2021-08-20 02:00:09
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 POWERHOUSE VISITOR CENTER, KINGMAN Originally the Desert Power & Water Co. Electric Power Plant in 1907, today this center is a hub for the history and culture of the Mother Road, housing the Arizona Route 66 Museum, Route 66 Electric Vehicle Museum and the Carlos Elmer Gallery, which displays scenic highway photography. 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 just 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 bring your own to dock at one of the lively riverfront bars and eateries. SKYWALK AT 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. MOHAVE MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND ARTS, KINGMAN Immerse yourself in the past at this diverse museum, where you’ll delve into Mohave County’s mining history and ghost towns, peruse portraits of United States Presidents and First Ladies, and learn about the area’s first inhabitants, from numerous tribes of American Indians to railroaders and ranchers. 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. Animal Kingdom Want to take a walk on Arizona’s wild side? Grab your binoculars and delight in Mother Nature at numerous designated wilderness preserves: Havasu National Wildlife Refuge in Topock, Bill Williams National Wildlife Refuge in Lake Havasu City, Cibola National Wildlife Refuge in Cibola, and Imperial National Wildlife Refuge and Kofa National Wildlife Refuge in Yuma. You’ll find everything from endangered razorback sucker fish and Yuma clapper rail to Sonoran pronghorn and dozens of species of butterflies. Each refuge’s unique ecosystem welcomes resident and migratory creatures of all kinds, offering opportunities for wildlife spotting, bird watching, hiking, boating and even hunting, which can help prevent overpopulation in the refuges. Escape the city life for awhile and experience the beauty of this region’s wildest places. WET YOUR WHISTLE Craft Beverages From small-batch spirits to craft beers, the West Coast region has a beverage to suit your style. Yuma, the sunniest city in the country, is home to Prison Hill Brewing Co., which takes its name from the nearby historic territorial prison and serves up wittily named selections that include Jailbait Blonde and Allegation Amber. 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 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, several 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 choose from 10 miles of trails for mountain biking and hiking, 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 will keep 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. Water Play With an 850-foot lazy river, a zippy mat racer and massive 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, take a dip along the shore in the designated swimming area, enjoy a feast al fresco in the picnic area or launch a boat from one of the three boat ramps. Pool Party Cool off at the Topock66 Restaurant, Bar & Riverstore 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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