Backway to Oatman

Location: Between the town of Mohave Valley on Hwy 95 and Oatman.

Difficulty: Easy.

Description: This route roughly follows the original bed of the old Mohave and Milltown Railroad. A hiking trail follows the railroad route, while the four-wheel-drive route weaves back and forth across it. Look at the trail markers carefully to see whether they are for hikers or Jeeps. Most of this road is fairly flat and can be driven in a high-clearance two-wheel-drive vehicle. Four-wheel drive may be needed occasionally after heavy rains when ruts and washouts occur. The road is sometimes faint and difficult to find, especially at the west end. Use Boundary Cone as a directional landmark. The trail can also be driven in the opposite direction.

Time & Distance: About 18 miles from Hwy 95 in Mohave Valley to Oatman. Allow 2 to 3 hours.

Trail Conditions: Bureau of Land Management, Kingman Field Office. Call (928) 718-3700.

 

Mohave Valley WEATHER

 

Remember: trail conditions, fire restrictions, weather, and land ownership change constantly so everyone must take responsibility for themselves, both for their safety and complying with all laws. Please understand that means YOU.

 

Directions to the Trail: From Mohave Valley on Hwy 95 turn east on Willow Road at a traffic light halfway between mile markers 232 and 233. Continue east after the pavement ends until the road forks. Bear left, cross a wash, then continue straight uphill through a 4-way intersection. An information kiosk marks the start of the trail and is the general location of the Milltown Site.

 

View Backway to Oatman in a larger map for even more DETAILS!

Return Trip: From Oatman return to Mohave Valley via Hwy 153 (Boundary Cone Road). North on Route 66 takes you to Kingman. South on Route 66 takes you to Topock at I-40.

 

Get yourself and your rig ready for the trip: Make sure both you and your vehicle are prepared for your next adventure.

Before you venture out on your offroading trip you need to make sure you are prepared for emergencies. Even if nothing happens to you or your vehicle, you might come across someone who needs help. Short of having your full-on bug-out-bag with you, you should at least have some basic emergency items. It might seem obvious to some, but you should get yourself a tool box with appropriate tools and leather gloves, good first aid kit, fire extinguisher, set of jumper cables, emergency blankets (stored in heavy plastic bag – both are useful), flashlight, tow strap and some extra water. I would also suggest a recovery strap, a military folding shovel, heavy duty garbage bags, and a hand crank self powered weather radio. These items are not expensive, but they just might save your day.

Another thing you should definitely do before you leave is to save the number to Arizona 4×4 Off Road Recovery in case you find yourself in need of recovery in the middle of nowhere. Their number is (602) 697-8306.

 

If you’re ready for a next adventure and want to plan it right, check out some of these trail guides – Arizona has so many awesome destinations to explore!

 

                    

 

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