Check Out These Spots To Go Off-Roading Near Lake Havasu
Where to Ride, What to Bring, and the Best Basecamp for It All
Lake Havasu isn't just for boats and beach days—it's also an off-road paradise. From rugged desert trails to epic overlooks, the terrain around Havasu is made for thrill-seekers who love kicking up dust and chasing adventure.
Whether you're rolling in with a side-by-side, quad, dirt bike, or a tricked-out Jeep, this guide will help you hit the trails with confidence—and show you why Black Meadow Landing is the ideal place to launch your off-road weekend.
🏜️ Top Off-Road Trails Near Lake Havasu
🚧 1. Havasu BLM Trail System
All around Lake Havasu lies a massive network of Burro of Land Management (BLM) Land offering tons of off-road access. You’ll find wide open areas and winding trails with amazing views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Skill Level: Easy to moderate
Vehicle Types: All OHVs welcome
Tip: Download a trail map or use OnX Offroad or Gaia GPS for tracking
🛞 2. Cattail Cove to Rovey's Needle Trail
Distance from Black Meadow Landing: Approximately 15 miles south
Trail Length: 19 miles (out-and-back)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Description: This trail offers a scenic ride through sandy washes and desert landscapes, leading to the distinctive Rovey's Needle rock formation. It's suitable for beginners and provides a great introduction to the area's off-road terrain.
🏞️ 3. Standard Wash OHV Area
Distance from Black Meadow Landing: Approximately 20 miles south
Trail Length: Over 22 miles of trails
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Description: Located just south of Lake Havasu City, this open riding area features a variety of terrains, including sandy washes and small hills. It's a popular spot for ATVs, side-by-sides, and dirt bikes. Check out more info here.
🏔️ 4. Falls Springs Wash OHV Trail
Distance from Black Meadow Landing: Approximately 25 miles north. Get the trail details here!
Trail Length: 13.1 miles (out-and-back)
Difficulty: Moderate
Description: This trail offers a mix of rocky paths and sandy washes, providing a moderately challenging ride with scenic views of the surrounding desert.
🛻 5. Crossman Peak Trail
Distance from Black Meadow Landing: Approximately 25 miles north
Trail Length: 14.4 miles (out-and-back)
Difficulty: Challenging
Description: Crossman Peak stands as the highest point in the Lake Havasu area at 5,103 feet, offering panoramic views of the Colorado River valley, the Hualapai Mountains, and the Aquarius Mountains. The trail involves a steep ascent, primarily on a service road leading to communication towers, followed by a half-mile hike to the summit. Along the way, hikers will encounter several abandoned mines, notably the historic Sunrise Mine. Caution is advised: do not enter these mines. Get more information here!
🏜️ 6. Copper Basin Dunes OHV Area
Distance from Black Meadow Landing: Approximately 20 miles south
Area Size: 1,275 acres
Difficulty: Varied (suitable for all skill levels)
Description: Located on the California side of the Colorado River, Copper Basin Dunes offers a diverse off-roading experience with sand dunes, desert trails, and shallow sand washes. The area provides scenic views of the Colorado River and features amenities such as a paved parking lot, restrooms, loading ramps, and an informational kiosk. It's an excellent choice for ATV and UTV riders seeking varied terrain. Click here for the details!
🛑 What You’ll Need
Before you hit the trails near Lake Havasu, make sure you’re prepped and legal:
OHV registration & tags (CA, AZ or out-of-state reciprocity)
Flag & whip lights for dune areas
Helmets (required for riders under 18)
Goggles / protective gear
Plenty of water + electrolytes
Navigation app (OnX, Ride Command, or Gaia GPS)
Pro Tip: Always check trail access and current BLM guidelines. Weather can affect trail conditions.
⛽ Fuel Up Without Leaving the Fun
One of the biggest advantages of staying at Black Meadow Landing? You don’t have to haul your rig or your off-road toys back into town just to gas up.
We have a full-service gas station right on site, open daily for both regular vehicles and off-roaders. Whether you’re fueling up your side-by-side, quad, dirt bike, or the truck that towed it all in, we make it fast, easy, and convenient.
It’s just one more reason Black Meadow Landing makes the perfect basecamp for outdoor adventure—everything you need, all in one place.
Here’s why off-roaders love staying with us:
Ride out access – park your off-roading vehicle at the front of the resort and ride to the trails!
Gas station + convenience store on site. Grab ice for your coolers at the store and stock up on water!
RV sites, Burro Inn rooms, and vacation rentals available
Boat launch + slips for when you're ready to swap dirt for water
Diner on site to fuel up before or after your ride. Check out the diner hours and menu here!
Whether you're spending a long weekend or just riding for the day, BML gives you the flexibility to enjoy both the trail and the lake—no need to choose.
🤘 Off-Road. Cool Off. Repeat.
The off-roading around Lake Havasu is some of the best in the Southwest. Rugged terrain, open skies, and all the dust, rock, and freedom you could ask for. And when you're done ripping trails?
Head back to Black Meadow Landing to wash off, kick back, and get ready for round two.
👉 Book your stay now and make BML your off-road headquarters on Lake Havasu.
About Black Meadow Landing
Black Meadow Landing is a laid-back resort on the California side of Lake Havasu, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who want to get away, soak up the sun, and have a good time. Whether you're here to boat, fish, off-road, or just unwind by the water, you're welcome to stay with us!
We offer a variety of accommodations including full-hookup RV sites, cozy rooms at the Burro Inn, and vacation home rentals. Come see why so many of our guests return year after year—and make Black Meadow Landing your home base on Lake Havasu.