The Ultimate Guide to Riding the Arizona Peace Trail: 675+ Miles of Pure Desert Adventure
There is off-roading, and then there is the Arizona Peace Trail (AZPT).
Stretching across 675+ miles of rugged terrain in Western Arizona, the AZPT connects Mohave, La Paz, and Yuma counties into one of the most iconic multi-day loop trails in the United States. Whether you're behind the wheel of a modified UTV/SXS, cruising in a Jeep, piloting a 4x4 truck, or throttle-down on a dual-sport motorcycle, the Peace Trail offers a desert expedition unlike any other.
As cooler temperatures roll across the Sonoran Desert, peak riding season (October through April) is officially in full swing! Before you strap in and head out into the backcountry, here’s some things you need to know to tackle the loop safely and confidently.
What Makes the Arizona Peace Trail Special?
The AZPT isn’t just a single trail; it’s a masterfully curated network of historical mining roads, scenic mountain passes, sand washes, and sweeping desert flats.
Connecting major gateway communities—including Kingman, Wikieup, Salome, Yuma, Quartzsite, Parker, Lake Havasu City, and Bullhead City—the trail allows riders to experience the full diversity of Western Arizona.
Along the 6-day main loop, you’ll encounter:
Historic Mining History: Explore iconic stops like the Boriana Mine near Kingman (H3) and the historic ghost town of Swansea (H16).
Panoramic Peaks: Drive up Harquahala Peak (H7) for breathtaking 360-degree views of the Sonoran Desert.
Route 66 Charm: Take a side trip into Kingman (H1) to grab a bite at a classic 1950s diner right on Historic Route 66.
Desert Agriculture: Ride through the rich Welton & Yuma valleys (H10), which produce 90% of North America’s winter leafy greens.
River & Lake Stops: Cool off along the Colorado River in Cibola (H13) or see the famous London Bridge in Lake Havasu (H18).
3 Critical Tips for a Successful AZPT Ride
1. Know Your Vehicle’s Limits & Trail Difficulty
The AZPT ranges from smooth dirt roads to technical climbs. While stock off-road vehicles can tackle major portions of the main loop, segments like the Laguna Hills (H12) or Secret Canyon (H20) require careful driving and appropriate vehicle setup. Always review segment difficulty ratings before setting out.
2. Practice TREAD Lightly! & Get Your Permits
Keeping these public lands open for future generations relies on responsible riding:
Stay on Designated Trails: Never blaze new paths through sensitive desert habitat or wildlife refuges like Kofa (H8).
Get Your AZ OHV Decal: Ensure your vehicle has the required Arizona OHV Decal or non-resident permit.
Support Local Communities: Stop in gateway towns like Bouse, Salome, Dateland, and Wikieup to fuel up, grab food, and support local businesses.
3. NEVER Rely Solely on Cell Service
Large portions of the 675+ mile loop run through deep canyons, remote mountain passes, and vast wilderness valleys where cell service is completely non-existent. Digital mapping apps can freeze, drain phone batteries, or lose GPS lock when you need them most.
Why You Need the Official 2nd Edition AZPT Atlas
When you're miles away from the nearest highway, offline reliability is important.
The Official Arizona Peace Trail 2nd Edition Atlas was designed specifically by riders, for riders. Printed on heavy-duty paper with a durable spiral binding, it lays flat on your dash or vehicle seat for easy navigation inside the cab.
What’s Inside the 2nd Edition Atlas?
Full 675+ Mile Loop Coverage: Step-by-step segment breakdowns with mileage and difficulty ratings (Easy, Moderate, Hard).
High-Detail Town Blowup Maps: Custom, detailed town maps for Kingman, Salome, Yuma, Quartzsite, Lake Havasu City, and Bullhead City showing staging areas, gas stations, repair shops, and dining.
Points of Interest (POIs): Clear GPS coordinates and markers for historical ruins, mine sites, scenic lookouts, and fuel stops.
Verified Staging Areas: Know exactly where to park trailers, unload, and set up camp safely.
Ready for the Ultimate Off-Road Expedition?
Don't leave your trip to chance or a spotty cell signal. Grab your copy of the Official 2nd Edition AZPT Atlas today and start planning your next desert getaway!
(Also available as compact Pocket Maps and at select retail partners throughout Western Arizona!)
Share Your Adventure With Us!
Are you hitting the trail this season? Join the conversation over on our Official Arizona Peace Trail Facebook Page! Tag us in your ride photos, share trail updates, and connect with thousands of fellow desert explorers. You can also find us on Instagram.
See you on the trail! Ride safe, stay on marked routes, and TREAD Lightly!