Trail Overview
Moss Wash is a challenging 12.4-mile point-to-point offroad trail near Kingman, Arizona climbing from a dry desert wash to the pine forests of the Hualapai Mountains. The route reaches a peak elevation of 6,845 feet and features a cumulative elevation gain of over 3,230 feet.
The trail begins with a technical drive through a rugged wash containing boulder fields, deep washouts, and tight brush, requiring high-clearance 4WD vehicles with front and rear lockers. Above the wash, the trail transitions into a winding mountain road passing the historic 1929 Gold King Mansion. From the ruins, the route climbs steeply through tight switchbacks before ending at Hualapai Mountain Road in a ponderosa pine forest.
Difficulty
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, lockers and good articulation are needed.
History
The Gold King Mansion, built early in 1929, was used to entertain wealthy clients and served as housing for the foreman of the Gold King Mine. Much of the building remains intact due to its poured concrete construction, which was rare at that time in this part of Arizona. The mansion was used for less than a year, as the Gold King Mine failed following the October 1929 stock market crash. A kiosk at the site features a picture of the original structure.
Access Description
This trail is not recommended for stock vehicles. High clearance, four-wheel drive, lockers, and good suspension articulation are required to navigate the deep washouts, steep climbs, and rocky obstacles. Avoid this route entirely if heavy rain is expected or in the forecast, as the wash sections are highly susceptible to flash flooding. Please respect the historic Gold King Mansion ruins by not climbing on or defacing the concrete structures.
