Naturism blossoms in CalNevAri

The tri-state area encompassed by the lower Colorado River Valley proves fertile ground for naturist startups

The rugged beauty of the Lower Colorado River Valley, where the borders of California, Nevada, and Arizona meet, offers a stark contrast to the neon lights and bustling casinos of nearby Las Vegas. Here, in the expansive desert landscape, a quiet yet vibrant movement is taking root—one that embraces naturism in a region known for its conservative values and remote locales.

The region encompassing Bullhead City, AZ, and Golden Valley, AZ, stretches across the Mojave Desert, a place of striking contrasts. The area enjoys a dry climate, with long, hot summers and mild winters, boasting an average of 300 sunny days per year. The craggy terrain and expansive vistas provide a picturesque backdrop for multiple burgeoning backyard naturist clubs in the area, offering both seclusion and a sense of community for those seeking a nude way of life.

A journey through the desert

Driving through the desert near Kingman, Arizona near Interstate 10, I found myself lost when Google Maps directed me to the middle of nowhere. After a frustrating detour, I wound my way through quiet rural streets, navigating back to Arizona Highway 68. The landscape was dotted with ranch-style homes flying Trump flags and at least one farm full of waist-high trees, growing what, I couldn’t tell from my car. Maybe pecans.

With some helpful guidance over the phone from Freddie, a kindly voice I had previously only communicated with via email, I finally arrived at their home, the location of the Golden Valley Sun Club. I was there for the club’s grand opening. After parking, I was welcomed into the back to find at least twenty or thirty naked people of all shapes and sizes. Freddie’s husband, Alan, a strikingly tall gentleman still clothed in a red tee shirt, gave me a tour, modestly pointing out the bar area and the elevated pool deck he had recently constructed by hand. Soon, he was naked too, and I followed his cue, stuffing my clothes into a provided locker.

At first feeling somewhat like an outsider as an unfamiliar face amongst this group of friends, I soon felt at home as I slipped into the above-ground pool and staked out a cool spot for casual encounters. The kindness of the people there was evident as I was welcomed into this party, embraced by the warmth and acceptance of the community.

Sunshine and serenity in Golden Valley

Alan and Freddie Carlile founded Golden Valley Sun Club after moving to the area two years ago as refugees from California’s DeAnza Springs club, which they fled after new owners made their residence there less hospitable. They were motivated by a desire to create a non-landed club that could offer a safe and welcoming space for naturists. Freddie’s involvement with AANR West, where she has served on the board for three years, has been instrumental in shaping the club’s operations and outreach.

Freddie shared their journey: “At the time, we were living at DeAnza Springs Resort, which had recently been sold to new owners who initially promised to keep it clothing-optional. When it became evident that they were not going to keep it that way, we began looking for a property where we could create our own club. California was so expensive, so we decided to return to Arizona, where we had previously lived.”

Golden Valley Sun Club enjoys the benefits of abundant sunshine and moderate winters, though it faces challenges such as the need to haul water for their pool and hot tub. Despite these hurdles, the club has attracted a diverse group of naturists through social media and word of mouth. “Surprisingly, there are quite a few just in this valley that we have met!” Freddie noted.

The club’s strategic location near notable vacation spots like Laughlin and the Colorado River recreation areas, Lake Mohave, and Route 66 adds to its appeal. Golden Valley’s wide-open spaces and affordable property costs make it ideal for an enterprising startup naturist club. Freddie emphasized the local community’s welcoming nature: “A lot of residents in the area are open-minded and like the idea of being able to use a pool and hot tub in the desert.”

The club is still brand new, hosting only its first of what is sure to be many events and gatherings. Still refining the amenities, Freddie noted the sandals piled up on the pool deck near the ladder entry and remarked that she would make a note to install shoe shelving. As the club looks to the future, Alan and Freddie hope to provide a gathering place for like-minded individuals to enjoy non-sexual, recreational naturism. Their vision includes creating a supportive and inclusive community where people can relax and embrace the naturist lifestyle.

A haven in Bullhead City

Nick and Kim Olevsky, founders of Hillside Sun Club, sought refuge from the misconceptions surrounding naturism. “When we moved to Bullhead City full-time, we looked everywhere for someplace to enjoy the nudist lifestyle with no luck,” Nick shared with Planet Nude. Seven years ago, the couple, having previously owned and operated an all-inclusive nudist resort in California, decided to create their own space. They bought a property with ample privacy and started inviting friends over for naked gatherings. Initially, they used Meetup.com to promote their events, but as the club grew, they transitioned to their own dedicated website, HillsideSunClub.com.

The Hillside Sun Club offers a welcoming environment where acceptance is key. The club hosts monthly events, including pool parties and BBQs, attracting both locals and visitors from nearby Laughlin, the casino-filled tourist destination just across the Colorado River and Arizona state line, in Nevada. Despite challenges such as misconceptions about naturism and the occasional obstacles in promoting their events, Nick and Kim have successfully cultivated a community where newcomers feel immediately at home.

“The problem with starting a ‘nudist’ club in a smaller town, is that many people assume that it’s a sex club,” Nick told Planet Nude. “So we made it a point to get our club name out there and had the club support some of the local events in town, such as the Bullhead City Senior games… We openly talk about the club with everyone we meet.”

Over the last seven years, Hillside Sun Club has become a sanctuary for many in the region, around which an impressive community has developed. Nick and Kim’s commitment to promoting a non-sexual, all-ages environment has helped dispel local misconceptions about naturism. They often participate in community events, like the Bullhead City Senior Games, to increase their visibility and acceptance. “We are really big on acceptance and making people feel welcome. Many people come here for their first experience of nudism, and by the time they leave the event, they can’t wait for the next one,” Nick said.

Nick and Kim plan to expand the naturist community to other locations, including the newly established Golden Valley Sun Club. When they first learned that Freddie and Alan sought to open another backyard club in the vicinity, they welcomed the club in a neighborly way. The two clubs now describe themselves as ‘sister clubs,’ working together to provide sanctuary to the community that has sprung up in the region. Together, their goal is to have naturist events almost every weekend, providing more opportunities for people to engage with this way of life here in the Arizona desert.

The rustic charm of Bear Butt Ranch

Brendan, known by friends as “Snake,” grew up in a naturist family and always dreamed of starting his own club. After moving back to Golden Valley following a forest fire in California that laid claim to his home, he found the perfect secluded spot to establish Bear Butt Ranch. Located just nine miles away from Golden Valley Sun Club and accessible by dirt road, Bear Butt Ranch is more rustic compared to the other clubs in the region. The minimalist setup, featuring a single trailer and hot tub, has become a unique draw for those seeking a simple and authentic naturist experience.

Bear Butt Ranch comprises forty undeveloped acres and offers free quartzite camping options, asking for an optional donation from visitors. Snake, a jovial guy with a sort of hillbilly charm, has worked tirelessly to level land for RV parking and clear the road to make the site more accessible. Embracing a libertarian lifestyle, Snake emphasizes self-sufficiency and personal freedom in the way he runs the ranch.

Bear Butt Ranch operates on an off-grid system, making every development project a labor of love. Despite challenges such as new neighbors and the logistics of water delivery, Snake’s efforts have created a space where he insists people can enjoy a laid-back naturist experience, free from the distractions of modern life.

The naturist movement’s desert bloom

The appeal of cheap land and the desire for freedom have spurred the growth of naturist clubs in the Lower Colorado River Valley. These backyard clubs offer a refuge from the fast-paced world, providing a space where individuals can embrace body freedom and form deep connections with like-minded people.

Operating naturist clubs in a conservative region comes with its own set of challenges, from misconceptions about naturism to logistical hurdles. However, the sunshine and vast open space and libertarian worldviews create opportunities for growth that are significant, with increasing curiosity and interest from the local community. Clubs like Hillside Sun Club and Golden Valley Sun Club are at the forefront of this movement, paving the way for future naturist endeavors. The area, significantly smaller by population than nearby Las Vegas, now boasts more naturist options than the tourist mecca.

Nick and Kim, Alan and Freddie, and Snake provided invaluable insights into their experiences and motivations. Their stories showcase the resilience and dedication required to foster a naturist community in a remote area. Members of these clubs often describe their experiences as transformative. Many newcomers find a sense of acceptance and belonging that they have not experienced before.

As interest in naturism continues to grow here, the future looks promising for these grassroots clubs. With ongoing efforts to promote acceptance and understanding, the naturist movement in the Lower Colorado River Valley and the surrounding areas is poised for further expansion, bringing more people into the fold and enriching the lives of those who embrace this way of life. 🪐