Lower Colorado Part II - A trip report from Davis Dam (above Laughlin, NV) to Parker Dam. By Norma Miller

This was part II of an attempt to navigate the entire Lower Colorado from Lake Mead near Grand Canyon West to Laguna Dam above Yuma. In February of 2003 Chip Arnberg and I completed the 64-mile Hoover Dam to Davis Dam part of this quest in stormy conditions. This time four of us completed the 88-mile section in six easy days that started at Davis Camp just below the Dam and ended at the south end of Lake Havasu.

(Click images to enlarge)

Lower Colorado map.

The journey took us through a variety of desert river environments that included urban and rural riverfront communities, agricultural areas, reservation lands, Nat. Wildlife Refuge and AZ State lands and the colorful Topock Gorge formations. The conditions were the best we'd ever encountered this time of year on the river. Warm weather, clear skies, virtually no wind and even some north breezes helped us enjoy miles of near effortless paddling with the current. We enjoyed deserted beach camping almost everywhere except at Lake Havasu City near the London Bridge. Later, we had our pick of over 200 well-constructed, lakefront BLM boat-in campsites all along the beautiful wilderness sections between Lake Havasu City and Parker Dam. They were not maintained at this time (off-season) but clean and useable for no fee. Probably between March and November fees of $10 to $20 are required for day use or camping. We also visited the Bill Williams Delta NWR, which empties into Lake Havasu east of the Dam.

 

 

Kristin Stramler, Chip Arnberg, Casey Stakauskas and Norma Miller at the Davis Camp put-in.

Laughlin, NV.

Stopping for lunch at Big Bend SRA

Sunrise at our river camp on the CA side on the Fort Mohave Indian Reservation across from Boundary Cone Rd. and Mohave Valley, AZ.

After passing Needles, CA we found rip-rap (rocky-walled edges) along the much of the river adjacent to Havasu NWR. The only place to free camp for the night before entering Topock Gorge (below the I-40 bridge) was at Beale's Slough on a rocky flat area next to the small rock dam above the slough.

Beale Slough Camp

An early morning view of Beale's Slough from our camp. Many wetland species of birds, waterfowl and even other denizens were seen here.

Once we entered Topock Gorge the topography started changing dramatically.

 

We passed through an area called "Devil's Elbow" a big bend which narrowed with a variety of colorful and jagged cliff formations.

 

Formations like "Pulpit Rock" and "The Needles" were seen close up.

The "White Sand Dunes" were an interesting contrast to the volcanic landforms.

We were able to locate a very large petroglyph panel on the dark cliff face on river left at RM 226. This area has been designated as a holy place by both the Aha-Makaav, Mojave Nation and the Nuwu, Chemehuevi Tribe and we respect the land, taking back only photos. The panel and area is called "HUM-ME-CHOMP", the English translation means "The rock where the river once churned to make this place inaccessible to the living."

Petroglyphs.

One of our goals on this section was to float under the world famous London Bridge in Lake Havasu City. We also had a good time enjoying some fresh pastries and hot beverages at the adjacent bistro.

Norma at London Bridge.

A rare sight of two brilliantly clad male Wood Ducks who decided to winter at the Bridge.

Once into the wilderness of Lake Havasu SP we were treated to expansive blue waters and high volcanic cliff formations that we hiked up into.

 

Views of Lake Havasu.

Upon looking for a landing place along the rugged and steep escarpments, we discovered a small "Z" shaped inlet that we dubbed "z-cove" a place where only a couple sea kayaks could barely squeeze into and park. The secret inlet was hidden from view with only a thin finned rock wall with a small window that isolated us from the lake.

View of a Lake Havasu Inlet.

Paddling along these volcanic landforms was interesting enough but the sunsets they produced for us were even better (as seen from one of our boat-in BLM campsites).

 

Views of Lake Havasu.

One day before the end of our trip Casey and I paddled east about three miles to the Bill Williams River Delta NWR that empties into Lake Havasu. We were able to view a number of waterfowl as we entered the reed-filled channels beyond the AZ Hwy. 95 bridge that crosses directly over the delta.

 

Views along Bill Williams River Delta.

On our way out we passed by our destination all the way up to the restriction barrier and also noticed a classic car rally was taking place at the same time. I'd much rather be on the water!

 

Views at Parker Dam.