Havasu off road etiquette

[boblins]

Knew the "you should not live by the desert" was coming - typical response from those that don't seem to care. Personally like to off road, would prefer regulations are kept to a minimum, and no the trail was not there when we moved in although I suppose we should have expected one (note: sxs were not a factor at the time). Not looking for anyone to quit using the trails, just a little respect for those that live near them and do your best to keep the dust down in residential areas. I want to keep using these trails that lead into and circle around town and I know if what is going on now continues they will be closed down completely as has happened in many other places. And yes, we do use our pool and the area around it during the winter, we would also like to open doors/windows in nice weather like we used to, work in the garage, etc., and the dust affects those things as well. And for those that think the issue is Snowbirds, visually most (not all) of the abusers seem to be in their thirties and forties with either Arizona or Cali plates for whatever that means (judging by some responses it would appear some of the problem (to us at least) drivers are here as well. I know dust will be made even at slow speeds, but it is significantly lighter that that made by tires spinning at higher speeds, and does not travel as far either. Those pics of Laughlin are nothing compared to what our yards and streets look like some weekends. Suggestion: if you want to go faster in residential areas, use the streets. No dust and are only a few hundred feet away from where the trails are in most cases. At any rate, rant done, hope something good will come of it.

 

[merc_400r]

This is the modern Karen version of "get off my lawn"

 

[cold_one]

This is the modern Karen version of "get off my lawn"

The problem is this isn't his lawn. These people are on legal trails and he is trying to get them shutdown because he doesn't like dust in his swimming pool. He is literally threatening us that if we don't control our dust he is going to shut it down. We see this in CA all the time, we get our riding area's shut down for noise, turtle, doves, marine bases, housing tracks, etc. Then when we are actually riding on the little legal land they let us they then complain about the noise, dust, pollution, etc and try and shut it down more.

 

[rivermobster]

The problem is this isn't his lawn. These people are on legal trails and he is trying to get them shutdown because he doesn't like dust in his swimming pool. He is literally threatening us that if we don't control our dust he is going to shut it down. We see this in CA all the time, we get our riding area's shut down for noise, turtle, doves, marine bases, housing tracks, etc. Then when we are actually riding on the little legal land they let us they then complain about the noise, dust, pollution, etc and try and shut it down more.

The OP is actually saying just the opposite of that. He clearly states he wants the trails kept open.

I'm gonna guess this whole issue will be over soon...

 

[rivermobster]

I’m sure all the people that lived around Sundance in the 70s and 80s and 90s would tell us about the ultimate respect everyone had driving their boats plastered, loud partying all night, running around naked, and passing out drunk everywhere.

The good old days !

Just teasing you bud.

Different times for sure.

 

[02HoWaRd26]

The problem is this isn't his lawn. These people are on legal trails and he is trying to get them shutdown because he doesn't like dust in his swimming pool. He is literally threatening us that if we don't control our dust he is going to shut it down. We see this in CA all the time, we get our riding area's shut down for noise, turtle, doves, marine bases, housing tracks, etc. Then when we are actually riding on the little legal land they let us they then complain about the noise, dust, pollution, etc and try and shut it down more.

You can’t read obviously! Your comment is ignorant and idiotic.

 

[rivermobster]

You can’t read obviously! Your comment is ignorant and idiotic.

I was trying to be nice about. Your post is what I Really wanted to say!

 

[boblins]

I’m interested in seeing the responses to this one, especially if you’re a Canuck. I understand your complaint, I also feel that building a pool next to a desert trail/riding area, isn’t the brightest thing I’ve ever heard. Non snow birds typically don’t sunbathe by the pool during riding season anyhow, we wait until it’s 120 out and too hot for sxs’s.

As windy as it’s been lately, I’m guessing said pool is a mud pit anyhow.

Let’s see some pics or satellite of the area you are talking about.

Home and pool built before there was a trail, but as a off roader kind of like the now easy access to the desert, just have issues with people not respecting others property by creating a dust cloud so thick you cannot see or breathe for a while. Can deal with wind, nowhere near the problem. Sorry you never go out in your yard during the fall, winter, and spring - its quite nice at times. Enjoying the outdoors over four seasons was why we came here.

The problem is this isn't his lawn. These people are on legal trails and he is trying to get them shutdown because he doesn't like dust in his swimming pool. He is literally threatening us that if we don't control our dust he is going to shut it down. We see this in CA all the time, we get our riding area's shut down for noise, turtle, doves, marine bases, housing tracks, etc. Then when we are actually riding on the little legal land they let us they then complain about the noise, dust, pollution, etc and try and shut it down more.

Try reading again. Do not want trails shut down, and hope that if we all respect those that live near them that they will not be. Have been an off road advocate for over 40 years (paid and volunteer) and have seen what can happen if we do not pay attention to non-user concerns all over North America. Seems simple to me, just try and take it easy when riding near residential areas. Note: you may be surprised to find out many of these trails are not legal, and I for one do not want to make waves with the govt. giving them an excuse to close those trails that many of us use to access the desert. Cannot speak for the rest of the neighborhood but can tell you that there are a lot of homeowners not very happy about the current situation (especially weekends).

 

[DLC]

Ming lake is a great example of how this shit happens. Manmade for boat racing, people started buying and building. Then the homeowners started complaining about the noise and wanted speed limits. Went to court and the owners (of the lake) said fine — we will drain and backfill it back to desert! The homeowner’s didn’t like that to much as they thought it was their waterfronts! And place for canoe beating! Lake and racing are still there! —

Slightly off topoc…..

my brother lives in a small town central coast wine country…
farmer sold land to a developer- developer built homes / sold homes next to the farmers cattle field - developer added a wrought irons style fence to the back yards of the homes …. ( 4inch between vert bars ) every home had a nice view

home owners sued farmer and won !

farmer installed 4 miles of 6 ft tall wood fence & held it off the ground 3 ft to block the view of home owners! Home owners sued again but lost and they ended up paying for the fence ….

be careful for what you wish for!

 

[DRYHEAT]

I’d be curious to know how many of you have your Arizona state land permit?
A great deal of the land around Havasu is state trust land and you are not supposed to be on it without a permit. Yes there are BLM access points, but since the proliferation of side-by-side‘s in the last 15 years or so there’s trails going off of every street in town it seems.

The tree huggers have been trying to shut this kind of activity down for a long time. If we don’t police ourselves it won’t end well.

 

[Your ad here]

I’d be curious to know how many of you have your Arizona state land permit?
A great deal of the land around Havasu is state trust land and you are not supposed to be on it without a permit. Yes there are BLM access points, but since the proliferation of side-by-side‘s in the last 15 years or so there’s trails going off of every street in town it seems.

The tree huggers have been trying to shut this kind of activity down for a long time. If we don’t police ourselves it won’t end well.

State land permit and OHV sticker for street legal vehicles the same or different permits/sticker?

 

[badgas]

I'm a big fan of common sense. I'm not fan of regulations.

I love seeing SXS's on the streets, No helmets, People in the back of trucks, Open carry etc.

Just use common sense or those things will be gone. We did these things as kids in So Cal ( It was mini bikes and go carts not SXS ) and now they are all gone.

 

[Bpracing1127]

Honestly it’s the people who think a 10 mile ride is a long one. The people who do this likely live full time in havasu I bet. Or weekend warriors with a stock xp rzr with 8 speakers on it. And collapsed springs. Who complain about it riding rough.

True riders don’t have big stereos in a rzr


When I ride I don’t go anywhere near houses. We are usually way the fuck out there.

 

[DRYHEAT]

State land permit and OHV sticker for street legal vehicles the same or different permits/sticker?

State trust land permit is different, you have to have a permit to even walk on state trust land. It’s a yearly cash cow.

 

[DRYHEAT]

Honestly it’s the people who think a 10 mile ride is a long one. The people who do this likely live full time in havasu I bet. Or weekend warriors with a stock xp rzr with 8 speakers on it. And collapsed springs. Who complain about it riding rough.

True riders don’t have big stereos in a rzr


When I ride I don’t go anywhere near houses. We are usually way the fuck out there.

Please don’t blame one side of the other there’s assholes from everywhere.

 

[DC-88]

Pit racers suck

 

[TCHB]

Pit racers suck

I agree! When I was young I raced in the 125 moto-cross Pro class.. The guys making all the noise and dust in the pits were the ones that could not ride.

 

[DRYHEAT]

I agree! When I was young I raced in the 125 moto-cross Pro class.. The guys making all the noise and dust in the pits were the ones that could not ride. View attachment 1090325

Yep, but they sure know how to show off, Or so they think. LAM

 

[Bpracing1127]

The problem here is the guys that go from bison to bunker and think it’s a long ride lol. The whopping 20 miles!!!

 

[riverroyal]

You guys do know the home owners on the island were successful at shutting down off-roading there. The signs are posted, the tickets get wrote. Ive seen it.
Not ONE house on the island has a trail directly behind it. Enough people complain and eventually a sign will go up.
soooooo don’t off road by homes, if you do then go slow. Enjoy the ride

 

[badgas]

You guys do know the home owners on the island were successful at shutting down off-roading there. The signs are posted, the tickets get wrote. Ive seen it.
Not ONE house on the island has a trail directly behind it. Enough people complain and eventually a sign will go up.
soooooo don’t off road by homes, if you do then go slow. Enjoy the ride

you can't offroad on the island ?

I see off road vehicles all the time on the island.

 

[Sportin' Wood]

You guys do know the home owners on the island were successful at shutting down off-roading there. The signs are posted, the tickets get wrote. Ive seen it.
Not ONE house on the island has a trail directly behind it. Enough people complain and eventually a sign will go up.
soooooo don’t off road by homes, if you do then go slow. Enjoy the ride

you can't offroad on the island ?

I see off road vehicles all the time on the island.

There is offroading on the Island.

The crazy horse has an offroad WORCS race this weekend I believe. They had a race a couple of weeks ago. Being an offroad enthusiast did not give them a free pass in my mind regarding the FN nonstop dust cloud that drifted across the Island all weekend. The noise may also ruffle some feathers. (pun intended)

Having been a race promoter I was shocked at the lack of track prep and dust mitigation efforts. As a snowbird living on the Island, I was pissed off at the dust. I hope WORCS does a better job at track prep.

I think it's cool that CrazyHorse has racing, but I think that if they have the same disregard for dust control, the homeowners would be justified in complaining about offroading. I am a guest here in LHC, but my guess is so are the racers. Who carries more weight? Perhaps the person that complains? If you are an off-roader, you need to use common sense, I have learned after 45 years of offroading, that the OHV user is always wrong. If you are a promoter that wants to build a successful standing event, you better pack your shit tight and be proactive about anything that might threaten your investment. Most don't think past right now, but events make money when they get established.

 

[EmpirE231]

It's a SxS problem.... ban the SxS's and problem solved

Honestly though... it's just a shitty society problem, fueled by easy financing. It would take decency and common sense to eradicate this problem. We camp out in Glamis, miles of open dunes, and it never fails that people want to hotrod around next to camp. A friends really nice 400K RV got blasted down the side by someone throwing roost / rocks 10-20ft of gecko road pads "camping area"... broke out his windows, and destroyed the paint on one side... all because someone couldn't wait 10 seconds to make sure they were passed all the campers to get all Robby Gordon.... such bad asses.

It's weird, because I think back to when I was 17-23 years old, and we did some stupid shit.... but it seems like it's the 35-50 year olds doing all the stupid shit now lol

 

[Kachina26]

It's a SxS problem.... ban the SxS's and problem solved

Honestly though... it's just a shitty society problem, fueled by easy financing. It would take decency and common sense to eradicate this problem. We camp out in Glamis, miles of open dunes, and it never fails that people want to hotrod around next to camp. A friends really nice 400K RV got blasted down the side by someone throwing roost / rocks 10-20ft of gecko road pads "camping area"... broke out his windows, and destroyed the paint on one side... all because someone couldn't wait 10 seconds to make sure they were passed all the campers to get all Robby Gordon.... such bad asses.

It's weird, because I think back to when I was 17-23 years old, and we did some stupid shit.... but it seems like it's the 35-50 year olds doing all the stupid shit now lol

We tried to get into the off road deal 25 years ago. I got turned off by the lack of respect. Some kid ran into my truck on one of my first outings. Sold the toys and said fuck that shit.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

It's a SxS problem.... ban the SxS's and problem solved

Honestly though... it's just a shitty society problem, fueled by easy financing. It would take decency and common sense to eradicate this problem. We camp out in Glamis, miles of open dunes, and it never fails that people want to hotrod around next to camp. A friends really nice 400K RV got blasted down the side by someone throwing roost / rocks 10-20ft of gecko road pads "camping area"... broke out his windows, and destroyed the paint on one side... all because someone couldn't wait 10 seconds to make sure they were passed all the campers to get all Robby Gordon.... such bad asses.

It's weird, because I think back to when I was 17-23 years old, and we did some stupid shit.... but it seems like it's the 35-50 year olds doing all the stupid shit now lol

Its because it is the same people

 

[Badchoices03]

If no one is in the desert to see you haul ass, did you really haul ass?? Everybody knows you have to do it where people can see you, otherwise it was for nothing!

 

[EmpirE231]

Its because it is the same people

I can say for sure, I do way less stupid shit now at the ripe age of 39.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

I can say for sure, I do way less stupid shit now at the ripe age of 39.

Most people never learn.

 

[77charger]

SxS drivers will do their own damage to themselves and off road community. Sure there’s responsible ones but unfortunately very few and a large majority are new and like to draw attention to themselves.

Little respect goes a long ways and reading some of the responses here only a few have it.

 

[DLC]

Dust can happen anytime!

even when the wind blows…

and NO SXS’s were used during this photo session

 

[DWC]

Dust can happen anytime!

even when the wind blows…

and NO SXS’s were used during this photo session

View attachment 1091829 View attachment 1091830 View attachment 1091831

Come on Doug. You know you did it. It’s those damn 35’s throwing up dust. Damn SXS owners

 

[mjc]

State trust land permit is different, you have to have a permit to even walk on state trust land. It’s a yearly cash cow.

State trust land is everywhere. All the land that is being built on up cherry tree is formerly trust land. Land is sold and money goes to the schools.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Dust can happen anytime!

even when the wind blows…

and NO SXS’s were used during this photo session

View attachment 1091829 View attachment 1091830 View attachment 1091831

Havasu should ban wind.

 

[MPHSystems]

Don’t do wheelies around camp, the dust sucks for everyone. We can all agree!



now if you start complaining about G-strings and pasties out on the water, you and I are going to have words.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Don’t do wheelies around camp, the dust sucks for everyone. We can all agree!



now if you start complaining about G-strings and pasties out on the water, you and I are going to have words.

Once SXS and wind are banned, you know what’s next.

 

[Boatymcboatface]

Just bought a house in ocotillo wells! Anyone have any contacts for me to call about all these stupid off road guys making dust? This needs to stop I can’t hardly stand it!







Does that sound crazy? It should but apparently it happens and will continue to happen all over just look at any motocross track open or closed all over California! Anyone remember Carlsbad raceway!? It got shut down over dust noise and environmental impact! Now it’s all office buildings, homdepot, and restaurants! I’m sure they have no environmental impact like the track did along with all the traffic that brings! I’m sure that has no impact on our sensitive coastline ecosystem! But the motocross track did!


I’m just using motocross as one example no side by sides had any effect on that track so nobody who’s been off-roading since 19XX should care it wasn’t the SXS that got it closed.

 

[DRYHEAT]

State trust land is everywhere. All the land that is being built on up cherry tree is formerly trust land. Land is sold and money goes to the schools.

Yes that’s true but there is a permit required to be on state trust land. There used to be quite a few signs posted but I think most of them have been run over and torn down.

The Arizona state trust land recreation permit

Learn about Arizona State Trust Land permits, including where and when they are required for recreational activities. Understand the legal framework, types of permits available, and important rules surrounding state trust land access. Discover how the funds from these permits benefit Arizona’s...

www.azbackroads.com

Most of the city is surrounded by state trust land except for the people on the southside have a big BLM area. On the northside there is very limited access without a permit.

Blue is state trust yellow is BLM.

 

[DLC]

Just bought a house in ocotillo wells! Anyone have any contacts for me to call about all these stupid off road guys making dust? This needs to stop I can’t hardly stand it!







Does that sound crazy? It should but apparently it happens and will continue to happen all over just look at any motocross track open or closed all over California! Anyone remember Carlsbad raceway!? It got shut down over dust noise and environmental impact! Now it’s all office buildings, homdepot, and restaurants! I’m sure they have no environmental impact like the track did along with all the traffic that brings! I’m sure that has no impact on our sensitive coastline ecosystem! But the motocross track did!


I’m just using motocross as one example no side by sides had any effect on that track so nobody who’s been off-roading since 19XX should care it wasn’t the SXS that got it closed.

Carlsbad raceway was only open a couple days a week! Those new businesses and stores are open all the time and the traffic is non stop!

 

[riverroyal]

The island has signs posted now. You can drive off the road to the lighthouse and beach. But you cant 'off road'
Yes people are doing it still but its posted
Last winter was a lit up trailer sign as well by crazy horse giving you the new news.

If you make dust with excessive speed on the island and get caught its a ticket.

 

[DLC]

What is excessive speed in an area that has a speed limit of 35 mph & most people drive 45 on the island loop?

asking for a friend!

the island is weird!

There are more dirt roads than paved roads and yet they post no off roading signs - what is off roading? Driving off the paved road, then everyone should get a ticket once driving off the paved road. Part of the Island living experience is being able to jump in a golf cart or sxs and drive off road to the beach.

if they ticket to many people - the same people will then push the other way

 

[riverroyal]

What is excessive speed in an area that has a speed limit of 35 mph & most people drive 45 on the island loop?

asking for a friend!

the island is weird!

There are more dirt roads than paved roads and yet they post no off roading signs - what is off roading? Driving off the paved road, then everyone should get a ticket once driving off the paved road. Part of the Island living experience is being able to jump in a golf cart or sxs and drive off road to the beach.

if they ticket to many people - the same people will then push the other way

I get it. I was told by a cop you can exit the street and go straight to your destination. No clue what that means
You cant blast around for extended periods.

I will take a pic of the sign on the next trip

 

[jbird]

It’s real easy, slow down when there are homes near the trail.

Next up for off-road etiquette

If there is a car on your ass, pull over and let them by, they probably have a race to win.

-Robby

 

[77charger]

It’s real easy, slow down when there are homes near the trail.

Next up for off-road etiquette

If there is a car on your ass, pull over and let them by, they probably have a race to win.

-Robby

Common sense again like I said in earlier post most don’t care and are doing their own self destruction. Moab is looking into restrictions as well all because a certain crowd.

 

[Bpracing1127]

It’s real easy, slow down when there are homes near the trail.

Next up for off-road etiquette

If there is a car on your ass, pull over and let them by, they probably have a race to win.

-Robby

Part 2 really bugs me. Seems like no one cares who is behind them!! Gtfo my way!!

 

[77charger]

Part 2 really bugs me. Seems like no one cares who is behind them!! Gtfo my way!!

I’ve only done a couple desert trails in barstow area I definitely let the faster ones go by. I think bumping should be allowed after a couple of minutes has passed.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

I’ve only done a couple desert trails in barstow area I definitely let the faster ones go by. I think bumping should be allowed after a couple of minutes has passed.

Minutes?

 

[TCHB]

I am sure glad a have turned to the country club. No dust.

 

[DLC]

Part 2 really bugs me. Seems like no one cares who is behind them!! Gtfo my way!!

Says the guy that always likes to lead

 

[Badchoices03]

I think people just lose their mind when they get behind the wheel and feel that everything is a race...we used to camp with a really large group, most of the dudes I would consider friends...but when it came time to go for a ride, it was basically we are headed to X spot but everyone heard "whoever gets there first wins"...so we would leave camp and it would be a mad dash to wherever we were going...nobody looked out for the slower guys and if someone didn't show up at wherever the first stop was, nobody went back to look because they had to get ready for the race to the next beer stop...it got to the point that I now camp with a much much smaller group that actually enjoy the ride together as a group, not as a who can get there quicker...

 

[rebelmark75]

These idiots that complain about dust in the desert have to be some of the dumbest SOB’s in the world. You moved to a desert, off road area. Deal with it or move back wherever the hell you came from.