2022-08-30 12:06:00
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, Oatman, Parker, Yuma Area Highlights POWERHOUSE VISITOR CENTER, KINGMAN Originally the Desert Power & Water Co. Electric Power Plant, 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, 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 an authentic American Indian village and watch traditional dance and music demonstrations on the weekends. YUMA TERRITORIAL PRISON STATE HISTORIC PARK, YUMA Once holding 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. OATMAN HOTEL, OATMAN Originally built for miners during the Gold Rush days, this historic hotel is known for being haunted by friendly spirits. Even though you can no longer spend the night, visitors from all around come to have a drink at the restaurant and bar, where the walls are covered with $1 bills with people’s names written on them. KINGMAN RAILROAD MUSEUM, KINGMAN Housed in the historic Santa Fe Railroad train depot dating back to 1907, this volunteer-run museum showcases artifacts, memorabilia and local train history, as well as several model train layouts featuring vintage toy components. PIPE SPRING NATIONAL MONUMENT, FREDONIA With life-sustaining water, Pipe Spring has provided refuge for wildlife, the Kaibab Paiute Indians and westbound settlers. 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 & GIFT SHOP, PARKER Glimpse into the lives, history and culture of local tribes—including Mohave, Chemehuevi, Hopi and Navajo City—through exhibits, cultural artifacts and historical photographs housed at this museum. RIVER ISLAND STATE PARK, PARKER Along the shores of the Colorado River, discover riverfront camping and distant mountain views. This state park also offers trails for hikers and access to off-highway-vehicle (OHV) backcountry roads. WET YOUR WHISTLE WITH 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 a craft beer to wash down wood-fired calzones. Also here is Hangar 24 Craft Brewing, serving up pints of fan favorites such as the Chocolate Bomber chocolate porter and a roster of limited releases. In Kingman, you’ll find desert-inspired agave rum, whiskey and vodka at Desert Diamond Distillery inside the Airport Industrial Complex, where you can have a tour and a tasting for the full experience. Also in Kingman, Black Bridge Brewery serves up everything from blonde to stout on its changing menu. Meanwhile, Cella Winery specializes in handcrafted red wines, so sit outdoors among the grapevines while enjoying a glass of your choice. LAKE HAVASU Lighthouses Never mind sirens luring sailors to rocky shores. Classic beacons guide boaters on this desert lake. BY NORA BURBA TRULSSON If you’re boating or hiking along Lake Havasu in western Arizona, you might think you’re seeing a desert mirage when you spot a perfectly detailed lighthouse on the lake’s shore. Yes, there are lighthouses along the lake—28 of them, in fact, scaled-down replicas of famous beacons. The lighthouses were created and maintained by a local nonprofit group, whose members wanted to make night boating safe in the lake. Rather than installing mundane industrial beacons, the group built lighthouses inspired by historic East Coast lighthouses on the eastern shores of the lake, Pacific-inspired lighthouses on the western side of the lake (like the newest beacon, modeled after Angel’s Gate in San Pedro, California) and Great Lakes versions around the lake’s island. Don’t have a boat or not into hiking? Sunset Charter and Tour Co. offers a leisurely, two-hour lighthouse boat tour from October through May. FAMILY MATTERS When it comes to family fun, western Arizona offers up everything from zip lining to nature walks. 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 (one is ADA accessible), and a climbing area will keep kids busy for hours FLYING HIGH Experience an hour of pure adrenaline at the Zipline at Grand Canyon West. Here, several zip lines above a canyon translate to the thrill of flying at up to 40 miles per hour. (Guests must weigh between 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. Then set up camp among oak and ponderosa pines in the first-come, first-served Wild Cow Springs Campground. Ongoing Ranger Talks from the Kingman BLM Field Office discuss how to be prepared in different camping situations. GET WILD Embark on a wild journey through a picturesque 175-acre canyon in Valentine, where you’ll find Keepers of the Wild Nature Park. This nonprofit wildlife sanctuary is home to 130 wild animals such as lions, tigers, wolves, primates and various wildlife indigenous to the Southwest. 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 eateries. 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 wow-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 alfresco 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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