La Paz County: Water, Desert and Wildlife

La Paz County combines recreation on the water with activities in the desert. There are also opportunities to observe wildlife, trails through mountainous landscapes and places with traces of mining. The range is especially clear when comparing the different destinations: activities on the water take center stage at the Parker Strip, while protected areas, trails and the remains of Swansea reveal other sides of the region.

Water Sports and Cycling Routes

The 17-mile Parker Strip offers opportunities for water skiing, boating, jet skiing, wave running, swimming and fishing. The options range from spending time on the water to activities right along the shore. The Parker area also has hundreds of miles of mountain biking and road cycling routes. Travelers who like to include a variety of activities in their trip will find cycling routes in the county as well as water recreation.

Other recreational offerings in La Paz County include off-road trails, old mines, ghost towns and wildflower landscapes in bloom in spring. These add impressions of the terrain and regional history to the contrast between water and desert.

Wildlife and River Landscapes

The Cibola National Wildlife Refuge is home to migratory birds, waterfowl that spend the winter there, and threatened or endangered species. The lower Colorado River and its backwaters in the refuge offer numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. The 18,444-acre protected area is dedicated to protecting and restoring marshes, backwaters and river meanders that historically served as wintering grounds for migratory waterfowl and other wildlife. The bird species mentioned add a seasonal dimension to the refuge as a destination for nature lovers.

At the Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge, wildlife and habitats can be viewed from a vehicle on auto-tour routes. There are also accessible fishing facilities that are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Check the latest operating information for the fishing facilities before you arrive.

Hiking Trails in Buckskin Mountain State Park

The River View Trail is a 2.7-mile loop leading to an overlook above the Colorado River. The Copper Mines Trail, by contrast, is 0.6 miles long, is one-way only and is described as a scenic trail with a series of abandoned copper mines. The stated lengths therefore refer to different types of routes: one is a loop, while the other runs in one direction only. The other trails in Buckskin Mountain State Park also lead into a mountain range in western Arizona.

The specific route details can help you distinguish between the trails as you plan. The overlook on the River View Trail and the abandoned mines along the Copper Mines Trail each offer a different focus. The county also has old mines and ghost towns as part of its broader historical and scenic offerings.

Swansea and Trails Through the Desert

Several adobe and brick buildings remain in Swansea, along with a railroad embankment, numerous foundations and mine shafts. The various remains offer insight into the town’s built and mining past. Swansea is accessible by vehicle from Parker or Bouse. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for the final miles because of the rough gravel road; road conditions can change.

The La Posa Long Term Visitor Area offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and collecting rocks and minerals. To reach it, travel south on Highway 95 from the Interstate 10 exit at Quartzsite. Check road conditions before setting out.

Quartzsite and the La Posa Long Term Visitor Area

Quartzsite is known for its mineral and gem shows during the winter season. The PowWow Gem and Mineral Show takes place every year in January. Visitors planning a trip around this theme can distinguish between the winter season in general and the specific date of the show mentioned here.

The desert camping area at the La Posa Long Term Visitor Area covers about 11,400 acres and is flat with sparse vegetation. Its plants include creosote bushes, palo verde, ironwood and mesquite trees, as well as various cactus species. Its size and described vegetation give a concrete impression of the area’s landscape, while hiking, wildlife viewing, and collecting rocks and minerals are listed as possible activities.

The ‘Ahakhav Tribal Preserve

The ‘Ahakhav Tribal Preserve was established in 1995 and currently comprises 1,253 acres of wilderness and a 3.5-acre park. Opportunities there include fishing, canoeing, bird-watching and swimming. A 4.6-mile fitness trail adds to these activities. The details combine the size of the preserve with specific opportunities involving water, bird-watching and exercise.

Discover more destinations: Ehrenberg, Parker Strip, Salome, Parker, Quartzsite, Yavapai, Yuma, Graham County

For the broader travel overview: Arizona.