Parker Dam Road Back Country Byway | Arizona
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Located in San Bernardino County, this byway is referred to as the “Thread of Life” acting as an oasis along its entire length running through California. Visitors have plenty to do while stopping along the way to engage in recreational activities and natural scenes along a gorgeous riverside views while exploring the different scenes from mountains, dunes, and various waterways, spanning the same parts of the oasis utilized by the Sab Dieguito, Armagosa, Patayan, and Yuman indigenous communities previously. Because of the mild climate of the byway, especially noting mild winters, this byway is perfect to comfortably visit at any point of the year.
Byway Details
The Parker Dam Road Back Country Byway is located about 35 miles south of Lake Havasu City along the Arizona-California border. The 11-mile byway is situated on the California-Arizona border between Earp and Parker Dam connects across the California side of the Colorado river providing year-round access especially known for its water-based recreational activities while appreciating the surrounding mountains.
Attractions and Features
- Access to the California side of the Colorado river for various water-based activities
- Year-round comfortable weather for touring
- Spacious areas for recreation on land for camping and picnicing throughout the route
- Beautiful views of mountain, river, and desert habitats in one location
- Opportunities to observe wildlife such as wild burro and bighorn sheep
Byway Designation
The Parker Dam Road Back Country Byway was designated as a Type I byway on August 11th, 1994. This designation is in recognition of the historic and educational values of the byway including the history and input of the native indigenous communities. This designation also recognizes the wildlife, recreational, and cultural values surrounding one of the deepest dams in America. As a Type I byway, this route allows access to vehicles of all kinds. The byway is managed by the BLM Lake Havasu Field Office in cooperation with federal and local partners in tandem with indigenous communities under a management plan
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Activities
Directions
From Interstate 10, travel north on U.S. 95 and east on State Route 62 in California or north on State Route 95 in Arizona to Parker. From Parker, travel north on Arizona SR-95 along the Colorado River toward Lake Havasu or cross the bridge into California to Parker Dam Road.
From Interstate 40, travel south on State Route 95 in Arizona about 35 miles through Lake Havasu City into Parker. At Parker Dam, take Arizona SR-95 south, which becomes Parker Dam Road after crossing the dam. For the Parker Strip Recreation Area in Arizona, stay on Arizona SR-95 and Business Route 95 for facilities.