My First Ride Into the Bullhead City Desert: A Journey I Never Knew I Needed
I thought I knew the desert surrounding Bullhead City. I've driven past the rolling hills hundreds of times. But the truth is that a part of this desert was hiding. It didn't come into view until I left the pavement for the very first time.
This is the story of my first UTV ride, made possible by the Bullhead City UTV Club and CJB Off Road Rentals. It changed the way I see the landscape around us.
Watch the full story below and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more Bullhead City adventures.
My First Journey Beyond the Road
The moment the tires left the asphalt, everything felt different. Rocks climbed beneath us. The trail dipped into hidden canyons. The desert air carried that earthy scent that only off-roading can stir up.
Bud Korn from the Bullhead City UTV Club told me that he loves the smell of dirt after the rain because the desert has its own scent. He was right. Even the sound of the tires over rock was new. The horizon felt wider and untouched.
Our small convoy wound east through the desert. We were close to town but it felt like a completely different world. I was new to this and everyone made sure I felt safe and supported as we traveled toward a place I had only heard about. The Upper Narrows.
The Upper Narrows and the Arizona Peace Trail
This section of our ride connects to the Arizona Peace Trail. The Peace Trail is a 675-mile OHV loop that passes through some of Arizona’s most beautiful and remote landscapes. Just outside Bullhead City, it becomes unforgettable.
The Bullhead City UTV Club guided us to the edge of the Upper Narrows where tall canyon walls rise high above the trail. One moment we were riding flat across the desert. The next moment the trail dropped into the canyon. You can experience this in the video above.
Bryan, the club’s president, estimated the cliff walls to be 60 to 70 feet tall. He reminded me that most of our local trails are on BLM land, which means they're open for everyone to enjoy.
This part of the desert is full of wildlife, including wild burros, roadrunners and sometimes even bighorn sheep. It is a place that surprises you turn after turn.
The New OHV Rest Area
After exploring the rugged beauty of the Upper Narrows, it's easy to understand why riders appreciate having a comfortable place to regroup. Bullhead City’s new OHV rest area, located at Bullhead Parkway and Silver Creek Road, provides exactly that.
The staging area offers trailer parking, an almost completed restroom, shade, and a smooth entry point to the Arizona Peace Trail. For travelers moving along the Peace Trail, it is the perfect stop to step back into civilization for a moment. It gives riders a chance to enjoy a few modern conveniences before continuing into the wide-open desert.
It's a welcoming place to begin your journey and an ideal midpoint to catch your breath between the more rugged sections of the trail.
Ride Smart and Leave No Trace
Every rider I met shared the same message. These lands stay beautiful because people care for them.
Ride with a group. Bring water. Watch the terrain. And always leave the desert cleaner than you found it.
The UTV Club often picks up trash along the trails. Bud said something that stayed with me. He said that what we leave behind becomes a scar on the places we love. Protecting these areas is a responsibility we all share.
Plan Your Ride and Your Stay
If you want to experience the desert the way I did, here are some helpful links.
CJB Off Road Rentals can provide the UTV you need for your adventure. They also captured some of the footage featured in my story.
Bullhead City has endless sunshine, sweeping desert trails, Lake Mohave, the Colorado River and adventure around every turn.
Continue to explore Bullhead City's official tourism website to plan your perfect adventure, discover local favorites, and map out your stay.
Adventure Awaits.
Bullhead City, Arizona
2355 Trane Road
Bullhead City, AZ 86442
(928) 763-9400
www.bullheadcity.com