Parker Dam: Dam, Colorado River, and Routes

Parker Dam is on the Colorado River, 155 miles downstream from Hoover Dam. The dam, Lake Havasu, and the road routes described here are the main reference points for getting oriented in the destination. If you’re looking for a hotel for a trip to Parker Dam, it helps to first decide what interests you most: the structure, a recreational activity on the lake, or the roads?

Dam on the Colorado River

The dam was built between 1934 and 1938 and is a concrete arch dam. Parker Dam is often described as “the deepest dam in the world.” In addition, 73 percent of its structural height of 320 feet is not visible. The construction period, design, and height figure characterize the structure in different ways: by time, engineering, and a specific proportion of its structural height. The common description adds another perspective to these technical features.

Lake Havasu: Lake and Recreation

Lake Havasu, the reservoir behind Parker Dam, is about 45 miles long. This approximate length describes the lake; the 155 miles downstream from Hoover Dam, by contrast, locates Parker Dam on the Colorado River. These are different geographic scales. Fishing is a recreational activity enjoyed by visitors at Lake Havasu. Black Meadow Landing is a public marina and boat ramp on the lake. When weighing your options, the activity and facility remain distinct: fishing is an activity, while Black Meadow Landing is a named public waterside location.

Routes and Driving Plans

The Parker Dam Road Back Country Byway begins at Parker Dam. After crossing into California, it continues south on Parker Dam Road to the boundary of the Colorado River Indian Reservation. The sequence is easy to summarize for orientation: start at the dam, cross into California, then head south to the reservation boundary. One restriction is important for trip planning: oversized vehicles and vehicles towing trailers may not cross Parker Dam. Check this road restriction before you drive.

Parker Dam Road “Thread of Life”

Parker Dam Road “Thread of Life” is 11 miles (18 kilometers) long and runs along the California side of the Colorado River. It highlights scenic, natural, historical, and prehistoric values. The length and the values describe different aspects: the distance gives a sense of scale, while the themes indicate the road’s focus. This brings together geographic orientation and thematic context, without describing the road solely in terms of distance.

Additional Context in San Bernardino

In the wider destination of San Bernardino, the 855-acre Wildwood Canyon State Park is an additional regional point of reference. Historical accounts record that the park had welcomed day visitors since 2003.

Discover more destinations: Fawnskin, Fontana, Rialto, Colton, Phelan, Blue Jay, Adelanto, Yermo

Back to the main travel overview: San Bernardino.