If an Indian way of life is what interests you, then an ATV jaunt toward the Hualapai Indian Reservation is what you need. Hualapai Reservation is west of Lake Meade National Recreation Area; the territory encompasses a million acres and 108 miles of the Colorado River. It spreads across parts of Coconino, Yavapai, and Mohave counties.
Hwal'bay is the name meaning "People of the Tall Pine." They call the middle length of the Colorado River, Hakataya - the backbone of the river. ATV drivers can attest to the significance of this middle passage, as it is very challenging. Drive by ATV up to the reservation, once at the tribal capital, Peach Springs, you will be able to park your ATV and indulge a myriad of outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, or camping.
These Indians have the only Indian owned river rafting business in the area, aptly called the Hualapai River Runners. If you hunt, apply for permit for elk, Bighorn Sheep, or antelope. This is an ATV substitute to the tourist choked Grand Canyon National Park. There is hiking, picnicking, fishing, camping, and of course, lots of great ATVing.
Hualapai Mountain Park was shaped by the Civil Conservation Corps in the 1930's. This area is wonderful for ATV aficionados. There are original structures there for picnics and camping. There are plenty of trails and roads for riding or hiking. The Hualapai trace themselves back to the "pai", the people. The tribe is very welcoming to everyone and with everyone pitching in the keep the land as they found it, this part of Arizona will remain special for ATV use.
