Secluded, desert living in Dolan Springs
Dolan Springs is a rural community known for its secluded atmosphere and proximity to the outdoors, sitting at the base of the Cerbat Mountains, between the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon National Park. The sprawling Mojave Desert community is full of open space and desert flora, from sagebrush and flowering cacti to Joshua trees. Over 30 miles from the closest city, Dolan Springs draws people looking for quiet living. “Dolan Springs has that secluded, Mojave Desert charm,” says Bryce Perez, a local Realtor with Re/Max Fine Properties. “There are beautiful vistas throughout the community. Most people that move here move to get away and have more of a private life.”
Mountain-side recreation and access to Grand Canyon National Park
Dolan Springs is often a stopping point for travelers on their way to the Grand Canyon. The canyon’s west rim is around 40 miles from town, with hiking trails, campgrounds and the Grand Canyon West Skywalk, a glass-bottom walkway 4,000 feet above the ground. Mount Tipton Wilderness encompasses over 30,000 acres just west of Dolan Springs and is a popular area among day hikers, horseback riders and backpackers. Mount Tipton is the highest peak in the Cerbat Mountain Range at over 7,000 feet and, though there are no designated trails, the area is frequented by adventurous outdoor enthusiasts.
Spacious properties and single-story homes
The ranch-style homes and manufactured homes of Dolan Springs sit on spacious, 1-to-5-acre properties, many with fenced-in acres for horses and livestock. Most houses were built after 1970, with new builds continually popping up. Empty lots range from $2,000 to around $100,000, price tags increasing with acreage. Move-in-ready homes can go for $60,000 to $290,000, while fixer-uppers range from $20,000 to $50,000.
Local businesses on Pierce Ferry Road and new development plans
While the area is largely residential, there are a few businesses and eateries along Pierce Ferry Road. Canyon Cafe serves breakfast all day and hearty American pub fare. Hot Diggety Dog is known for its loaded hotdogs and burgers. There is also a variety of vegetarian options on the menu. For international fusion, Adoboss serves both Mexican and Chinese cuisines. Dolan Station has a small selection of meats, produce and snacks, and there's a Family Dollar a few doors down.
For a larger selection, there is a Safeway and a Walmart around 35 miles south in Kingman. “There’s a new community, Entrata, that has been in the works for a while,” says Perez. “It will take a long time to be developed, but it’s going to be right off of Route 93 with residential buildings, storefronts and a hospital. There are mixed feelings about it from current residents, because a lot of people like that they are far from a bigger town.”
Kingman area public schools
Mt Tipton Elementary School serves kindergarten through sixth-grade students and earns a C-minus grade from Niche. In Kingman, Black Mountain School receives an A-minus. The B-rated Lee Williams High School offers a wide variety of elective courses, from stagecraft and the study of rock music to American Sign Language and life and career skills. Additionally, Kingman Unified School District partners with Mohave College for dual enrollment courses.
The Dolan Springs Community Library hosts various events, including craft workshops and kids’ reading programs.
Take Route 93 to Kingman or Las Vegas
United States Route 93 can take drivers around 35 miles south to Kingman or roughly 80 miles to Las Vegas, including the Harry Reid International Airport.
Written By
Jillian Pillow
