The weeks of fall are fast approaching. In the Colorado River Valley that means warm sunny days ideal for exploring the hidden gems scattered like jewels along the shores of Lake Havasu and Lake Mohave.
Many of these special places are only accessed by boat. That makes them excellent for spotting wildlife, for enjoying stunning desert vistas, for the exploration of isolated historic sites, and for a cookout on a secluded beach.
Lake Mohave is a reservoir that stretches for about 67 miles from Hoover Dam to Davis Dam. It has more than 200 miles of shoreline, countless coves, and inlets to explore, and near the dam, a deep and picturesque canyon.
– Cottonwood Cove: This is a full-service marina where you can launch your boat or stay at the campground. It is also a gateway to many nearby secluded coves and beaches.
– Willow Beach: This is another marina where you can access the lake and enjoy fishing, kayaking, or swimming. You can also see the historic gauging station that was used to measure the flow of the Colorado River and other sites linked to the construction of Hoover Dam.
– Princess Cove: This is a picturesque cove with a sandy beach and clear water. It is a popular spot for picnicking, camping, and short hiking adventures. Nearby are the remains of the old Katherine mining camp and even a natural arch.
– Grapevine Canyon: This is a hidden gem that can only be reached by boat. It is a narrow canyon with ancient petroglyphs, and at certain times of year, waterfalls, and pools. For the Mojave people it is a sacred place with spiritual significance.
Lake Havasu is another reservoir that covers 45 miles from Parker Dam to Lake Havasu City, famous for its London Bridge, which was relocated from England in 1968. But there are an array of other attractions that you can visit by boat.
– Copper Canyon: This is a deep and narrow canyon that has copper-colored walls and turquoise water. It is a popular spot for boating, cliff jumping, and parties under a star lit desert sky.
– Topock Gorge: This is a scenic stretch of the river that winds through volcanic rock formations and wildlife habitats. Bald eagles and bighorn sheep are often spotted from the river. Nearby is the Mystic Maze, a labyrinth of petroglyphs carved by the ancient Patayan people.
– Havasu Springs: The springs and small caves make this a delightful desert oasis.
– Site Six: Also known as the island that is accessed via London Bridge was established as auxiliary base for the Kingman Army Airfield during WWII. An episode of the Route 66 television program filmed at the old resort gives a glimpse of Lake Havasu City during an early stage of development. There is a public launch ramp and fishing pier.
Have I piqued your interest? Well, these are just a few of the places on Lake Mohave and Lake Havasu that are best explored by boat.
If aquatic adventures seem an ideal way to while away a fall weekend, don’t be deterred by lack of boat ownership. Water World Jet Ski & Boat Rental in Bullhead City, Arizona has everything you need from boats to jet skis. And as a bonus, we can point you in the direction of some special places along the Colorado River.
