Trail Overview
Dutchman Draw North is a 1.1-mile point-to-point trail rated 3 of 10 located in Mohave County. This trail changes from the north to south from a hard dirt track to a gravel wash with occasional large boulders, which narrow the wash but can be avoided. This is an approach trail to the famed Dutchman Draw (BLM 2000), an extreme offroad trail. The southern end also intersects with the Sunshine Trail Road (BLM 2009), an ATV and motorcycle trail only. The trail is scenic with views of high cliffs and interesting boulder formations. It is possible to travel down Dutchman Draw for approximately a mile before turning around for most offroad vehicles. At the turnaround point, the Phalanx of Will Wall is located on the east cliff line. This trail and area will be closed annually around the end of February for the Wizard’s Rhino Rally, which has run for more than 40 years. The Rhino Rally is a Hound & Hare cross-country dirtbike race for up to 300 riders each year. The BLM will place trail closures in the area to support the race, and this trail will typically not be accessible on the day of the race. The nearest services will be located in St. George, roughly 20 miles north. Cell phone service is pretty much non-existent except maybe on a few of the higher peaks in the area. This area can get brutally hot in the summer months, and during winter drops below freezing (especially at night). Be prepared for travel in this area and always ensure there is extra water available.
Difficulty
Trail consisting of loose rocks, dirt, and sand with some slickrock surfaces, mud holes possible, no steps higher than 12 inches. 4WD may be required; aggressive tires are a plus.
History
The Grand Canyon isolates the Arizona Strip from the rest of Arizona, making it among the most remote and rugged public land in the lower 48 states. There are approximately 4,000 miles of unpaved roads leading to spectacular scenic vistas, remoteness, and solitude among rough scenic canyons and ponderosa pine forests. This distinctive part of Arizona has a special appeal to many. Artifacts dating back 8,000 years indicate the long human habitation of this harsh landscape. Though Native Americans, from ancient Puebloans to modern Paiutes, have lived in the area for centuries.
