Visitors Guide to Lake Havasu, Arizona

Looking for a hot place to chill out? Go no further than Lake Havasu, Arizona. Just a five hour drive from the west coast, two and half hours from Las Vegas, Lake Havasu is a recreational boom town with more than enough to enjoy: fishing, jet skiing and boating on the lake, hiking in the Bill Williams National Wildlife Refuge, tennis, climbing, kayaking, golf, all terrain biking and water skiing. Lake Havasu will surprise and refresh even the most jaded of adventure seekers.

When I got there during the autumn season, I was greeted with the most pleasant weather imaginable: cool , dry and clear. I took full advantage of nearby Sara Park, where a somewhat arduous but most enjoyable climb awaited, the reward at the top being a splendid view of Lake Havasu to the NorthEast. I sat at a welcome picnic bench transported there by the Leaping Lizard Tribe Climbing Club and enjoyed a peaceful lunch while taking in the beautiful panorama and abundant sunshine.

One of my favorite Lake Havasu watering holes, where I successfully quenched my unending desert thirst is Barley Bros. located near the London Bridge- (an actual bridge from London which was indeed falling down) Barley Bros. brews their own beer on the premises and offers National award winning ales, pilsners and other fermented goodies as well. Definitely worth checking out.

You will most likely get stiff and sore from all the physical activities you indulge in during your stay in Lake Havasu. I certainly did. Fortunately, I booked an appointment with a bodywork therapist named Amy LaSalle who has her practice at the London Bridge Racquet and Fitness club at 1407 McCulloch Blvd., also by the bridge. When I complained about my sore legs, she proceeded to do a kind of custom tailored bodywork on me that I'll always remember. I felt so renewed after an hour and half session with her that I was able to go on another hike the next day! Call the London Bridge Racquet and Fitness Club at : 928-855-6274 to make a highly recommended appointment the therapist who has over eighteen years of body and energy work experience.

One of the highlights of my stay in Lake Havasu was a climb to the top of Cupcake Mountain with the above mentioned Leaping Lizards. Every October they embark on a journey to the top of the geological confection to light flares in honor of the London Bridge Days celebration. (Which happens between the 19th and the 26th of October) Once the flares are lit, they can be seen for miles. Topping out after a beautiful and somewhat challenging climb (the last 1/3rd being rather steep) we were all caught in a hailstorm. Local members of the club said they had never seen anything like it. When the storm subsided and we emerged from our tents, ta brilliant rainbow arced over the valley to the east, and lasted for over three hours. It was one of the most moving experiences in all of my outdoor adventures over the years The surrounding hills were covered with hailstones! I'm most happy that I didn't decline the invitation to go on the adventure.

In addition to the above mentioned fun, Lake Havasu is host to numerous water based fishing and sports competitions, including the International Jet Ski finals in October. Visitors can rent all kinds of watercraft from local businesses. The trip through Toprock Gorge (less than 20 miles north on the Colorado River is not to be missed. Be sure to stop and see the ancient petroglyphs on the Arizona side, just before you enter this gorge. Boasting over 300 days of sunshine a year, Lake Havasu is the ideal recreational haven. For more information on how to get there, where to stay and what to do, contact: 1-800-2-Havasu.