The Salome, Quartzsite, Parker and Lake Havasu areas offer visitors a perfect combination of desert and water recreational activities. These include off-road trails, old mines, ghost towns, beautiful springtime wildflowers, water skiing, boating, jet skiing, wave running, swimming and fishing. The Quartzsite area is known for its winter gem and mineral shows, RV shows and flea markets.
With its majestic rock cliffs, it’s ribbon of cool water running through the classic Sonoran Desert, and its cattail-filled marsh harboring rails and waterfowl, Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge offers a little bit of everything for both wildlife and nature lovers alike!
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The State Park scenically located between the Buckskin Mountains and the Colorado River attracts both nature lovers and water enthusiasts. Hikers are enticed to explore the area via three developed trails that ascend steep bluffs to panoramic overlooks. The river draws pleasure boaters, water skiers and swimmers to this 400 foot elevation recreation area.
Swansea’s post office was established March 25, 1909 and was discontinued June 28, 1924. Swansea was the headquarters for the Clara Consolidated Gold and Copper Mining company. A railroad connected Swansea to nearby Bouse in 1908 and the camps population grew to a total of 750. Swansea had an electric light company, an auto dealer, a lumber company, even a barber and an insurance agent. The town was active until 1924 but the original mining company went bankrupt in 1912. There are two cemeteries at the site, and ruins of the smelter are extensive.
Home to the world-famous London Bridge, Lake Havasu is both a water lover’s paradise and a desert lover’s dream. With more than 300 days of sunshine per year, Lake Havasu is ideal for golf, tennis and desert tours. More than 400 miles of stunning coastline will refresh you with exceptional watersports, including fishing, skiing, kayaking and houseboating.
