Off Road/Races

Best in the Desert Blue Water Resort & Casino Parker "425": In the world we live in there are good sporting events, there are great sporting events and then there are LEGENDS. Well, the Blue Water Resort & Casino Parker "425" is just that, a legend in off-road desert racing ~ THE LEGEND LIVES ON!

The Parker Legend started in 1972, known as the Big River “400”, on to the Dam “400”, then Parker “400” and grew to become a legend in off-road desert racing. The Best In The Desert is keeping this great legend alive; it’s bigger and better today and it’s a race you don’t want to miss. There’s no better way to start your racing year then with the Blue Water Resort & Casino Parker "425", The Legend!

Best in the Desert Epic Racing Products Parker “250”: The Parker event has a thirty year history of being a ROUGH and TOUGH long distance course. The Epic Racing Products Parker "250" holds true to its reputation, it is one of the toughest off-road race courses! But remember, that’s why your racing, you’re racing for the CHALLENGE of beating the tough desert terrain, you’re racing to feel the satisfaction of completing a course that has a history like the one in Parker, Arizona!

Buckskin Mountains: This wonderfully challenging back road culminates at the Nellie E. Saloon, or as the locals call it, the “Desert Bar.” People come from all over to visit this most unusual attraction located in the middle of nowhere. Stock vehicles will find this trail quite challenging. Several rocky sections require careful tire placement and the help of a good spotter. Other parts of the trail are soft and susceptible to water erosion. Conditions will worsen over time. An experienced member of our group managed to maneuver his stock Cherokee through without a scratch. Stock vehicles should have high ground clearance and skid plates. The trail passes through a remote and desolate area which sees little traffic. Don’t drive the road under wet conditions. Route-finding is confusing at the start but gets easier as you proceed. Do not drive this trail by yourself. Avoid during the heat of summer.

Cattail Cove: Visit Rovey’s Needle, an interesting rock formation. Lunch at Cattail Cove next to the Bill Williams River. Mainly follows sandy wash bottoms with intermittent rocky sections. There are several difficult rock obstacles if you are looking for more challenge, but the worst places have bypasses. Tight, scratchy brush just before you get to Cattail Cove. Route-finding is confusing at times.

Vampire Mine: The trail begins with a drive through Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge, a low, sandy area that is densely overgrown and ideal for birds and small animals. Brochures explaining the importance of the area are available at an information kiosk at the start of the trail. Do not leave the road at any time as you pass through. Once through the refuge, you enter BLM land. Mostly easy to moderate with several tough spots. The worst rock obstacle has a bypass, making it possible for stock SUVs to consider this trail. Good articulation, high ground clearance and skid plates are recommended. Inexperienced drivers may find this trail intimidating. The final climb as you approach Vampire Mine is steep, narrow and rocky. The descent after the mine is badly washed out. The drive through Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge has several water crossings which are usually shallow. However, water can be deep after an extended period of heavy rain.

Crossman Peak: This route crosses remote desert around the south and east sides of Crossman Peak. It does not go to the top of the peak. Drivers should be self-reliant and prepared for emergencies. Do not drive alone, especially in the heat of summer. Most of this trail is easy but there is one hilly section that is fairly challenging. The road is narrow in places and brush rubs against your vehicle. A couple of rocky sections require careful tire placement. One steep descent on a narrow shelf road may be intimidating to a novice driver. High ground clearance and skid plates are required. Route-finding is complex and confusing at times. Be careful when exploring mines. Some have exposed vertical shafts hundreds of feet deep. ATVs and dirt bikes need to be especially careful.