One of the most popular and interesting lakes along the Colorado River is Lake Havasu, well-known for one particular historic point of interest, the London Bridge. The London Bridge is one of the main attractions at Lake Havasu that sets it apart from other desert playgrounds.

More than 2.5 million visitors flock each year to shores of Lake Havasu to enjoy the scenery, the cool waters of the lake and abundant recreational activities. Water sports, hiking, off-road opportunities and cultural and natural history are some of the attractions that draw visitors year round.

Impounded by Parker Dam, 45-mile long Lake Havasu is nestled along the foot of California's Chemehuevi Mountains near Interstate 40.. The Lake is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) which oversees nearly 1.4 million acres of public lands in both the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts along the Colorado River, Lake Havasu and the Arizona uplands to the east.

This area is best known for the boating, fishing and sightseeing on Lake Havasu. The backcountry surrounding the Lake is virtually undiscovered by the many tourists and outdoor enthusiasts who venture to the Lake. The backcountry offers miles of quiet, seldom-visited lands including 6 wilderness areas, historic mines, abandoned town sites, unique wildlife, interesting geology and numerous trails and roads for adventurers who like to explore.

The diverse landscape ranges from sand dunes and rugged canyons to mountains and basins. Adding to the textures and shapes of the region are the diverse flora and fauna. Towering Saguaro Cactus stand like statues along the hillsides, along with Ocotillo, barrel and prickly pear cactus. Bighorn Sheep, Coyotes, reptiles, over 200 species of birds and wildlife can be viewed throughout the region. The Bill Williams National Wildlife Refuge is located at the south end of the lake and is an excellent location for wildlife watching.

London Bridge
Lake Havasu City is located on the Arizona shoreline of Lake Havasu where the world-famous London Bridge crosses over to a small island in the Colorado River. Lake Havasu City was established after the Parker Dam was constructed and the lake formed.

The city offers a multitude of fun activities and recreational facilities. Golfers of all levels can enjoy the four golf courses, and for those who prefer smaller courses there is a miniature golf course. Tennis courts, an ice skating rink and a movie theater are also conveniently located within the city limits.

The focal point of Lake Havasu is the towering walls and archways of the London Bridge that has stood in the waters of the Colorado River for more than 25 years. The Bridge serves as the backdrop to the English Village that has grown up around it. The village is filled with Tudor-style buildings and charming shops creating an atmosphere of Medieval England. Many visitors are surprised when they learn this is the original London Bridge and not a gimmick.

For more than 140 years, London Bridge served as a crossing over the River Thames in London, England. It survived both world wars and a terrorist attack in 1884. So why did London want to remove such a significant landmark? And how did the London Bridge end up in Lake Havasu City, Arizona?

The London Bridge had survived many historic events, but not nature's sinking forces. The Bridge began to sink into the River Thames and in 1968, the city of London decided to sell it for 2.5 million dollars to Robert P. McCulloch, founder of Lake Havasu City.

It took 3 years and another 7 million dollars to dismantle, ship and rebuild the bridge. Today, the London Bridge connects Lake Havasu City with an island in the lake. Its massive body of stone brings the essence of England to Arizona.

Things to Do at Lake Havasu
Similar to Lakes Powell and Mohave, visitors seek Havasu's cool, clear waters well-known for various water sports including fishing, water skiing, speed boating, jet skiing, sailing and canoeing.

Free public fishing access is available and continues to be developed at the Lake by the Lake Havasu Fisheries Improvement Program. The program is also funding the creation of artificial habitat to increase the game fish population.

Lake Havasu's deep water, fringed with coves and inlets, provides ideal fishing conditions for black and striped bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish and trout. Lineside bass can be found in schools around the Parker Strip. Some of the best fishing is toward the south end of the Lake in the Bill Williams Arm.

Boating, skiing, swimming and other water sports are the dominant activities on the Lake. You will find just about every type of water-based recreation including many organized events like music festivals, international jet ski competitions and auto shows.

If you don't have your own water toys, you can rent them. There are a number of facilities that rent boats, skidoos and other equipment. If you just want to relax and enjoy the scenery, you can try one of the many water- and land-based tours. The boat tours take you into remote canyons and historic sites where ancient peoples once lived. Guided land tours will take you on an exploration into lands where the pioneers once tread, while you learn about the geology, flora and fauna of the region.

Another great way to explore the Lake Havasu area is by car or off-highway vehicle (OHV). If you are in a car take the Parker Dam Road "Thread of Life," a backcountry byway that highlights the scenic, natural, historic and prehistoric features along an 11-mile road. The road passes along the California shore of the Colorado River providing access to an abundance of recreation activities, including camping, swimming, boating, fishing, rock hounding, hiking, OHV play areas and wildlife viewing.

This scenic byway begins at Parker Dam and travels along Parker Dam Road south to the boundary of the Colorado River Indian Reservation.

If you like four-wheeling, ATV-riding, dune buggy driving or riding a motorcycle, the BLM can accommodate your OHV recreational needs. The Lake Havasu BLM territory includes hundreds of miles of roads and trails and two open areas.

Local Golf Courses
The Refuge
3103 London Bridge Rd.
928~764~2275
http://www.siennacorp.com/therefuge

Havasu Island Golf Course
1040 McCulloch Blvd.
928~855~5585

Bridgewater Links
1477 Queens Bay
928~855~4777

London Bridge Golf Course
2400 Club House Dr.
928~855~2791

Lisa Besst
Operations Manager
West USA Realty - Warring & Assoc.
928-704-9872, 928-754-5015 Fax