Discover the West Coast Region of Arizona
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Overview
Cities/Towns & Counties in this Region
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Overview
A place that blends pleasant desert sunshine with the cool blue waters of the Colorado River, Arizona's West Coast is formed as the mighty Colorado River courses its way south from Hoover Dam to Mexico. Its shoreline boasts flourishing communities home to fascinating museums and attractions, an abundance of water-based recreation, and natural wonders and habitats protecting the wildlife that proliferates along the river.

Yuma is the southernmost community along Arizona's West Coast. With the rivers that converge there, this desert city is beautifully lush and has earned accolades from Golf Digest magazine as the country's seventh-best golf city. Historically, Yuma played a major role in the settling of the West, and several interesting attractions preserve the city's bustling past, which stretches back to the mid-19th century. The Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area is one of only 23 in the U.S. and is the only one in the West. Outdoors, Yuma boasts several wildlife refuges and preserves that protect birds and wildlife and provide hours of recreation and adventure. Two casinos are located nearby for gaming entertainment. Across the border in Mexico, Algodones is a charming border town offering fabulous shopping and dining in a delightful surrounding of brightly painted buildings and tree-shaded courtyards.

Just 17 miles east of the river, Quartzsite is a paradise for rock hounds. In winter during its popular annual gem and mineral shows, the town's population swells from just 3,300 residents to over one million. Northeast of town on the Bouse Highway, the "Fisherman Intaglio" is a huge image of a man trying to spear fish scratched into the desert floor by prehistoric Indians.

One of the desert's most active water playgrounds is found north of Interstate 10, where the 16-mile-long Parker Strip and the town of Parker are a popular stop for water sports enthusiasts. Established in 1871, Parker is rich in history and history buffs can enjoy the Parker Historical Society's museum. Surrounded by the Colorado River Indian Reservation, Parker is jointly populated by the Mohave, Chemehuevi, Hopi and Navajo tribes-each with its own distinct culture and traditions. Other attractions include the BlueWater Resort and Casino; the Parker Dam which at 320 feet, is the deepest in the world; and golfers can tee off at the beautiful Emerald Canyon Golf Course.

Backed up behind Parker Dam is world-famous Lake Havasu, the next stop northward along the Colorado River. Dubbed the "Personal Watercraft Capital of the World," Lake Havasu City sits on the shores of the Colorado River as one of the Southwest's premier locations for water sports. Its namesake lake is a 45-mile-long playground with 450 miles of shoreline, sandy beaches, secluded coves and sunny skies-a magnet for boaters and jet skiers. It's also home to the 'world's largest antique' - the London Bridge. To the south and north of the city -wildlife refuges, parks and preserves are favorite places for nature lovers. Home of the largest warm-water fishery program in the country, Lake Havasu provides first-class fishing, especially for bass. Although the water is Lake Havasu City's main draw, visitors can choose from a number of other activities including golf, jeep tours, hiking, and a variety of entertainment, shopping and dining opportunities.

North of Topock Gorge and Interstate 40, Bullhead City presents scenic wonders and a number of entertainment options, including the casinos of Laughlin, Nevada, just across the river. Lake Mohave, a 67-mile stretch of the Colorado River, is a houseboat destination and fishing haven. Just north of town, boating facilities can be found at Katherine's Landing. Lake Mohave is also the beginning of Lake Mead National Recreation Area, a vast water playground established around the Colorado River and Hoover Dam. Hikers can explore the Nutt Mountain Wilderness to the east. Bullhead City is host to the Great Race, a transcontinental vintage car rally, and the PRCA Turquoise Finals Rodeo. Golfers can also choose from five golf courses in the area.

Southeast of Bullhead City on historic Route 66, is the charming, former gold-mining town of Oatman. Once home to over 10,000, the population today numbers less than 200 and a dozen wild burros. Of the estimated 1,500 that live in the surrounding hills, these burros wander the town's streets, seeking handouts and posing for pictures. The Gable/Lombard suite at the Oatman Hotel is named for the famous movie duo who spent their honeymoon night there. Enjoy tours of the Gold Road Mine, which tunnels under Route 66, and gunfights on the main street which is lined with unique gift shops, galleries and eateries.