On this highway journey information to Lake Havasu Metropolis, Arizona I’ll present route highlights from Phoenix and Las Vegas relying on which route you’re touring. I additionally present a lists of a number of the prime actions, occasions and even a few of my favourite eating places. I’ve additionally embedded many hyperlinks and some movies to assist along with your journey planning.
Transient Historical past on Lake Havasu Metropolis and the London Bridge
A standard query folks get flawed when enjoying Trivial Pursuit is town location of the enduring London Bridge. The unique London Bridge that was inbuilt London, England in 1825-1831 and was the truth is moved to Lake Havasu Metropolis, Arizona in 1967-1971.
Lake Havasu Metropolis was created by a person named Robert P. McCulloch, who flew over the world within the early Sixties in quest of a spot to check his outboard boat motors. If he had flown over simply 30 years earlier, he would have deemed the world unfit for motor testing, because the lake had not but been shaped. It was the development of Parker Dam within the late Nineteen Thirties that created Lake Havasu.
After buying land and establishing store, Mr. McCulloch figured the world would make a pleasant place for folks to dwell, however in an effort to appeal to of us to the world, he wanted an attraction. There was an article within the paper speaking about how the Metropolis of London was promoting its famed London Bridge because it wanted main repairs. Mr. McCulloch learn the story and thought the bridge would make an important vacationer attraction to attract folks to Lake Havasu. The bridge had been dismantled in London, shipped and reassembled in Lake Havasu. A monumental endeavor to say the least.
On the time, the bridge was constructed on dry land and went over a shallow ravine. As soon as the bridge was assembled, the ravine was dredged, permitting lake water to movement by way of, thus creating an island. This island is house to a number of inns, tenting websites and a municipal golf course the place the location of the annual balloon competition is hosted.
Mr. McCulloch was concerned in quite a lot of companies and was extremely profitable, however one factor he appeared to know one thing about was constructing and attracting folks to locations. Along with Lake Havasu Metropolis, Mr. McCulloch can be accountable for constructing the world’s tallest fountain in Fountain Hills, Arizona.
Lake Havasu Metropolis Street Journey from Phoenix
- 190 miles
- 3:15 hour drive
- Relying on what a part of Phoenix you’re leaving from, you’ll take both I-10 West to 72 to 95. Or, 60 by way of Wickenburg.
Most individuals will seemingly take US 60 by way of Wickenburg, which is what I did.
Lake Havasu Street Journey Stops from Phoenix
- Wickenburg is a real western city, the place the spurs have a job to do and hats should not equipment. The city is stuffed with character, the place spirits stay wild and the souls are Western by way of and thru. Should you conjure pictures of the west, typically what emerges within the thoughts’s eye are horses, open area, clear air and cowboys. With fewer and fewer areas to take pleasure in a real western expertise, there’s one place that has flourished for properly over a century and that’s Wickenburg.
- As you proceed West on US60, you’ll run throughout just a few small cities reminiscent of Salome, Aguila and Hope. As you previous Hope, you’ll see a humorous signal that claims “You’re now past Hope,” which is perhaps a great place to take a humorous selfie.
- At Hope you’ll head north on 72, which turns into 95.
- Up till this level the panorama is a bit boring, however that begins to vary when you get near Parker.
- Parker has some stunning panorama and plenty of entry to the Colorado River. Its dam, which created Lake Havasu, can be price pursuing.
- Simply previous Parker is the Invoice Williams River Nationwide Wildlife Refuge. It is a pretty place to interrupt out the mountain climbing boots, fishing pole or kayak. There are greater than 6000 acres to discover with tons of of hen species in addition to reptiles, butterflies, mammals and different indigenous wildlife.
- In case you have a 4×4 and also you’re touring on the weekend, you should definitely take a look at Nellie E Saloon, AKA “The Desert Bar. It is a enjoyable and eclectic ghost city of kinds for dwell music, paintings and a few primary grub and drink. Take a look at the video from my mates Jason & Nikki.
The place to Play in Havasu
Lake Havasu Metropolis is a mecca for out of doors fanatics! In the summertime, it’s all about boating and lake recreation. Nestled deep within the Mojave Desert, this oasis attracts skiers, wakeboarders, jet skiers, hydrofoilists, kayakers and just about another water sport you’ll be able to consider. There are various locations to camp and put your boat within the water, together with a number of Arizona state parks.
After all, the focus in Lake Havasu is the London Bridge. Under the bridge are all types of outlets, eating places and tour operators. Strolling throughout the bridge is a should as you may get some stupendous views in each instructions, and, you’ll be able to pursue much more retailers and eating places on the opposite aspect.
Within the milder months of the yr, off-roading is a large draw. No matter you might have, 4×4 truck/SUV, dust bike, sand rail, ATV or UTV, you’ll have a blast in Lake Havasu. Should you don’t have an off-road unit, you’ll be able to lease one from a number of outfitters. You possibly can discover the world at your tempo, do some rock crawling, or go full-bore and really feel the fun of the off-road trails. Arizona climate within the fall by way of spring is right for off-roading this space.
- Parks – A lot of native and state parks with seashore entry.
- The Aquatic Heart is ideal to chill off in the summertime months.
- Imagine it or not, there are various lighthouses round Lake Havasu, 28 the truth is. There are over 400 miles of shoreline and these lighthouses assist boaters at night time to keep away from sandbars and jetties.
- Stargazing – With so many clear nights a yr, with actually darkish skies, Lake Havasu is a good place for stargazing.
- Disc Golf on Grand Island.
- Boat Cruises – A number of choices out there to get out on the lake when you don’t have your personal boat.
- Scorching Air Ballooning – Even when you don’t attend the annual Havasu Balloon Pageant, you’ll be able to nonetheless go up in a single in the course of the season.
- Strolling trails – There are miles of strolling trails, many proper alongside the lake which are price strolling.
- Fishing is one other huge attraction at Lake Havasu.
- Golf – There are a few golf programs on the town, I might simply keep away from enjoying within the warmth of the summer season.
- Mountain climbing – An area favourite is Crack within the Wall in SARA Park. This five-mile loop takes you alongside a sandy wash by way of a ravishing slot canyon, then all the way down to the lake for views of lovely rock formations.
- Mountain Biking – SARA Park as talked about above can be an important place for Mt. Biking.
- Culinary Scene – I’ve solely been to some of the over 140 eating places on the town, so when you uncover one you’ll suggest, however positive to go away a remark under. My favorites are listed under.
High Occasions in Lake Havasu
Lake Havasu Metropolis has many note-worthy occasions all year long, right here is only a pattern:
The place to remain in Lake Havasu Metropolis
There are plenty of lodging choices in Lake Havasu, however there is just one place on the base of the London Bridge that places you inside strolling distance to the all of the motion, and that’s the unique London Bridge Resort. This resort is probably the most centrally situated in Lake Havasu with unobstructed views of the lake and its well-known bridge. The rooms include full kitchens, which is so helpful for these prolonged stays. The third ground lodging have spiral staircases resulting in a rooftop deck with unbelievable views of the London Bridge. That is one of the best spot on the town to view a number of the native actions such because the annual scorching air balloon competition, the competition of lights and the 12-Days of Christmas.
Locations to Eat in Havasu
A few of my favourite locations to dine in Lake Havasu embody:
- Cha-Bones – One of the gastronomic eating places in Lake Havasu! They’ve a implausible tapas and steak choice with contemporary seafood introduced in day by day. Fantastic ambiance with some cool water options on the entrance. A beautiful bar as the focus serving up some inspiring cocktails.
- Pink Onion – The delicacies can most likely be greatest described as refined consolation bar meals, introduced in a stunning ambiance with a wall of home windows that speak in confidence to the outside.
- Barley Brothers -Intensive consolation meals and beer menu, energetic ambiance on the northwestern aspect of the London Bridge. Nice joyful hour and views of the Bridge.
- Mudshark Public Home – Should you take pleasure in craft beer, don’t miss this native brewery. Throughout the winter months they’ve an impressive collection of darkish beers with evocative taste profiles. Additionally they serve up some tasty pub meals, from pizzas, salads to starters and sandwiches. Oh, and the view from the patio is an impressive spot to look at the sundown.
Lake Havasu Metropolis Street Journey from Las Vegas
- 150 miles
- 2:30 hour drive
- I-515 to 95 south
Lake Havasu Street Journey Stops coming from Las Vegas
The drive from Las Vegas to Lake Havasu is fairly uneventful, however it’s a straightforward one down NV/CA-95 (with a brief period on I-40). If you wish to make a little bit of a highway journey out of it, take 163 by way of Laughlin and head to Oatman. This may add about 40 minutes and 30 miles to your journey, however it’s properly price it.
Nestled in Arizona’s rugged and distant wilderness, this tiny city has a wealthy historical past that comes alive with staged shootouts, wood boardwalks and a bounty of burros that freely roam the streets. Oatman is greatest identified for its beloved burros. Enjoyable information…the city is house to extra burros than folks!
Whenever you depart Oatman, you’ll journey down a stretch of the historic Route 66. This well-known highway was once the principle freeway that traversed america from the Twenties by way of the ‘50s. You’ll keep on this windy scenic route till you attain I-40, which you’ll journey for just a few miles earlier than getting onto AZ-95, which is able to take you proper into Lake Havasu Metropolis.
Mohave County, Arizona Dwelling Base
Lake Havasu Metropolis is a perfect place to name your house base whereas exploring Mohave County, Arizona. There are such a lot of excellent close by highway journeys. I’ve talked about just a few en path to Lake Havasu from the south and the north, however listed below are just a few extra strategies:
- Blythe Intaglios – 70 miles south of Lake Havasu you’ll be able to see one in all over 300 intaglios within the American Southwest and areas of Mexico. The Blythe Intaglios are a bunch of big figures discovered within the desert close to Blythe, California
- Diamond Creek Street to the Colorado River – Positioned off Route 66 in Peach Springs, Diamond Creek Street is an adventurous highway to the Colorado River. You’ll really be driving down into the Grand Canyon to the Colorado River.
- Grand Canyon Caverns – This pure marvel was created over hundreds of thousands of years and is the most important dry cavern within the U.S. The air within the caverns is a constant 56° year-round as a consequence of zero humidity and is drawn in from the Grand Canyon by way of 60 miles of limestone caves and crevasses.
- The Hualapai Mountains is a good escape from the desert local weather. with elevations of 6300 ft to 8240 ft, you’ll expertise the odor of pine timber, contemporary mountain air, and snow within the winter.
- Topock Maze – Lower than 45 minutes north of Lake Havasu lies a really particular remnant of American Indian heritage within the type of a 600+ yr outdated geoglyph referred to as the Topock Maze (aka Mystic Maze).
I hope you discovered this highway journey information to Lake Havasu Metropolis, Arizona useful. In case you have any questions in any respect, please depart a remark under.
