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Crossroads OHV Area
Tuesday, November 22, 2022
| Other Names | Crossroads Campground, Empire Landing Campground, Parker Dam, Colorado River, Lake Havasu, Parker Strip |
| Last Known Status | Open |
This part of the Parker Strip features 1,500 acres open to offroad use. The area consists mainly of desert sand washes with small trees, shrubs and some short rocky climbs offering scenic views of the valley and river. The main staging area has parking, vault toilets, loading ramps and informational kiosk with a basic trail map.
Overnight parking is not permitted since the trails closes at dusk, but there are countless motels, RV and camping resorts along the access road both to the north and south, as well as to the east on the opposite bank of the river. Nearby Crossroads Campground is located about a mile south and features 26 sites, each with a picnic table, BBQ grill and nice views of the river. Sites are first come, first serve and there is a self pay kiosk located near the camp host.
There is no fee charged to park or ride but machines must have current a current OHV registration sticker. The trails are open year-round but the best time to visit is during the late fall through winter months, since summer temps are often in the triple digits during the day. Nearby UTV rentals can be found across the street at Sundance RV Resort and Outlaws Saloon.
The area also has some nice day use areas, which can be found just a couple miles north or south off Parker Dam Road. The Rock House Visitor Center is a short distance away and has a paved boat launch and nice picnic areas that are open to the public. Visitors should note that there is no direct offroad trails to and from the day use areas, so unless street legal you will have to haul machines to and from. For additional riding check out Copper Basin Dunes which is located about four miles north off Parker Dam Road.
REGULATIONS
| Permit Required | Yes | CA OHMVR stickers required |
| Dates Open | Year-Round | CA OHMVR red sticker vehicles permitted year round |
| Other ATV Stickers Accepted | Yes | Residents of any state not listed must purchase a Nonresident OHV Use Permit. (AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, IA, ID, IN, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, ND, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, TX, UT, VT, WA, WI, WY) |
| Spark Arrestor | Yes | A spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles. |
| Noise Limit | Yes (96 dB) | CA OHMVR noise limits apply (1985/older limit 101 dB, 1986/newer limit 96 dB) |
| Whip Flags | Not Required | |
| Maximum Vehicle Width | No Restriction | |
 Motorcycles & Dirt Bikes | Permitted | CA OHMVR stickers required |
 ATVs | Permitted | CA OHMVR stickers required |
 UTV & SXS | Permitted | CA OHMVR stickers required |
 SUVs & Jeeps (registered) | Permitted | |
| Dune Buggy & Sand Rail 4x4 (unregistered) | Permitted | CA OHMVR stickers required |
| 2 Stroke Engines | Certain Times | CA OHMVR restrictions apply |
| MX Helmet Required | Yes | helmets required by state law |
 Camping | Prohibited | Camping available one mile south at Crossroads Campground. |
 Campfires | Prohibited | |
| Night Riding | No | |
| Trail Blazing | Some Areas | |
| Alcohol | Prohibited | |
| Rule Enforcement | Few/Periodic | Jeep/SUV Patrol |
| Comment | Area closes at dusk. No camping. | |
TERRAIN
| Approx Size | 1,500 acres (2 sq mi) | |
| Miles Of Trail | 30 | |
| Climate Type | Desert | |
| Elevation | 350 to 1100 ft. | |
| Trail Maintenance | Marked, Rated, Lightly Maintained | |
| Loose Dirt |  Little | |
| Hard Pack | Little | |
| Sand |  Mostly | |
| Mud |  None | |
| Dust |  Some | |
| Rocks | Some | |
| Trees |  Few | |
| Steep Hills | Some | |
| Water Crossings | None | |
| Small Jumps | Some | |
| Large Jumps | Some | |
| Berms | Some | |
| Sand/Gravel Pits | None | |
| Single Track | Few | |
| Roads | Mostly | |
| Intersections | Some | |
| Rider Traffic | Few | |
| Shade | None | |
| Ranges/Gunfire | None | |
| Hazards | None | |
 Novice | Some | |
 Amateur | Mostly | |
 Expert | Little | |
| Comment | Large portion is designated open area (ride anywhere). | |
TYPE OF AREA
| Area | Motorized Trails |
| Land | BLM |
KEY SERVICES
 Gasoline | 5-20 Miles (SE) | Chevron Parker (702) 798-6400 |
| Diesel | 5-20 Miles (SE) | Chevron Parker (702) 798-6400 |
 Water | 1-5 Miles (SE) | Sundance RV Resort (760) 663-0016 |
 RV Hookup | 1-5 Miles (SE) | Sundance RV Resort (760) 663-0016 |
 RV Disposal | 1-5 Miles (SE) | Sundance RV Resort (760) 663-0016 |
| Campground | 1-5 Miles (S) | Crossroads Campground (928) 505-1200 |
 Conv Store | 1-5 Miles (SE) | Chevron Parker (702) 798-6400 |
FEES & PASSES
| Parking | (None) |
| Entry | (None) |
| Riding | (None) |
| Camping | Yes Tent: $5.00 RV: $5.00 Addtl. Vehicle: $0.00 Crossroads Campground Fee |
RATINGS
| Pros | nice washes with shrubbery and brush channels, great views, recent improvements include loading ramps, picnic tables, BBQ grill, paved parking |
| Cons | closes at dusk, no camping |
| Our Rating |  Good |
| Recommended Stay | Full Day Fall - Spring |
| Comments | (Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments) |
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
| Nearest City | Parker, AZ | ||
| Address | Parker Dam Road, Earp, CA 92242 | ||
| From: Phoenix, AZ
1) I-10 West to Exit 19 (Parker/Yuma) 2)Turn right (north) off the exit ramp into Riggles Ave, continue 1 block 3) Turn left (west) onto Main Street, continue 1 mile 4) Turn right (north) onto US-95, continue 22 miles 5) Turn left (north) to stay on US-95, continue 12 miles 6) Continue straight to stay on US-95, continue 1 mile 7) After crossing river, turn right on Parker Dam Road, continue 7.5 miles 8) OHV entrance is on the left (west). |
OFFICIAL CONTACTS
| Contact Info | BLM - Lake Havasu Field Office 1785 Kiowa Avenue Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403 (928) 505-1200 blm_az_lhfoweb@blm.gov www.blm.gov |
| Contact Info | Desert Experience Offroad Rentals 1201 Parker Dam Road Earp, CA 92242 (928) 466-6058 desertexperienceor.com |
| Comment | UTV Rentals |
Crossroads OHV Trail Photo
The main entrance sign for Crossroads OHV Area is located off Parker Dam Road. Photo Submitted 7/15/2021 (Thanks!)
Crossroads OHV Trail Photo
Most of the trails are hard packed dirt surrounded by various scrub brush and the occasional Mesquite tree. There are also some sand washes to explore. Photo Submitted 7/15/2021 (Thanks!)
Crossroads OHV Trail Photo
This is the sign for parking and the loading ramp. Photo Submitted 7/15/2021 (Thanks!)
Crossroads OHV Trail Photo
Another view of of the terrain and vegetation that can be found at Crossroads OHV Area. Photo Submitted 7/15/2021 (Thanks!)
Crossroads OHV Trail Photo
This is the main entrance for Crossroads Campground. This campground has 26 sites that are RV friendly. Photo Submitted 7/15/2021 (Thanks!)
Crossroads OHV Trail Photo
This is the self pay station at Crossroads Campground. There is also an informational kiosk and picnic tables surrounded by mature trees. Photo Submitted 7/15/2021 (Thanks!)
Crossroads OHV Trail Photo
This is one the campsites overlooking the Colorado River at Crossroads Campground. Each site comes with a picnic table and BBQ grill. Photo Submitted 7/15/2021 (Thanks!)
Crossroads OHV Trail Photo
One of the swimming spots at Bass Point Day Use Area. Photo Submitted 7/15/2021 (Thanks!)
Crossroads OHV Trail Photo
Crossroads Campground rules and fees as of July 2021. Photo Submitted 7/15/2021 (Thanks!)
Crossroads OHV Trail Photo
There are some rolling hills to explore in the area. Photo Submitted 7/15/2021 (Thanks!)
Crossroads OHV Trail Photo
The staging area has a wide loading ramp, perfect for ATVs and UTVs. Photo Submitted 7/15/2021 (Thanks!)
Crossroads OHV Trail Photo
A view of the vault toilets. Photo Submitted 7/15/2021 (Thanks!)
Crossroads OHV Trail Photo
The vault toilets are maintained and cleaned regularly. Photo Submitted 7/15/2021 (Thanks!)
Crossroads OHV Trail Photo
A trail map with rules and regulations can be found at the informational kiosk. Photo Submitted 7/15/2021 (Thanks!)
Crossroads OHV Trail Photo
Photo Submitted 7/15/2021 (Thanks!)
Crossroads OHV Trail Photo
The staging area is paved and has plenty of room for parking, but no shade or water, so come prepared. Photo Submitted 8/1/2021 (Thanks!)
Crossroads OHV Trail Photo
The staging area has a picnic table, trash can, BBQ grill and vault toilet. Photo Submitted 7/15/2021 (Thanks!)
Crossroads OHV Trail Photo
The loading ramp is wide and is surrounded by brick pavers. Photo Submitted 7/15/2021 (Thanks!)
Crossroads OHV Trail Photo
The main staging area is paved and has plenty of turnaround room for trailers. There is also a vault toilet and informational kiosk. Photo Submitted 7/15/2021 (Thanks!)
Crossroads OHV Trail Photo
One of the sand washes that is located just north of the staging area. The sand washes are wide and are perfect for ATVs and UTVs. Photo Submitted 7/15/2021 (Thanks!)
Crossroads OHV Trail Photo
A close up view of the Crossroads OHV Trail Map. Photo Submitted 7/15/2021 (Thanks!)
Crossroads OHV Trail Photo
Another view of one of the campsites at Crossroads Campground, About half the sites overlook the Colorado River and are surrounded by mature trees. Photo Submitted 7/15/2021 (Thanks!)
Crossroads OHV Trail Photo
The trails are wide and perfect for ATVs and UTVs. Most of the terrain consists of hard packed dirt with light to moderate elevation changes. Photo Submitted 8/1/2021(Thanks!)
Crossroads OHV Trail Photo
Photo Submitted 8/1/2021 (Thanks!)
Crossroads OHV Trail Photo
Photo Submitted 8/1/2021 (Thanks!)
Crossroads OHV Trail Photo
Photo Submitted 8/1/2021 (Thanks!)
Crossroads OHV Trail Photo
Photo Submitted 8/1/2021 (Thanks!)
Crossroads OHV Trail Photo
Photo Submitted 8/1/2021 (Thanks!)
Crossroads OHV Trail Photo
One of the sand and gravel washes that winds through various scrub brush and Mesquite trees. Photo Submitted 8/1/2021 (Thanks!)
Crossroads OHV Trail Photo
This is one of the campsites at Crossroads Campground. There are more sites located along the shoreline. Photo Submitted 7/15/2021 (Thanks!)
Crossroads OHV Trail Photo
Photo Submitted 8/1/2021 (Thanks!)
Crossroads OHV Trail Photo
From the top of the hills you can see the Colorado River and RV campgrounds. Photo Submitted 8/1/2021 (Thanks!)
Crossroads OHV Trail Photo
Bass Point Day Use Area is just two miles south of Crossroads OHV Area. The area features a nice gravel parking lot, vault toilet and garbage cans. Keep walking past the vault toilet to access the river. Photo Submitted 7/15/2021 (Thanks!)
Crossroads OHV Trail Photo
One of the lookout points at Bass Point Day Use Area. From here you can see the "The Keys". Photo Submitted 7/15/2021 (Thanks!)
Crossroads OHV Trail Photo
Most of the sites that overlook the river at Crossroads Campground are surrounded by mature trees and bushes. Photo Submitted 7/15/2021 (Thanks!)
Crossroads OHV Trail Photo
There are some sites that come with paved parking at Crossroads Campground. Photo Submitted 7/15/2021 (Thanks!)
Crossroads OHV Trail Photo
Another view one of the campsites at Crossroads Campground. Photo Submitted 7/15/2021 (Thanks!)
Crossroads OHV Trail Photo
The trails are wide and are rated as mostly easy. There are some moderate hill climbs, but nothing too challenging. Photo Submitted 8/1/2021 (Thanks!)
Crossroads OHV Trail Photo
Photo Submitted 8/1/2021 (Thanks!)
RIDER COMMENTS & REVIEWS