Colorado River and Lake Destinations
When it starts heating up in the desert regions it is time to find some cool destinations for recreation and relaxation. May is the beginning of the river season and water enthusiasts from all areas flock to the Colorado River to enjoy the cool, blue depths of one of the largest rivers in the United States.
There are eight major dams along the Colorado River that back up to large bodies of water to create desert lakes. The Colorado River is approximately 1450 miles long and runs through 5 states including: Colorado, Utah, Nevada, Arizona and California. There is a 223-mile stretch of the River that has become a year-round recreational area for water enthusiasts. This area lies along the state lines of California, Nevada and Arizona. Water activities include boating, paddling, water-skiing, fishing, swimming and rafting.
Located in this tri-state area are four of the most popular lakes including: Lake Havasu, Lake Mead, Lake Mohave and Lake Powell. Memorial Day weekend seems to be the benchmark date that kicks off the river season that ends with Labor Day in September. The lakes are open year-round, but the most popular times to go are Late Spring – Early Fall.
There are always big crowds at the most popular lake destinations. So if you are looking for a more serene experience you may choose to visit on a non-holiday weekend or select one of the less populated water destinations.
Anglers may want to test the waters in one of the smaller lakes in Arizona. Arivaca, Pena Blanca, Patagonia and Parker Canyon are popular lakes for fishing in the Southern Arizona region. Or you may want to float down the Green or Yampa Rivers that run through Dinosaur National Monument located in northwest Colorado and northeast Utah.
Fishing . . .
We have linked some articles on things to do in the summer months as well as referenced destinations by state. Most of these destinations offer some form of water-based activity so you can find some refuge from the summer heat. Remember to stay cool out there and make sure you always drink plenty of water!
Fishing On The Colorado River
Fly Fishing in the Desert (Misc. Locations)
Fishing Southern Arizona: Arivaca, Pena Blanca, Patagonia and Parker Canyon lakes.
Fishing Lake Powel, Utahl
Magnificent Lakes Mead & Mohave, Arizona, California
Spectacular Lake Powell, Utah
Mayflower Park, Riverside County, CA (25 miles west of Quartsite AZ)
Roper Lake State Park - Southeastern Arizona
Martinez Lake, Yuma, Arizona
Boating . . .
Stone Rainbows & Floating Houses At Lake Powell
Exploring Lake Havasu, Arizona and California.
Lake Powell, Utah
Lake Mead NRA, Nevada and Arizona
Lake Mohave, California and Nevada
Colorado River Boating - Publications and information provided courtesy of the California Department of Boating and Waterways, Arizona Game and Fish Department, and Nevada Department of Wildlife.
Boating
Trail Guide - Davis Dam to Parker Dam
Boating Trail Guide - Blythe to Imperial Dam
Colorado River Safe Boating Hints
Rafting...
Dinosaur National Monument (Green and Yampa Rivers), Utah and Colorado
Grand Canyon River Rafting, Arizona
Raft Trip through the Grand Canyon Gorge, Arizona
Rio Grande - A wild and scenic river, Texas
San Juan River, Utah
Westwater Canyon, Utah
White River, Uta
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Related Information
Books and maps on the Lakes and Rivers
Lake Powell video The completion of the Glen Canyon Dam in 1963 created Lake Powell. It took another 14 years to fill the lake. With almost 2,000 miles of shoreline, and five marinas.
Glen Canyon Dam - Lake Powell Held behind the Bureau of Reclamation's Glen Canyon Dam, waters of the Colorado River and tributaries are backed up almost 186 miles, forming Lake Powell. The dam was completed in 1963. Take a look at this tremendous feat of engineering - the Glen Canyon Dam.
Lake Mead - Houseboating & Viewing Hoover Dam DesertUSA rented a houseboat to explore the western part of Lake Mead. Our first stop was the Hoover Dam off the Boulder Basin. Without Hoover Dam, Lake Mead wouldn't exist today. Come along with DesertUSA staff as they explore Lake Mead and check out Hoover Dam. Take a look at the cove where we camped, and the Bighorn Sheep encounter we had there!
Laughlin - Lake Mohave - Colorado River
In the summer, Katherine's Landing at the southern end of Lake Mohave is a hub of activity. It has fuel, a general store, a restaurant and a snack bar. The Colorado River south of the dam offers many recreational opportunities. Take a look at this river destination!
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