2020-09-05 08:48:02
Be sure to pack your swimsuit when you visit Western Arizona, where the Colorado River and glittering waters of lakes and reservoirs combine to create the perfect climate for fun in the sun. As you trace the Colorado River’s path from the Glen Canyon Dam to Mexico, you’ll fall in love with close-knit communities filled with museums and attractions, natural wonders and wildlife habitats—and, of course, countless places to enjoy boating, swimming and water sports of all types. IN THIS REGION Fredonia Kingman Lake Havasu City Parker Yuma Area Highlights LAKE HAVASU White sandy beaches, brilliant red mountains, teal waters—this reservoir is a colorful oasis in the desert. Pitch a tent or bring your RV to enjoy waterfront camping, rent a boat or personal watercraft to zoom along the lake’s surface, or kick back at one of the waterfront bars and restaurants. COLORADO RIVER Winding along the borders of Arizona, California and Nevada, this iconic waterway is ideal for a guided whitewater rafting trip, cruising along in a jetboat or just paddling through the canyons in a kayak. Rent a boat at one of the marinas, or dock your boat at one of the lively riverfront bars and eateries. SKYWALK & EAGLE POINT, GRAND CANYON WEST Feel your heart pound with exhilaration as you walk along the horseshoe-shaped glass bridge that curves over the edge of a 4,000-foot cliff and into the expanse of the Grand Canyon. Then, explore Hualapai, Navajo, Plains, Hopi and Havasupai structures. YUMA TERRITORIAL PRISON STATE HISTORIC PARK, YUMA Once housing an array of law breakers—including notorious stagecoach robber Pearl Hart—this historic prison dates back to the Gold Rush era. See the original cell-blocks, guard tower and entrance gate, and be sure to view the video presentation and authentic artifacts at the museum. KINGMAN RAILROAD MUSEUM, KINGMAN Immerse yourself in railroad history at this 1907 Santa Fe Railway depot, where you’ll find model train displays, authentic tools and artifacts, railroad memorabilia and a library filled with books about trains and history. PIPE SPRING NATIONAL MONUMENT, FREDONIA With life-sustaining water, Pipe Spring has provided refuge for wildlife, the Kaibab Paiute Indians and west-bound pioneers. Explore the exhibits at the Pipe Spring National Monument – Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians Visitor Center and Museum, and take a guided tour of Winsor Castle, a fortified ranch house built by Mormon ranchers in the 1870s. COLORADO RIVER INDIAN TRIBES (CRIT) MUSEUM, PARKER Glimpse into the lives, history and culture of local tribes—including Mohave, Chemehuevi, Hopi and Navajo—through exhibits, cultural artifacts and historic photographs housed at this museum. BUCKSKIN MOUNTAIN STATE PARK, PARKER Nestled in a crook of the Colorado River where the border of Arizona meets California, this lush park is surrounded by jagged mountains. Gather friends or family for waterfront camping and boating, or to explore a network of hiking trails offering picturesque views. MR. D’Z ROUTE 66 DINER, KINGMAN With black-and-white checkerboard flooring and teal and cotton candy-pink booth seating, this retro diner is a prime spot for pulling over on your Route 66 road trip, stepping back in time and filling up on nostalgic American dishes—think: hamburgers, fries, chili dogs, root beer floats and banana splits. Animal Kingdom BY CAITLIN ROW Want to take a walk on Arizona’s wild side? Grab your binoculars and delight in Mother Nature at three designated wilderness preserves: Havasu National Wildlife Refuge in Topock, Kofa National Wildlife Refuge in Yuma and Bill Williams National Wildlife Refuge in Lake Havasu City. You’ll find everything from endangered razorback sucker fish and Yuma clapper rail to Sonoran pronghorn and 40 species of butterflies. Each refuge’s unique ecosystem welcomes resident and migratory creatures off all kinds. The Camel Farm, though a little less wild, plays host to more than 25 animal species, including its namesake, along with more exotic creatures like coatimundis, Fennec foxes and kangaroos. This family-friendly destination in Yuma is a must for the kiddos and fun for adults, too. WET YOUR WHISTLE Craft Beverages From small-batch spirits to craft beers, the West Coast region has a beverage to suit your style. BY SUZANNE WRIGHT Yuma, the sunniest city in the country, is home to a downtown brewery that takes its name from the historic territorial prison located a mile away: Prison Hill Brewing Co., where wittily named selections include Jailbait Blonde and Incrimination IPA. In Lake Havasu City, pull up a chair at Barley Bros. Restaurant & Brewery, where you can enjoy an ale, lager or stout to wash down wood-fired calzones or pizzas. Also here is Hangar 24 Craft Brewing, serving up burgers, sandwiches and pints of Chocolate Bomber chocolate porter, Orange Wheat brewed with local oranges, and a roster of unique limited releases. Just a few minutes from famed Route 66 is Stetson Winery, the high-desert winery in Kingman, where a lineup of both red and white wines are available for tasting. Also in Kingman, you’ll find desert-inspired agave rum, whiskey and vodka at Desert Diamond Distillery inside the Airport Industrial Complex. Tours and tastings are offered, so stop by to get a behind-the-scenes peek at the production process and a sampling of their spirits. FAMILY MATTERS BY ELIZABETH EXLINE When it comes to family fun, western Arizona offers up everything from zip lining to nature walks. FLYING HIGH Experience an hour of pure adrenaline at The Zip Line at Grand Canyon West. Here, two zip lines above a canyon translate to the thrill of flying at nearly 40 miles per hour. (Guests must weigh 90 to 275 pounds.) BACK TO NATURE Bring the family to Hualapai Mountain Park in Kingman to hike the easy 3.4-mile Little Hualapai Trail and see wildflowers and birds along the way, or play a game of disc golf on the 18-hole championship-style course. PLAY ALL DAY Let your little ones loose at the castle-like Stewart Vincent Wolfe Creative Playground at West Wetlands Park in Yuma, where imaginative structures, a zip line with two bays and a climbing area keeps kids busy for hours. GAME DAY Challenge the family to a game of bowling at Cocopah’s Wild River Family Entertainment Center in Somerton, or explore the Laser Tag arena, arcade, lounge and restaurants. TAKE THE Plunge From whitewater rafting to swim-up bars, western Arizona knows how to make a splash. BY ELIZABETH EXLINE Water Play With an 850-foot lazy river, a zippy mat racer and a whopping 15 water slides, Waylon’s Water World in Yuma issues a siren song to the young (and young at heart). Make Waves Get a new perspective on the Grand Canyon and Colorado River when you experience miles of whitewater rafting with the Hualapai River Runners in Peach Springs. On the Water Hop aboard a canoe or kayak with Desert River Outfitters in Bullhead City for a guided tour along the lower Colorado River, and savor Instagram-worthy views of the canyon. Life’s a Beach In Lake Havasu City, lounge on white sand beaches at Lake Havasu State Park or take a dip along the shore and in the designated swimming area. Boats and paddleboards are available for rent. Pool Party Cool off at the Topock66 Party Pool in Topock, which offers a swim-up bar and live entertainment on the weekends. A marina, restaurant and retail shop round out the experience.
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