Parker Dam: Lake Havasu, Dam and Road Trip

Parker Dam combines the impressive scenery of the Colorado River with a striking dam, expansive Lake Havasu, and a road that connects diverse landscapes and historical impressions. The area is particularly interesting for trip planning if you would like to combine water, an unusual engineering structure, and a drive through changing landscapes.

Dam on the Colorado River and Lake Havasu

Parker Dam is located on the Colorado River, 155 miles downstream from Hoover Dam. The concrete arch dam was built between 1934 and 1938 and is often referred to as the “deepest dam in the world.” One unusual detail concerns its visible height: At Parker Dam, 73 percent of the structure’s 320-foot height is not visible. This gives a visit a special connection to engineering and the landscape without requiring the structure to be understood solely through its dimensions.

Lake Havasu, a reservoir approximately 45 miles long, lies behind Parker Dam. The body of water shapes the character of the surrounding area and offers a different perspective for travelers than simply visiting the dam. Fishing is a recreational activity enjoyed by visitors at Lake Havasu. Families can therefore choose between an excursion focused on the landscape and engineering and a stay with more time spent by the water.

The Parker Dam Road as a special scenic route

The Parker Dam Road Back Country Byway begins at Parker Dam. After crossing into California, it continues south along Parker Dam Road to the boundary of the Colorado River Indian Reservation. The Parker Dam Road “Thread of Life” is an 11-mile (18-kilometer) road along the California shore of the Colorado River. It highlights scenic, natural, historic, and prehistoric values.

This makes the route particularly suitable for travelers looking for a specific way to explore the surrounding area rather than heading to just one viewpoint. You should take its length into account when planning your day. At the same time, the route’s focus remains clear: It follows a landscape in which the Colorado River, the region’s history, and prehistoric and natural values are presented together. This allows a stay in Parker Dam to be arranged as an exploration of the surrounding area or as part of a longer drive.

Getting There and Choosing Accommodation

One important practical detail concerns crossing Parker Dam: Oversized vehicles and vehicles with trailers are not permitted to cross Parker Dam. If you are traveling with such a vehicle, you should take this restriction into account when planning your journey and choosing accommodation. For other types of travel, the location at the dam can be a useful starting point if you would like to include the Back Country Byway and the road along the California side of the Colorado River in your plans.

When searching for a vacation rental or vacation home, the type of trip you want to take is therefore the first factor to consider. Would you like to learn about the dam and its construction history, plan activities such as fishing at Lake Havasu, or follow the Parker Dam Road “Thread of Life”? Depending on which focus is most important to you, you can view Parker Dam as a destination for a single excursion, a starting point for a drive, or a place with a special connection to the water. Black Meadow Landing is a public marina and boat ramp on Lake Havasu, making it a water-related destination to include in your travel plans.

Compare More Destinations

If you would like to compare other destinations with Parker Dam for your travel plans, the selection also includes Phelan, Fawnskin, Ontario, Redlands, Rialto, Twentynine Palms, Joshua Tree and Pioneertown.

For the broader travel overview: San Bernardino.