Lake Havasu's deep water, fringed with coves and inlets, provides ideal fishing conditions for black and striped bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish and trout. Through a multiagency fishery enhancement program, artificial habitat is being developed to increase the game fish population, and additional shore access is being constructed for fishermen around the lake.
Seven isolated coves in Lake Havasu have also been set aside for biologists to raise populations of two endangered native fish -- the bonytail chub and razorback sucker. In these predator-free coves, small spawn of these species are raised until they reach about 12 inches in length -- large enough to escape the predatory game fish. They are then tagged and released into the lake to help expand the populations of these endangered fish and reduce the threat of extinction.
Boating, skiing, swimming and other water sports are the dominant activities on the Lake. You will find just about every type of water-based recreation including many organized events like music festivals, international jet ski competitions and auto shows.
If you don't have your own water toys, you can rent them. There are a number of facilities that rent boats, skidoos and other equipment. If you just want to relax and enjoy the scenery, you can try one of the many water- and land-based tours. The boat tours take you into remote canyons and historic sites where ancient peoples once lived. Guided land tours will take you on an exploration into lands where the pioneers once tread, while you learn about the geology, flora and fauna of the region.
Walking & Hiking Trails
Mohave Sunset Trail: 1.5 miles long. Rating: easy. This trail winds its way through the lowland desert and along the shoreline.
Arroyo-Camino Interpretive Garden: This interpretive area showcases the diverse life that exists within the park and this area of the desert. Birds, lizard, an desert cotton-tails are common sights. A native & "historic" foodstuff garden is also available in the winter & early spring.
Sara Park Wash - Crack In The Wall - One of the more famous of the lower Colorado River slot canyons – one that offers an engaging three-mile one-way hike – is the SARA (Special Activities Recreation Area) Park Wash Crack in the Wall just south of Lake Havasu City. Called simply “The Crack,” this slot canyon is formed by a drainage that has carved its way through mountains then snaked around ridges, emptying into Lake Havasu. Click here for more information on this hike.
Explore By Car - Auto Tours
Another great way to explore the Lake Havasu area is by car or off-highway vehicle (OHV). If you are in a car take the Parker Dam Road "Thread of Life," a backcountry byway that highlights the scenic, natural, historic and prehistoric features along an 11-mile road. The road passes along the California shore of the Colorado River providing access to an abundance of recreation activities, including camping, swimming, boating, fishing, rock hounding, hiking, OHV play areas and wildlife viewing. This scenic byway begins at Parker Dam and travels along Parker Dam Road south to the boundary of the Colorado River Indian Reservation.
OHV Recreation
If you like four-wheeling, ATV-riding, dune buggy driving or riding a motorcycle, the BLM can accommodate your OHV recreational needs. The Lake Havasu BLM territory includes hundreds of miles of roads and trails and two open areas. See the Notes at the end of this page for more information on these locations.
Lake Havasu and the surrounding region is a recreational paradise offering abundant opportunities to explore, learn and relax. However you choose to spend your time at Lake Havasu, you will find the enchanting atmosphere and year-round sunshine fulfilling as well as memorable.
Notes
Lake Havasu BLM Field Office: The Lake Havasu BLM Field Office is located south of the intersection of Highway 95 and Acoma Blvd. South at 2610 Sweetwater Ave. Office hours are 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday excluding Federal holidays.
Fishing: Current fishing access sites include Take-off Point, Havasu Springs, Site Six and Mesquite Cove. These sites all include parking, restrooms and universally-accessible fishing docks.
OHV Information: The two OHV open areas located within the Lake Havasu BLM Field Office territory are Copper Basin Dunes (1,275 acres ) and Crossroads (1,500 acres). These areas have no travel restrictions, which means that vehicles can go off the roads and trails.
Both locations are on the California side of the Lake between Parker Dam and the Colorado River Indian Tribes Reservation. There are OHV staging areas at each site complete with parking, restrooms and unloading ramps.
Stop at the BLM office on your way out of town for an access guide and maps of the Lake Havasu area. OHV riders must stay on existing roads and trails with the exception of the two open areas mentioned above.
