hours

This is classic Mojave Desert mining-country riding with steep loose climbs, jagged volcanic rock, narrow canyon trails, deep wash crossings, abandoned mine roads, and high-speed desert sections between technical areas.

The terrain changes constantly, which makes it one of the more demanding ATV/UTV rides near Kingman. The hardest sections include off-camber volcanic rock, loose hill climbs, sharp rock ledges, deep wash sand, and heat and remoteness.

Some canyon routes become significantly rougher after monsoon storms. You should already know how to choose lines through rock gardens, descend steep, loose hills, recover from sand wash fishtailing, and navigate remote desert terrain. Despite its difficulty, riders who choose this route will see incredible Black Mountain overlooks, ruins of old mines, desert canyon views, wild burros near Oatman, and sections of historic Route 66 nearby.

Where Are the Best Places to Stay and Eat During an ATV Trip to Kingman?

Balance your weekend away in Kingman by visiting various points of interest, including lodging and restaurants.

• Hill Top Motel: This was one of the classic old-school Route 66 motels in Kingman — the kind of place people stayed specifically for the retro roadside-America atmosphere rather than luxury. You can’t miss the big vintage neon sign, mid-century Route 66 architecture, and retro rooms that make it seem frozen in time.
• Giganticus Headicus and the Antares Point Visitor Center: Just east of Kingman along Route 66 stands a 14-foot tiki sculpture called Giganticus Headicus, created by local artist Gregg Arnold and stationed outside the Antares Point Visitor Center.
  
• Hualapai Mountain Lodge: If you are riding in the Hualapai Mountain Park system, the Lodge is a natural lunch or dinner stop. Elk occasionally wander up to the windows, and the food and scenery make it a genuine highlight rather than just a fuel stop.
  
• Rickety Cricket Brewing: A locals' favorite, this is where you’ll find a list of 17 rotating craft brews, pizza, and live music most weekends.
  
• Canyon 66 Restaurant and Lounge: This is one of the better-known casual sit-down spots in Kingman, especially for travelers coming through on historic Route 66. It’s attached to the Ramada Inn on Andy Devine Avenue and has a classic Route 66 road-trip vibe with a sports-bar/lounge feel.
  
• Cuisine of India: If you’re looking for a break from burgers and fries and want a quieter, more relaxing evening, stop by the Cuisine of India. This is one of the few dedicated Indian restaurants in Kingman and it’s surprisingly well-liked for a smaller Route 66 town.
  
• Historic Route 66 Downtown: Walking Kingman's downtown strip along Andy Devine Avenue puts you in the middle of one of the best-preserved sections of the original Route 66. The Route 66 Museum inside the Powerhouse Visitor Center tells the full story of the Mother Road, and 2026 marks the highway's 100th anniversary, so the town is in a celebratory mood. Pick up a Route 66 Passport and treat the storefronts, murals, and roadside art as a casual scavenger hunt.

Do You Need an OHV Permit to Ride ATVs in Kingman, Arizona?

You will need a permit to ride the ATV trails in and around Kingman. A Non-Resident OHV Decal costs $25 and is valid for one year from the purchase date. It can be purchased online via the Arizona Game and Fish Department or in person at the Kingman AZGFD office. You must also make sure your ATV is street legal, which will come in handy if you want to visit any nearby towns.

ATV Day Trips From Kingman: Oatman, Bullhead City, Topock, and Lake Havasu

Since many ATV routes link up to other towns, you’ll likely end up visiting towns like Bullhead City, Topock, and Lake Havasu City during your trip.

Bullhead City, Arizona

• Lodge on the River: This is one of those classic budget Colorado River motels that people either see as a cheap riverfront basecamp or a rough-around-the-edges roadside stay. It sits directly on Highway 95 near the Bullhead/Laughlin corridor. This is where you’ll find Laughlin casinos, launch ramps, river recreation, and restaurants and bars.
• Riliberto’s Mexican Food: Riliberto’s is part of the 24-hour Arizona-style fast Mexican food scene, with huge burritos, carne asada fries, breakfast burritos, and drive-thru convenience.
  
• Hardeeville (historic) Cemetery - Bullhead: This is one of the oldest surviving historic sites tied to the original settlement history of the Bullhead/Laughlin area. Hardeeville was an old Colorado River crossing and steamboat stop dating back to the 1800s. You’ll get a glimpse into the early Mojave Desert settlement history and what Arizona was like before highway development.
  
• The Hilltop Hotel: The Hilltop Hotel is more of a practical desert-river lodging option than a destination resort. This is an older roadside hotel and is quieter than casino hotels.
  
• The River Dog Grill: River Dog Grill fits the Colorado River “boat day food” culture, where you’ll find burgers, sandwiches, and beer. This is a relaxed lunch or dinner spot with a local crowd.

To get to Topock from Kingman, you’ll need to take dirt trails out of Kingman toward Oatman, following the old railroad bed or Pipeline Road, and then legally connect on paved roads, requiring a legal OHV street-legal setup.

Topock, Arizona

• Hooch’s 66 Bar & Grill: This is pure Route 66 desert-roadhouse energy, with a biker-bar atmosphere, live music events, and Route 66 nostalgia. Ideally, this is a place for a cold drink after a long day of desert riding.
  
• Golden Shores General Store: This is one of those essential desert outpost stores where locals and travelers stop because there simply aren’t many services nearby, making it more of a community hub than a regular shop.
  
• Silver Dollar Chuck Wagon: This is a classic highway/desert diner style spot with strong “Old West roadside café” energy, and a great place to stop for breakfast before a long day of desert riding.

Lake Havasu City, Arizona

• Linda’s Italian Foods: One of the longtime comfort-food Italian spots in Havasu, with homemade-style pizza, deli items, and meatballs in an old-school Italian market feel.
  
• Island Suites: This is a practical mid-range hotel near the London Bridge/lake activity zone and is more affordable than other hotels nearby.
  
• La Vita Dolce Italian Bistro and Lounge: This is one of the more upscale Italian dinner options in Havasu that offers a romantic and date-night atmosphere in a wine-and-cocktail lounge.

Conclusion

Kingman sits at the edge of multiple mountain ranges, at the crossroads of hundreds of miles of rideable terrain. Oftentimes, it’s overlooked by travelers passing through on the interstate. But those who visit get varied, accessible trails and incredible desert vistas.

Load the trailer, check TrailIntel for current conditions, and point the truck south off Interstate 40.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to ride ATVs near Kingman?

Yes. Non-residents need an OHV Decal, which costs $25 and is valid for one year from the date of purchase. You can buy it online through the Arizona Game and Fish Department or in person at the Kingman AZGFD office.

Does my ATV need to be street legal?

It's highly recommended. Many trails connect to nearby towns like Oatman, Bullhead City, and Topock, and a street-legal ATV gives you the flexibility to ride between them without needing to trailer up.

What is the best time of year to ride in Kingman?

Spring and fall are ideal, with temperatures typically between 60 and 80°F. Summer riding is doable, but best done early in the morning before the heat builds. Higher elevations like Hualapai Mountain Park stay cooler year-round.

Where should beginners start?

The Hualapai Mountain Park Main Loop is the best starting point, with a dedicated ATV trailhead, trailer parking, and a hard-packed surface with manageable rocky sections. Moss Wash Beginner Loop is another great warm-up option for practicing basic skills.

Are there trails for advanced riders?

Yes. ATV Trail 7178, the Sleeping Princess Trail in the Black Mountains, and the Oatman to Gold Road Technical Route are all challenging advanced options featuring steep ledges, loose rock, off-camber sections, and remote terrain.

Where can I check trail conditions before I ride?

You can check real-time conditions and hazard alerts on the TrailIntel app, or contact the BLM Kingman Field Office directly at (928) 718-3700. BLM roads in the area are subject to flash-flood closures and seasonal maintenance.

Where should I stay in Kingman?

The Hill Top Motel is a classic Route 66 option with retro charm. If you want to stay closer to the trails, Hualapai Mountain Lodge puts you right in the park. For a campsite at the trailhead, the park's RV campground is a convenient choice.

What should I do in the evenings after riding?

Walk the historic downtown strip along Andy Devine Avenue, grab a craft beer at Rickety Cricket Brewing, or have dinner at Canyon 66 Restaurant or Cuisine of India. 2026 marks Route 66's 100th anniversary, so there's extra energy in town worth enjoying.

Can I ride from Kingman to nearby towns?

Yes, with a street-legal ATV. Routes connect toward Oatman, Bullhead City, Topock, and further out to Lake Havasu City, though some connections require riding on paved roads.

How much riding is actually available near Kingman?

More than most riders expect. Between the Hualapai Mountain Park trail system (~40 miles), BLM roads, old mining tracks, and routes through the Cerbat, Hualapai, and Black Mountain ranges, there are hundreds of miles of legal OHV terrain, enough to keep you busy for far more than a single weekend.