Whether you are a visitor, resident, or thinking of moving to Lake Havasu City Arizona, lovers of the outdoors will appreciate this region’s stark beauty, embodied within the spectacular convergence of Lake Havasu’s desert ecology, 450 miles of breathtaking shoreline and sparkling waters. Lake Havasu offers residents and visitors alike a unique opportunity to explore the drama of a desert habitat – offering everything from hiking and jeep tours to bird watching and exploring hidden trails with Indian petroglyphs. Warm, dry air, rich animal life, and good fishing, hiking and camping attract travelers every summer. But even with an influx of outdoor enthusiasts every season, solitude in a pristine cove or on a lonely hiking trail is always beckoning.
Converging Deserts of the Southwest
Marking the convergence of the Sonoran and Mohave Deserts, Lake Havasu City is surrounded by a variety of rich, natural beauty. To the west is Lake Havasu, to the north Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, to the east Crossman Peak Natural Scenic Area, and to the south Bill Williams National Wildlife Refuge. The Creative Cultural Center provides interpretation of the Native American cultures of the region, and several federal wilderness areas preserve Havasu’s untouched desert region. Close to other natural wonders including Joshua Tree National Park, Mojave National Preserve and the Grand Canyon, Lake Havasu City offers visitors a wide selection of experiences on foot, by car, guided boat, canoe or jeep.
Havasu National Wildlife Refuge / Topock Gorge
The Havasu National Wildlife Refuge features an amazing array of waterfowl, wild burros and desert bighorn sheep. In addition to vast wildlife, the refuge’s main attraction is Topock Gorge – one of the last stretches of the Lower Colorado River still virtually unaltered by humans. The gorge is accessible by boat or on foot, and its magnificent scenery and ecology is best viewed with an experienced guide. Water excursions through Topock Gorge are available by jet boat, personal watercraft, kayak and canoe. For more information about rentals or excursions through London Bridge Watercraft Tours or Western Arizona Canoe and Kayak Outfitters (WACKO), contact the Lake Havasu City Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 2-HAVASU. For information about the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge call (619) 326-3853.
Lake Havasu State Park
Lake Havasu State Park covers more than 11,000 acres along the eastern shore of Lake Havasu. Offering five boat launch ramps and campsites of almost every size and style, the park also features a beautiful one-and-a-half-mile nature trail that runs along Lake Havasu’s shoreline. The trail features stunning views of the lake and desert scenery in addition to an array of birds and wildlife.
Boat-In Campsites of Lake Havasu
Hikers wishing to camp and boat between excursions will find the perfect setting in several boat-in campsites at Lake Havasu State Park. Site Six and Windsor Beach provide a combination of launching, dry storage, boat rentals, gasoline, repairs, and slips. Picnic facilities for large and small group events may be reserved in advance. For more information, call (928) 855-2784.
Bill Williams National Wildlife Refuge
Located about 15 miles south of Lake Havasu City, the 6,105-acre Bill Williams National Wildlife Refuge is one of the finest riparian areas in Arizona. The cottonwood and willow forests and wetlands of the refuge are home to a diverse collection of wildlife not normally associated with a desert region, including many rare and endangered species of birds, reptiles, mammals and fish. Over 275 species of birds have been spotted at this bird watcher’s paradise. Vehicle access to the refuge is via a graded dirt road located just south of the Bill Williams Bridge off Highway 95. Guided tours are available locally through Outback Off-Road Adventures at (928) 680-6151.
Crossman Peak Natural Scenic Area
Lake Havasu City is located at the junction of two great deserts. In the rugged Mohave Mountains east of the city, the Mojave and Sonoran deserts converge to create a natural area of amazing plant and animal diversity. This vast beauty has been preserved in the 26,000-acre Crossman Peak Natural Scenic Area. Access to the area is provided by old miners’ trails leading to the abandoned glory holes of those who once sought their fortune here in gold and silver. Guided jeep tours of these mountains provide an extensive education of the region’s desert ecology, geology and early history. For more information on jeep tours, call Outback Off-Road Adventures at (928) 680-6151.
Creative Cultural Center
An outdoor setting for an entertaining and educational Native American experience in which artisans’ market authentic products, present informative lectures, tell stories of their past and present, demonstrate ancient art forms, sing, dance, and conduct hands-on craft activities. Equipped with a natural desert stage, sound system, patio dining, firepit and display walls, the Center is a perfect place to explore Lake Havasu’s rich native history. For more information, call the Creative Cultural Center at (928) 855-7300.
Hualapai Mountain Park
Developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, Hualapai Mountain Park constitutes 2,300 acres of pine forest in the Arizona desert. Named for the Native Americans who once inhabited its mountainous terrain, the park ranges in elevation from 4,984 to 8,417 feet and is home to lush vegetation that provides habitat for mule deer, golden eagles and raccoons.
Six miles of developed trails and 10 miles of undeveloped trails wind through some of the most dramatic scenery in the region. Cabins and campsites dot the hills amid picnic and recreational facilities. For more information on the park, located 70 miles northeast of Lake Havasu near Kingman, call the Mohave County Parks Department at (928) 757-0915.
Co-existing With Nature and Outdoor Adventure
If you love the serenity of nature, great year-round weather, blue skies and small-town charm…. Lake Havasu City is waiting for you. Throw-in boating, fishing, golf and clean, clear fresh air, Lake Havasu is the perfect place to relocate your family. Checkout Lake Havasu real estate. there’s a dream home waiting for you.