Trail Overview
Bison Falls is a scenic 5.2-mile offroad route near Lake Havasu, Arizona, perfect for offroaders seeking a moderate adventure with exploring opportunities and desert views. This trail starts at the northeast corner of Lake Havasu City, just past a quiet residential neighborhood, and climbs steadily into the rugged desert landscape, gaining nearly 1,700 feet of elevation. The route begins relatively easy as it leads towards Bison Falls, a highly rewarding spot especially after a desert rainstorm when water actively flows over the falls. Offroad enthusiasts can use this main route as a launching pad to explore numerous side roads and spurs branching off into the surrounding hills.
While the initial stretch to the waterfall is straightforward, the terrain becomes more challenging past the falls, where drivers encounter a steep, rocky hill and a rugged road surface requiring a moderate technical rating. Tight desert brush lines portions of the path, so drivers should expect some pin-striping on larger vehicles. The trail tops out at an elevation of 3,321 feet, offering expansive views of the Mohave County desert and the nearby Crossman Peak area. Unlicensed vehicles are permitted on this route, making it highly popular for UTVs, ATVs, and high-clearance 4x4 vehicles looking for a quick but engaging escape from the city.
Difficulty
Moderate: Trail is easy to the falls, but at the falls, you must climb a steep rocky hill and continue on a rocky road. Tight brush in places.