Trail-Ways Offroad Maps

Here's the route we took taken from my fold out map on the region

The four wheel drive community has lost an icon as Mr. Marlin Czajkowski passed away. Marlin was always an advocate for the off road community and often worked on our trails and lands to help keep everything in top notch shape. While he was working on the trails and off road events he would always be the first one to stop to lend a hand and or a part to repair anyone that was around him, or make special trips for rescue missions anytime he could. He will always be missed by all. R.I.P

BUCKSKIN MOUNTAIN STATE PARK

The park is one of the best locations on the Colorado River Parker Strip. The picturesque mountains line both sides of the river and the recreational opportunities are plentiful. The park provides scenic mountain hikes, water sports, offroading, fishing, mountain biking and other activities along the river and in the surrounding mountains.

The park has a campground with a beach, cabana’s, restrooms, showers, picnic area hiking trails, basketball court, volleyball court, playground, restaurant, store arcade boat ramp and a gas dock. River island is ideal for tent campers with a beach and boat launch.

The Colorado River Indian Reservation is east of parker and has many archaeological and cultural sites throughout the area. Parker Dam is the world’s deepest dam and is located north on Hwy 95 and Lake Havasu City and the London Bridge is about 25 miles away.

One of the most interesting bar and grills that you may ever come across is located here, the Nellie E. Saloon also known as The Desert Bar is just a long dirt road drive away. Located at an old mining site it is one of the must visit locations to put on the agenda, good food, good drink and live music in one of the most unusual settings that you can find. About a 5 mile drive down Cienega Springs Rd. a dirt road will take you there, gourmet hamburgers, Philly cheesesteaks and more are on the menu. The Desert Bar is only open during the winter months so check their schedule so you won’t be disappointed.

There are also several other points of interest in the area such as the Colorado River Indian Tribes Library & Museum, Parker Train Depot, Swansea Ghost Town, Japanese Internment Monument and much more.

BUCKSKIN MOUNTAIN TRAIL
Buckskin Mountain trail is a moderate to easy 4x4 trail that runs through Buckskin Mountain. It is a fun trail that that ends with a treat at the Nellie E. Saloon which is a bar & grill in the middle of the desert. There are several routes along the way that will all end at Cienega Springs Rd.

NELLIE E. SALOON/DESERT BAR
This is an easy 2wd trail to the Nellie E. Saloon for the best hamburgers and live entertainment that can be found in the middle of the desert. It is a special place at an old mining site. More recently it has been developed into a bar & grill and is unique in that it is far from the paved road but is a must go to destination when you are in the area.

PRESIDENTS CHOICE TRAIL
This is a short but tough loop trail with a sandy wash start and progresses to rocky ledges and waterfalls that will test your vehicles capabilities and your expertise.

SWANSEA GHOST TOWN
Swansea was a mining town mined copper & silver which was then transported by rail to Bouse, then on to the Colorado River where it was taken down the river to the Gulf of California and then on to Swansea, Wales.

The remains are extensive that include a railroad station, a large smelter, many buildings and a couple cemeteries. The town lasted for only 5 years before it was abandoned and the desert reclaimed it. The large smelter walls have collapsed due to the winds in the area.

BUCKSKIN MOUNTAIN STATE PARK

The park is one of the best locations on the Colorado River Parker Strip. The picturesque mountains line both sides of the river and the recreational opportunities are plentiful. The park provides scenic mountain hikes, water sports, offroading, fishing, mountain biking and other activities along the river and in the surrounding mountains.

The park has a campground with a beach, cabana’s, restrooms, showers, picnic area hiking trails, basketball court, volleyball court, playground, restaurant, store arcade boat ramp and a gas dock. River island is ideal for tent campers with a beach and boat launch.

The Colorado River Indian Reservation is east of parker and has many archaeological and cultural sites throughout the area. Parker Dam is the world’s deepest dam and is located north on Hwy 95 and Lake Havasu City and the London Bridge is about 25 miles away.

One of the most interesting bar and grills that you may ever come across is located here, the Nellie E. Saloon also known as The Desert Bar is just a long dirt road drive away. Located at an old mining site it is one of the must visit locations to put on the agenda, good food, good drink and live music in one of the most unusual settings that you can find. About a 5 mile drive down Cienega Springs Rd. a dirt road will take you there, gourmet hamburgers, Philly cheese steaks and more are on the menu. The Desert Bar is only open during the winter months so check their schedule so you won’t be disappointed.

There are also several other points of interest in the area such as the Colorado River Indian Tribes Library & Museum, Parker Train Depot, Swansea Ghost Town, Japanese Internment Monument and much more.

BUCKSKIN MOUNTAIN TRAIL
Buckskin Mountain trail is a moderate to easy 4x4 trail that runs through Buckskin Mountain. It is a fun trail that that ends with a treat at the Nellie E. Saloon which is a bar & grill in the middle of the desert. There are several routes along the way that will all end at Cienega Springs Rd.

PRESIDENTS CHOICE TRAIL
This is a short but tough loop trail with a sandy wash start and progresses to rocky ledges and waterfalls that will test your vehicles capabilities and your expertise

There will be several visible trails climbing the hills, you will be looking for the somewhat hidden entrance to Presidents Choice between the hills, it won't take long to know that you found the right trail as it weaves through a wash and then drops down a waterfall followed by ledges narrow paths and drops.

This is an easy 2wd trail that all vehicles can generally travel on to The Desert Bar/Nellie E. Saloon. You will find the best hamburgers and live entertainment that can be found in the middle of the desert at the end of the trail.

It is a special place at an old mining site. More recently it has been developed into a bar & grill and is unique in that it is far from the paved road but is a must go to destination when you are in the area.

The bar & grill is only open in the winter months so check the website for the opening and closing dates.

BUCKSKIN MOUNTAIN TRAIL

Buckskin Mountain trail is a moderate to easy 4x4 trail that runs through Buckskin Mountain. It is a fun trail that that ends with a treat at the Nellie E. Saloon which is a bar & grill in the middle of the desert. There are several routes along the way that will all end at Cienega Springs Rd.

NELLIE E. SALOON/DESERT BAR

This is an easy 2wd trail to the Nellie E. Saloon for the best hamburgers and live entertainment that can be found in the middle of the desert. It is a special place at an old mining site. More recently it has been developed into a bar & grill and is unique in that it is far from the paved road but is a must go to destination when you are in the area.

PRESIDENTS CHOICE TRAIL

This is a short but tough loop trail with a sandy wash start and progresses to rocky ledges and waterfalls that will test your vehicles capabilities and your expertise.

Parker Strip Area

ORGAN PIPE CACTUS NATIONAL MONUMENT

Located in southern Arizona along the Mexico border, it is the only place that Organ Pipe and Senita Cactus can be found in the wild. At one point it was considered the most dangerous park in the United States not because of the heat or wildlife dangers but for its location to the border with Mexico. In fact the park was closed for this reason in 2003, it reopened only after several security steps were taken to secure the park. Even today park visitors should take care and be aware of their surroundings.

Lake Havasu

QUARTZSITE
Quartzsite, AZ is a quiet little town east of the Colorado River on I-10 for most of the year but in the winter months it becomes an RV Mecca. With several events such as rock, gem, fossils, swap meets and the massive RV show, this has become a go-to location for the winter RV’er.

Not only that but the surrounding area provides many adventures for the avid rock hunter, OHV rider and 4X4 driver since it sits next to the La Posa OHV area. Plus just 20 mile away is the Colorado River and all of the action there.

Originally a stage stop and fort for the weary pioneer traveler the town got its name from the abundance of quartz in the area. The fort was there to protect travelers, miners and residents from the Indian tribes living there.

Today it is just a quick-stop for most travelers from California to Arizona with just a few thousand residents but during the winter it boasts upwards of one million temporary residents and visitors.

Words to the wise when traveling these areas of the desert always heed the weather when exploring. Just because you may be in the sun at your location these washes can flash flood from rain in other locations without notice. Also if you are in a wash and see weather coming get to high ground and wait out the storm, you are better off not staying in the wash or canyon than being washed away.

In certain locations throughout Arizona a special permit is required in order to travel on state lands, there are several options for you:
Individual
Family
Non-Competitive/Non-Commercial Group Permit

The permit is required if you are on state trust land with few exceptions, make sure to get one before heading out. This includes camping, hiking, traveling in any form including parking at the trail-heads. This permit does not give access to closed areas, only open areas. It can also be revoked for irresponsible behavior, so stay on the trails and tread lightly

Arizona State Land Dept.
1616 W. Adams St
Phoenix, AZ 85007
602-542-4631
https://land.az.gov/natural-resources/recreational-permit

KOFA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Kofa National Wildlife Refuge is located in southwestern Arizona northeast of Yuma and southeast of Quartzsite, over 665,000 miles of protected land provides a home to multiple species. A rare feature is Palm Canyon where you will find Native California palms; it is a short but difficult hiking trail.

KINGMAN

Located in and around the Colorado River area, Kingman is an entertainment Mecca. Laughlin for gambling and shows, the Colorado River for boating, water skiing and fishing, Lake Havasu for the partiers and the desert for the off roaders on two or four wheels.

The Gold Eagle and the Bonanza were responsible for the area’s Boom in 1888. Harquahala’s Post Office was established in 1891 through 1932. Today there are a few ruins of the town and mill that can be found in the area.

Located in Western Arizona the region is in a federally protected wilderness so make sure to stay on designated legal trails in the area.

GRAND CANYON

Located in Northwest Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park is one of the oldest parks in the United States. This wonder to behold is one of the treasures of the country and spans over 278 miles of the Colorado River. Visiting the Canyon and surrounding areas can provide a lifetime of memories.

GILA BEND

Located Southwest of Phoenix, Gila Bend is located at a 90 degree turn of the Gila River. The area is arid desert with little to no rain. Some of the area attractions include the Sonoran Desert Monument, Oatman massacre site, Painted Rocks Petroglyphs Site, Sundad and much more. This is a good weekend trip for the avid offroader.

APACHE SITGREAVES NATIONAL FOREST

Located in eastern Arizona along the Mogollon Rim and White Mountains the forest borders the Fort Apache Indian Reservation to the North and West and New Mexico to the East. This is a great get away from the summer heat of Phoenix and the desert area.

OATMAN

Located in the Black Mountains in Arizona, Oatman was a small mining town that has become a tourist destination. From the oldest adobe building in Mohave County, wild burros that wander the streets, wood sidewalks and Wild West reenactments you are bound to have a fun day.