La Paz County: Desert, Colorado River, and Unique Excursions
Accommodation in La Paz County
La Paz County combines recreational opportunities on the water with impressive desert experiences. The Colorado River, expansive protected areas, historic mining towns, and diverse trails make this a destination where families can spend their days in many different ways: with water sports, wildlife viewing, a bike ride, a short nature trail, or a drive through the desert.
Water Experiences on the Colorado River
The 17-mile Parker Strip offers opportunities for water skiing, boating, jet skiing, wave running, swimming, and fishing. Anyone looking for a vacation rental in La Paz County can therefore consider whether shared days on the water should be the focus of the trip. The Parker area also has hundreds of miles of mountain biking and road cycling routes. This makes it possible to combine a stay by the river with active outings on two wheels.
The ‘Ahakhav Tribal Preserve also highlights the connection between water and nature. The preserve was established in 1995 and currently includes 1,253 acres of wilderness area as well as a 3.5-acre park. Fishing, canoeing, bird-watching, and swimming are possible there. A 4.6-mile fitness trail adds a longer workout in the landscape to the range of activities.
Desert, Wildlife, and Distinctive Landscapes
At Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge, wildlife and habitats can be observed from vehicles along driving routes. Anglers have access to accessible fishing facilities there 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Cibola National Wildlife Refuge covers 18,444 acres and protects or restores marshes, backwaters, and river bends. Migratory birds, wintering waterfowl, and threatened or endangered species can be found there.
Another landscape experience is offered by the La Posa Long Term Visitor Area. The approximately 11,400-acre area is flat and sparsely vegetated. Creosote bushes, palo verde, ironwood, and mesquite trees, as well as various cactus species, shape the scenery. Activities include hiking, wildlife viewing, and collecting rocks and minerals. The route leads from Interstate 10 via the exit near Quartzsite and then south along Highway 95.
Trails, Mountains, and Traces of Mining
At Buckskin Mountain State Park, the trails lead into a mountain range in western Arizona. The River View Trail is a 2.7-mile loop that leads to an overlook above the Colorado River. The Copper Mines Trail is 0.6 miles long, runs in one direction only, and passes a series of abandoned copper mines. These two trails have different highlights: one combines a loop trail with river views, while the other connects the landscape with visible traces of mining history.
Swansea also brings the region’s past to life. Several adobe and brick buildings, the railroad embankment, numerous foundations, and mine shafts remain in the former mining settlement. Swansea can be reached by vehicle from Parker or Bouse. A vehicle with high ground clearance is recommended for the final miles on a rough gravel road.
Choosing the Right Base for Your Trip
When looking for a vacation rental in La Paz County, it is worthwhile to first determine the pace of travel you want. Those who want to combine water sports and cycling can plan around the opportunities on the Parker Strip and in the Parker area. For nature viewing, the two National Wildlife Refuges offer different focuses: at Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge, viewing from a vehicle is the main attraction, while Cibola National Wildlife Refuge offers a different landscape experience with its wetlands, backwaters, and river bends.
For desert landscapes, minerals, and historic sites, Quartzsite, La Posa, and Swansea are among the distinctive destinations. Quartzsite is known during the winter season for its mineral and gemstone shows; the PowWow Gem and Mineral Show takes place there every January.
Places for Further Orientation
For further planning, you can also learn more about Ehrenberg, Parker Strip, Salome, Parker, and Quartzsite.
For the broader travel overview: Arizona.
More Destinations
More places within the same destination:
