INcorporated in 1978, Lake Havasu City on the shores of Lake Havasu is one of Arizona’s newest city’s. But an array of diverse and vibrant festivals held in the shadow of the historic London Bridge, exceptionally mild winters, an average of 290 sunny days each year, an award winning craft brewery, and water recreation opportunities that are only limited by the imagination have transformed this desert oasis into one of the states premiere destinations.
Lake Havasu City is also a destination for adventurers enamored by the endless opportunities to explore wild and picturesque desert wilderness. WWII plane wrecks, ghost towns, scenic overlooks, and shade dappled and colorful canyons are just a few of the attractions.
Perhaps this partial list of trails and attractions will inspire a trip or two. And, of course, Crazy Horse Campgrounds, Lake Havasu’s oldest RV Park and campground with all the amenities, beach front sites, and jet ski rentals, is your perfect base camp for memory making desert odysseys.
If you’re looking for some offroading, hiking, or mountain biking adventures near Lake Havasu City Arizona, you’re in luck. There are plenty of trails and parks to explore in this area. And some systems such as those in the Cerbat Foothills Recreation Area near Kingman are counted among the topped rated trails in the southwest.
- Standard Wash: This is a popular spot for offroaders of all kinds, as it offers a variety of terrain and difficulty levels. You can find sand washes, rocky hills, dry riverbeds, and more. There are also some scenic views of the lake and the mountains along the way. The trail is about 15 miles long and can be accessed from Highway 95 south of Lake Havasu City.
- Cattail Cove State Park: This park has a designated offroad vehicle area that is open from October to April. You can ride on sand dunes, gravel roads, and desert trails. The park also has a boat ramp, a campground, and a beach for other recreational activities. The park is located on the shore of Lake Havasu, about 15 miles south of Lake Havasu City.
- Parker Strip: This is a stretch of the Colorado River that runs from Parker Dam to Headgate Dam. It is a popular destination for boating, fishing, camping, and offroading. You can find many dirt roads and trails along the river that offer scenic views and challenging terrain. You can also cross the river on the Parker Dam Road Bridge or the Bill Williams River Bridge. The Parker Strip is about 40 miles south of Lake Havasu City.
- Swansea Ghost Town: This is an abandoned mining town that dates back to the late 19th century that has been preserved by teh BLM in an arrested state of decay. You can explore the ruins of the town, or follow the old railroad bed that connects Swansea to Bouse. The road to Swansea is about 25 miles of occasionally graded sand and gravel so plan accordingly. Swansea is located in the Buckskin Mountains, about 50 miles southeast of Lake Havasu City.
These are just some of the offroading adventures you can have near Lake Havasu City Arizona. For additional information about these adventure opportunities, and other trail systems, contact the BLM field office at 1785 Kiowa Avenue.
Don’t hesitate to get out there and have some fun. Just remember a few safety tips. Don’t travel alone. Know before you go. Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return. Carry lots of water. Happy trails!
Written by Jim Hinckley of Jim Hinckley’s America
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