Kingman Wash Canyon Trail

Overview

A straightforward desert wash ramble that trades forests for big sky and volcanic color, Kingman Wash Canyon is about the journey to water. The route follows a sandy, gravelly wash shared with vehicles and ends at Lake Mead’s shoreline. Expect moderate effort over soft footing, full sun, and wide‑open views. Total distance is roughly 6.5 miles out and back with about 935 feet of cumulative gain, taking most hikers around 3 hours.

Route Options

Most hikers simply follow the wash down to the lake and return the same way. If you want more, there’s a longer loop used by locals that visits old mining relics and a short slot‑like section in an adjacent wash, pushing the outing to roughly 7+ miles with more climbing. Either way, you’re walking sand and small stone with occasional shallow narrows; sturdy shoes beat sandals here. Keep an eye out for burros and, near the lake, glass‑calm water perfect for a quick wade or paddle if you packed a kayak or board.

Access and Parking

Reach the trail from the Arizona side of Hoover Dam via the Kingman Wash Access (Exit 2). There’s a large dirt lot; from there, walk under the highway bridge and continue up the wash/road. The last 3 miles to the lake are on rough dirt—high‑clearance is smart, and it’s tougher after rain. Facilities are minimal (a vault toilet sits up the hill from the water). A park entrance pass is required; dispersed camping occurs here and may require a permit—check current regulations before you commit to an overnight.

Best Times to Hike

Go November through May for reasonable temperatures and better hiking conditions. Summer brings extreme heat; treat this as a dawn or evening stroll only if you go then. Weekends and holidays can draw more lake users; midweek mornings are the quiet play for hikers and photographers.

What You’ll See

The wash cuts through colorful desert volcanics with long views toward basalt‑topped mesas. On the loop variant you’ll spot old mining artifacts on nearby hillsides and a brief slot‑like stretch. Wildlife is part of the charm: wild burros are common, and coyotes roam the area.

Tips

Carry more water than you think you need; there’s no potable water on site. Download an offline map—multiple side washes can confuse, especially if you try to link a loop. Cell service varies by carrier. The wash is shared with off‑road vehicles; step aside early and expect dust. Pack out every scrap. A heads‑up: some visitors report nudity at the lakeshore.