Road Conditions

HAULAPAI MOUNTAIN as of Saturday September 29, 2026 @ 2:40 p.m. UPDATE.

TOTAL RAIN FROM STORMS: Hayden / Getz / Potato Patch / Black Mesa 1.84 inches

Oatman – Gold Road Crest 1.7 inches

HURRICANE POLO EFFECTS ON NORTHWEST MOHAVE COUNTY AND COMM SITES:

ROAD STORM DAMAGE HAS OCCURED TO HAUALPAI AND OATMAN GOLD ROAD CREST

Before September 2026, a few storm systems that passed thought the area and some luck has played a role in minimal damage to Hayden Peak, Black Mesa, Potato Patch and Oatman Gold Road Crest sites. Luck eventually runs out over time. Hurricane Polo despite being predicted to be slamming into the middle Mexican Baja with the brunt of the storm below Arizona, the redirection of moisture spiked resulting in increased heavy rain and thunderstorms to the KAUA sites region. For those who do not have enhanced 4X4 vehicles, quads or side-by-sides, it is strongly suggested that you update your contact resource lists for such implements in the event your normal access conveyances cannot access the site during or after the storms.

NOTE: Road repairs on done on the basis of weather forecasts and conditions. DO NOT expect a rapid road maintenance during storm activity as the funds and resources can be depleted. Generally, road repairs are done based on the circumstances and ability to fund the repairs and availability of funds.

El Niño related monsoon activity – thunderstorm impact on Hualapai Mountain continue from time to time. Recent daily storms affected some areas mountain roads creating some difficult access to standard 4X4 vehicles. During storm activity, both Hayden Peak and Getz Peak roads are muddy conditions with deep ruts and channels beginning to form. Users/technicians should seriously consider utilizing a side-by-side vehicle to access the sites at this time. Due to the uncertain forecasts and limited KAUA road funding resources, any repair would consider a possible/pending road “washout” and not general repairs for the entire road are delayed until the monsoons subside. It is unclear what the full effect of this year’s rainstorms impact on the roads. Please re-check this webpage for the latest reports.

Hayden Peak: 07/21/2026 ROCK-SLIDE >>> REPAIRED <<< as of 4:30 p.m. The Road Contractor crew spent a day clearing the rock and bolder slide discovered on July 20th. Repairs were limited due to possible additional storms and limited available funds in the KAUA road repair account. It is extremely important that all KAUA Users and organizations are paid up to date with their site and road fee’s otherwise there will be no funds to repair the road. The monsoon season as driven by a reported “Super El Niño” does not indicate long term dry conditions going forward and could bring more storm damage to the roads. Therefore, minimum repairs are being done in case this situation repeats. Check this page frequently for any changes when the road is passible. AT THIS TIME ENHANCED SIDE-BY-SIDE OR HIGH CLEARANCE 4X4 VEHICLES ARE RECOMMENDED.

SPECIAL NOTE: If you have any projects that can be proactively done as soon as possible that include but not limited to maintenance, generator LPG refill, builds, repairs, site checks, etc. it may be in your organization best interest to move ahead on your site in the event that another road damage event occurs.

Black Mesa: 09/29/2029 Requires enhanced side-by-side recommended only. Mud, rocks and deep channeling in some places.

Potato Patch: 09/29/2026 High clearance 4X4 REQUIRED. Some mud, rocks and deep channeling in some places beginning to form.

Getz Peak: Enhanced side-by-side recommended only. Mud, small to medium rocks and deep channeling in some places. This road has not been assessed since July 16th and maybe in much worse conditions. Boulders were in the road that had to be removed by a technician.

OATMAN MOUNTAIN: September 28, 2026 4X4 vehicle required. USE CAUTION-VERY STEEP. Predicted additional rain damage as a result of recent storms.

Last reported on March 29, 2026 the Oatman road was fair with ruts and erosion areas but with the recent September 28th/29th storms, wet weather conditions will cause traction slip hazards beginning on steep climb approximately 300 yards past the security gate. Large tire 4X4 with at least 10 inches clearance recommended. Caution – sections of the road are narrow on the downhill side due to water drainage/erosion. Watch for erosion conditions, diches and rocks. Additional observations are needed. Please report any conditions in the posting portal below. Unknown exact conditions and no reports as of September 28, 2026

CLICK HERE –> SITE COMPLIANCE DOWNLOAD (.xxls) PAGE (updated 08/17/2023)

CHECK RECENT POSTED LINKS:

Rain sensor at Hayden Peak
https://mohave.onerain.com/site/?site_id=314&site=42de16b1-ab88-4a51-8b0f-c919817ae41d

Multiple sensors at Hualapai Mountain Ranger Station
https://mohave.onerain.com/site/?site_id=282&site=93e12842-2ea0-40c9-aa76-989f7b24a6e0

Rain sensor at Gold Road Crest (Oatman)
https://mohave.onerain.com/site/?site_id=277&site=431935e1-cdb1-4c55-b6e8-0e0e18849d60

Contact KAUA staff to report any important updates for this website.

ROAD CONDTIONS REPORT REVISIONS

February 25, 2026

July 18, 2026

July 20, 2026

July 21, 2026

September 26, 2026