Events
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Desert Bash & Off-Roading Poker Run
Get ready for the ultimate desert weekend in Havasu.
About the Desert Bash & Off-Roading Poker Run
The Desert Bash & Off-Road Poker Run is a weekend of desert camping built around an off-road poker run. Drivers follow a 64-mile course with five checkpoints, collecting a card at each stop to build the best poker hand and compete for cash. The event is based at the Standard Wash Area, a Bureau of Land Management campground off AZ Highway 95 south of Lake Havasu City, and sells out every year with more than 250 vehicles. Event day also includes live music, vendors, food trucks, kids' activities, a 50/50 drawing, and prize drawings.
Event Details
Dates & Times
Friday, December 4, 2026
10am: Camping Check-In
12-5:45pm: Packet & Shirt Pickup
11am–7pm: Food Trucks
6pm: Mandatory Drivers Meeting
6:15–7:30pm: Packet & Shirt Pickup Resumes
Saturday, December 5, 2026
6:30–8:15am: Packet & Apparel Pickup
8am: Makeup Drivers Meeting
9am: Poker Run Begins – Vehicles Depart in Heats
9:30am: All Vehicles Must Be Through Start Gate
11am–7pm: Vendors, Food Trucks & Kids Activities
1–5pm: Live Music
4pm: Deadline to Clear Checkpoint 5
4pm: Poker Run Ends / Hands Due / All Participants Check In
5pm: Winners, Drawings & Prizes
6pm: Vendor Area Closes
Sunday, December 6, 2026
Camping check-out; pack out what you pack in.
Location
Standard Wash OHV Area | 7001 AZ-95, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86406.
Standard Wash Area is a Bureau of Land Management campground near Mile Marker 173 on Arizona Highway 95. Look for it about three miles south of SARA Park.
Registration
The 16th Annual Poker Run is sold out, and the waitlist is full. Looking to participate next year? Mark your calendar for registration, opening again in September 2027!
Spectator Activities
Desert Bash is free to attend, with vendors and general festivities open to the public. The vendor area is open to the public on both days of Desert Bash weekend, but Saturday is the main day for visitors, with activities including:
- Vendor booths
- Food trucks
- Kids’ activities
- Live music
- 50/50 raffle
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 Desert Bash Off-Road Poker Run?
Desert Bash weekend is December 4–6, 2026, with the Poker Run taking place on Saturday, December 5.
Is the Desert Bash & Poker Run a race?
No, it is not a race. All rider and skill levels are welcome, and racing is not allowed.
How are Poker Run prizes awarded?
Prizes are based on the poker hand you draw at the final checkpoint. Turn in your completed hand at registration when you return.
What is there to do for spectators of the Desert Bash & Poker Run?
Spectators can enjoy vendors, food trucks, live music, and kids' activities.
When does registration for the Desert Bash & Poker Run open?
Keep an eye out for registration opening in September 2027.
Can dirt bikes participate in the Desert Bash & Poker Run?
Yes. Dirt bikes will participate in the first heat.
Where can I go off-roading in Lake Havasu?
There are nearly 2,000 miles of off-roading trails in Lake Havasu, including Standard Wash OHV Area, Copper Basin Dunes OHV Area, and the Arizona Peace Trail.
