16th Annual Desert Bash & Off -Road Poker Run
16th Annual Desert Bash & Off -Road Poker Run
Friday, December 4, 2026 10:00 AM - Sunday, December 6, 2026 12:00 AM (MST)
Description
Our Poker Run registrations have officially SOLD OUT!
Missed your chance to register? Join our waitlist! If a spot becomes available, our team will reach out directly to those on the waitlist. Please note that joining the waitlist does not guarantee an entry into this year's event.
The good news? Desert Bash is an annual event! We encourage you to keep an eye on our website and social media pages, as registration for next year's event is expected to open in September 2027. We'd love to see you out on the trails next year!
Desert Bash Offroad Poker Run Happening December 5th, 2026 out at Standard Wash!
The Desert Bash Poker Run is a 64 mile course with five checkpoints for participants to build the best poker hand possible and win cash. This event sells out every year with over 250 vehicles and 700 participants. LIVE Entertainment, 50/50 and drawing prizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 Desert Bash Off-Road Poker Run?
Desert Bash weekend is December 4th–6th, 2026, with the Poker Run taking place on Saturday, December 5th.
When can I check in for camping?
Camping check-in begins at 10:00 AM on Friday, December 4. If you would like to camp near friends, please arrive together.
When can I pick up my packet and apparel?
Packet and apparel pickup is available:
- Friday: 12:00–5:45 PM and 6:15–7:30 PM
- Saturday: 6:30–8:15 AM
Do I have to attend a drivers meeting?
Yes. Drivers must attend either the Friday meeting at 6:00 PM or the Saturday makeup meeting at 8:00 AM.
What time does the Poker Run start?
The Poker Run begins at 9:00 AM Saturday. Vehicles will be released in heats. All vehicles must be at or through the start gate by 9:30 AM.
What do I need to have ready before starting the Poker Run?
All vehicles must have the current-year event sticker attached, and all registered participants must be wearing their event wristbands. Both will be checked before starting. Please make sure your vehicle is fully fueled and ready to hit the trail! We also strongly recommend carrying a spare tire, if applicable, to help you stay prepared while out on the course.
When do I need to finish the Poker Run?
All vehicles must be through Checkpoint 5 by 4:00 PM. The Poker Run ends at 4:30 PM, and all poker hands must be turned in at registration.
Do I need to check back in after the Poker Run?
Yes! All vehicles MUST check back in at registration so event staff can confirm everyone has safely returned to camp.
How are Poker Run prizes awarded?
Prizes are based on the poker hand you draw at the final checkpoint. Turn your completed hand in at registration when you return. You must be present to claim your prize.
When are winners announced?
Drawings, winners, and prizes begin at 5:00 PM Saturday.
Will there be food, vendors, and entertainment?
Yes! On Saturday, vendors, food trucks, and kids activities run from 11:00 AM–6:00 PM, with live music from 1:00–5:00 PM. The vendor area closes at 6:00 PM.
Can I race or drive fast during the Poker Run?
No. Racing or reckless driving will result in disqualification from the Poker Run.
When is camping checkout?
Camping checkout is Sunday, December 6th. Please remember: pack out what you pack in!
REQUIRED: CHECK IN & TURN IN YOUR POKER HAND
At the final pit stop, you’ll receive your final card and complete your poker hand. Once your hand is complete, ALL PARTICIPANTS ARE REQUIRED TO CHECK IN AT THE REGISTRATION TENT & TURN IN THEIR COMPLETED POKER HAND.
This final check-in serves two important purposes: it allows our team to record your finished poker hand for the event and confirms that you have safely returned from the course.
PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE WITHOUT CHECKING IN! If you do not check in, we will assume you have not safely returned from the course and will begin the appropriate process to locate you, including contacting Search & Rescue and your emergency contact.
Don’t scare your loved ones—or us! Help us keep everyone safe and accounted for by completing your final check-in before you leave.
FINAL CARD → COMPLETE YOUR HAND → CHECK IN → TURN IN YOUR POKER HAND → YOU’RE DONE!
Every participant MUST be accounted for at the end of the Poker Run.
Images
7001 Arizona 95
Lake Havasu City, AZ 86406 United States
Desert Bash Weekend Schedule
Friday, December 4
10:00 AM – Camping Check-In
Camping together? Arrive together.
12:00–5:45 PM – Packet & Shirt Pickup
11:00 AM–7:00 PM – Food Trucks
6:00 PM – Mandatory Drivers Meeting*
6:15–7:30 PM – Packet & Shirt Pickup Resumes
Attend Friday OR Saturday’s drivers meeting.
Saturday, December 5
6:30–8:15 AM – Packet & Apparel Pickup
8:00 AM – Makeup Drivers Meeting
9:00 AM – Poker Run Begins – Vehicles Depart in Heats
9:30 AM – All Vehicles Must Be Through Start Gate
11:00 AM–7:00 PM – Vendors, Food Trucks & Kids Activities
1:00–5:00 PM – Live Music
4:00 PM – Deadline to Clear Checkpoint 5
4:30 PM – Poker Run Ends / Hands Due / All Participants Check In
5:00 PM – Winners, Drawings & Prizes
6:00 PM – Vendor Area Closes
IMPORTANT: Event vehicle sticker and participant wristbands are required. All vehicles must check back in at registration after the Poker Run. You must be present to claim prizes.
Sunday, December 6
Camping Check-Out
Pack out what you pack in.