Arizona State Parks and Trails advises of a temporary closure of a trailhead access point off the east side of State Route (SR) 95 near River Island Market between mile markers 155 and 156 from Nov. 18-21, 2024.

Access to desert area trails south of SR 95 from this point will be unavailable during these dates; access to the River Island Market is unaffected. The temporary trail access closure is due to the paving and construction of an Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) trailhead and staging area on Arizona State Parks and Trails land, between Buckskin Mountain and River Island state parks.

The future OHV trailhead and staging area will allow riders a safe space to stage their tow vehicles, make safety checks, and inspect equipment before taking to the trials without crowding the point of entry. The trailhead provides access to a variety of riding opportunities throughout Arizona's OHV region 4, including a connector with the Arizona Peace Trail and to the Nellie E. Saloon, also known as the Desert Bar.

The new trailhead will provide a paved and fenced parking area for vehicles and trailers and informational and safety signage. The project is expected to be completed in spring 2025. Future phases of development include lighting, a restroom facility, picnic ramadas and tables, and other enhancements.

This trailhead development project was made possible by a grant from the Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Fund, generated from Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Decal sales and gas tax revenues. The fund provides opportunities for OHV education, outreach, trail building, trail maintenance, law enforcement, signage, support facility development, as well as emergency repairs and vandalism prevention.

Improved trail access and the staging area that prevents congestion near the mountain trails' point of entry is intended to benefit local residents and outdoor recreation visitors alike. OHV visitors inject local economies with tourism dollars; the value of motorized trail use to Arizonans is $5.2 billion per year, as reported in the 2020 Economic Value of Trails report by Arizona State Parks and Trails. Among Arizona OHV users, the majority of motorized trail use in La Paz county is by residents of La Paz, Pima, and Maricopa counties, for which top destinations include Parker, Quartzsite, and Bouse. The project also aligns with Arizona State Parks and Trails Motorized Trail Plan released in 2020, which identified the connection of trails, parks, and communities as a first-level priority of Arizona trail enthusiasts. 

The Off-Highway Vehicle Program of Arizona State Parks and Trails works to provide accurate and relevant information to Arizona trail riders and to promote safe and ethical use of motorized trails. For the most up-to-date information on Arizona State Parks and Trails Statewide OHV Program and riding opportunities, visit the website at azstateparks.com/ohv.