Ride nearly 700 miles along the iconic Arizona Peace Trail

The Arizona Peace Trail ATV route was shaped by years of collaboration and a shared passion for motorized off-highway recreation. Named for its goal of promoting safe, respectful riding across communities, the trail is the result of a partnership between the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), and 14 OHV clubs. The system crosses three counties in western Arizona: Yuma, La Paz, and Mohave.

You don’t have to ride all 700 miles to enjoy it. Many ATV riders focus on sections that fit their schedule, terrain preference, or experience level. There’s no one “right” way to explore the trail—just a lot of great options, including:

• Trails near Bullhead City

• Sections near Quartzsite

• Trails through the Hualapai Mountains (not always accessible during winter)

• Routes around Alamo Lake

• The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

If you’re mapping out part of the trail for your next trip, check out this sample three-day loop from Quartzsite to Salome and back:

• Day 1: Start in Quartzsite and ride east across desert flats. You'll pass old mining sites and take in wide-open views. The ride to Bouse is beginner-friendly, with mostly packed dirt roads and light gravel. Fuel up before leaving town. Camp near Bouse or stage there for the next leg.

• Day 2: Ride from Bouse toward Salome on gradually changing terrain. Expect soft sand, mild elevation shifts, and side-sloped sections that call for steady handling. It’s a solid stretch for riders with some off-road experience. Overnight options in Salome include camping or local motels.

• Day 3: Return from Salome to Quartzsite via Bouse. This 50-mile stretch is mostly graded dirt roads with a few sandy areas. For a more challenging experience, optional side routes include rocky climbs and narrower paths—choose based on your group’s skill and trail conditions.

Before you go:

• Out-of-state riders need a valid OHV decal or non-resident permit. Visit Arizona Game and Fish for info.

• All riders must ensure their OHVs are titled, equipped with required safety features (like a muffler, lights, and a spark arrestor), and—if riding on public roads—operated by licensed drivers.

Planning ahead matters—especially with a 700-mile route through remote terrain where cell service is unreliable. Map your fuel stops, overnight options, and access points before you go. Bring paper backups in case your GPS fails.

Check out this AZPT trail resources page for downloadable maps, turn-by-turn GPS files, and real-time route updates. For offline navigation, apps like Avenza Maps can be helpful.

For most riders, the best time to ride is between October and May, as summer temps can climb well above 110°F. If you’re hoping to catch the desert in bloom, wildflower season typically peaks from mid-February to May. Before you roll out, check the AZPT website—sections of the route may close for organized races and extreme weather.

Here are the average monthly temperatures in Bullhead City:

The Arizona Peace Trail covers a lot of ground—and that means long distances between services, challenging terrain, and extended exposure to extreme heat. Here are some key tips to help keep your ride safe and smooth:

Each leg of the AZPT offers a new kind of thrill—whether you’re riding through historic mining sites, chasing riverside views, or climbing into high-altitude mountain terrain.

Yuma County covers a lot of ground—literally. It’s bigger than the state of Connecticut and packed with desert terrain, backcountry access, and historic sites. Riders passing through can find quick detours or staging areas near:

• Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park

• The Colorado River State Historic Park

• Imperial Sand Dunes

• Kofa Mountain Range

With its open desert and river access, La Paz County serves as a common starting point for riders hitting nearby AZPT segments. The Parker Strip offers a break from the dust if you’re looking to cool off, but the real draw for most riders is the surrounding network of trails, old mines, and ghost towns. Popular stops include:

• La Paz County Park

• Desert Bar and Nellie E Salon

• Buckskin Mountain State Park

Mohave County is big, dry, and built for long rides. While much of it is open desert, you’ll also find remote stretches of shoreline and parts of the longest remaining section of Route 66. If you’re staging in the area or passing through, here are a few spots riders often detour through:

• Hoover Dam

• Downtown Oatman

• Chloride Museum

• Monolith Garden Trail

• Hackberry

Riding off-road comes with risk—insurance can help you stay protected whether you're on the trail or hauling your ATV home. Dairyland^®, a brand of the Sentry Insurance Group, offers flexible off-road coverage options. If you want extra protection on your adventures, we can help—call us at 866-287-9640 to explore your options.