Challenging and fun all the way!
***This will be an overnighter due to distance****
Meetup: 7:00AM departing at 7:30AM. Summit 4×4 Company at 402 E Sheldon St, Prescott AZ 89301. For those who might be meeting up near Kingman, we will be meeting up at the Shell station at 970 S Blake Ranch Rd, Kingman, AZ 86401 at 9:30 AM.
From beginning to end, this trail is fun to drive. You’ll start in a challenging rocky wash, then meander along scenic mountain slopes with great views of the valley below. Visit historic mining remains, including Gold King Mansion, a few feet from the trail. You are allowed to walk through the structure; just make sure you leave it the way you find it. The trail ends at Hualapai Mountain Road after a pleasant drive through a thick forested area.
Moss Wash off-road trail offers just about everything anyone could want in a southwestern trail: waterfall obstacles, whoop dee doos, hill climbs, shelf roads, Mohave Desert landscape, a high mountain forest and American mining history. In addition to the Moss Wash trail, there are hundreds of miles of nearby trails that offer days of exploring and camping opportunities.
We will be camping at Wild Cow Springs Campground. It is a small, scenic wonder. At roughly 6,200 feet in elevation, the campground is cool and green, shaded by ponderosa pines and oaks.
Although the campground overlooks the dusty desert floor, you won’t mind. You’ll be too impressed by the location of the campground — within a short drive of Kingman — as well as by the hiking, biking and relaxing that the campground inspires. Even the drive to Wild Cow Springs is something special. The road winds along old mining claims and into the forest, and when the sky blazes bright blue, it’s as if you’re venturing into a hidden gem of a destination.
Amenities are minimal, but you will find a restroom, trash receptacles, picnic tables and fire rings. Just down the road is Hualapai Mountain Park, with its 10 miles of hiking trails, ranger-led programs and visitors center.
Fee: $8 per night
Reservations: No
Amenities: Toilets, Pets
Trail Rating: Difficult – Deep washouts, challenging rock obstacles and steep climbs. Narrow spots with tight brush near Gold King Mansion and along Moss Wash. Avoid if heavy rain is expected.
Not recommended for stock vehicles. High clearance, Min 33″ off-road tires, lockers and good articulation are needed.