The large east-west oriented Whipple Mountains comprise the dominant land form
within this wilderness. Whipple Peak is the highest point in the range at an
elevation of 4,131 ft. Landforms are diverse and range from valley floors and
washes to steep-walled canyons, domed peaks, natural bridges, and eroded
spires.

Two major vegetative associations are present within the wilderness area, the
Sonora creosote bush scrub and Sonoran thorn forest. Dominant vegetation is
creosote bush scrub, palo verde, ironwood, smoke tree, and numerous species of
cacti including cholla, saguaro, foxtail, and prickly pear.

Wildlife species include bighorn sheep, mule deer, wild burros, coyote, black-
tailed jackrabbits, ground squirrels, kangaroo rats, quail, roadrunners, owls,
the threatened desert tortoise, and several species of rattlesnakes and
lizards. The Whipple Mountains provide superior nesting and foraging habitat
for a number of raptors; including prairie falcons, golden eagles, red-tailed
hawks, and Cooper's hawks. The wilderness is located in the south eastern
corner of the sector and consists of 77,520 acres. It is cooperatively managed
with the Havasu Field Office.

The large east-west oriented Whipple Mountains comprise the dominant land form within this wilderness.  Whipple Peak is the highest point in the range at an elevation of 4,131 ft.  Landforms are diverse and range from valley floors and washes to steep-walled canyons, domed peaks, natural bridges, and eroded spires.  
<p> 
Two major vegetative associations are present within the wilderness area, the Sonora creosote bush scrub and Sonoran thorn forest.  Dominant vegetation is creosote bush scrub, palo verde, ironwood, smoke tree, and numerous species of cacti including cholla, saguaro, foxtail, and prickly pear.   
<p> 
Wildlife species include bighorn sheep, mule deer, wild burros, coyote, black-tailed jackrabbits, ground squirrels, kangaroo rats, quail, roadrunners, owls, the threatened desert tortoise, and several species of rattlesnakes and lizards.  The Whipple Mountains provide superior nesting and foraging habitat for a number of raptors; including prairie falcons, golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, and Cooper's hawks.  The wilderness is located in the south eastern corner of the sector and consists of 77,520 acres.  It is cooperatively managed with the Havasu Field Office.

Bird's eye view of the park

Whipple Mountains Wilderness

Cupcake Mountain provides a towering presence from its vantage point southwest
of Lake Havasu City, Arizona. The mountain was named by the Army Corps of
Engineers in the early 1940's while they were building an airport and runway
in the desert prior to the town being incorporated. The trailhead is located
just off of a powerline access road along the border of the Whipple Mountains
Wilderness area. The mountain itself is within the wilderness area. The hike
is rather strenuous and is close to 5 miles long round trip.

Cupcake Mountain provides a towering presence from its vantage point southwest of Lake Havasu City, Arizona.  The mountain was named by the Army Corps of Engineers in the early 1940's while they were building an airport and runway in the desert prior to the town being incorporated.  The trailhead is located just off of a powerline access road along the border of the Whipple Mountains Wilderness area.  The mountain itself is within the wilderness area.  The hike is rather strenuous and is close to 5 miles long round trip.

Cupcake Mountain Hiking Trail

Archeological resources such as petroglyphs and rock rings are located in this
area. These resources are considered sacred by the Native American Tribes
along the Colorado River. A wildlife watering guzzler is also located at the
site and is kept active by a water pump leading from the well. This site is
located on the west end of the Chemehuevi Wash and receives visitation by OHV
riders.

Archeological resources such as petroglyphs and rock rings are located in this area.  These resources are considered sacred by the Native American Tribes along the Colorado River.  A wildlife watering guzzler is also located at the site and is kept active by a water pump leading from the well.  This site is located on the west end of the Chemehuevi Wash and receives visitation by OHV riders.

West Well

The large wash north of U.S. Highway 62 just 2 miles east of Vidal Junction is
an excellent site for collecting chalcedony, which can be found from Highway
95 extending east approximately 1 mile. The best method of working a site is
to park safely off the pavement and walk east through the wash. The bright
white chalcedony is easy to spot against the darker soil.

The large wash north of U.S. Highway 62 just 2 miles east of Vidal Junction is an excellent site for collecting chalcedony, which can be found from Highway 95 extending east approximately 1 mile.  The best method of working a site is to park safely off the pavement and walk east through the wash.  The bright white chalcedony is easy to spot against the darker soil.

Savahia Peak Rock Collecting Area

Each fall, winter, and spring seasonal visitors come to the Blue Cloud Camping
Area located off of California State Highway 62 near Big River, California.
Blue Cloud Camping Area is a primitive camping area and serves as an overflow
area to the heavily used Colorado River Resorts. Camping at the site is
restricted to 14 days within a 28 day period, however visitors keep coming
back and are attracted to the area because of its close (but not too close)
proximity to the town of Parker, AZ as well as its breathtaking views of the
Whipple Mountains Wilderness area.

Each fall, winter, and spring seasonal visitors come to the Blue Cloud Camping Area located off of California State Highway 62 near Big River, California.  Blue Cloud Camping Area is a primitive camping area and serves as an overflow area to the heavily used Colorado River Resorts.    Camping at the site is restricted to 14 days within a 28 day period, however visitors keep coming back and are attracted to the area because of its close (but not too close) proximity to the town of Parker, AZ as well as its breathtaking views of the Whipple Mountains Wilderness area.

Blue Cloud Camping Area

Bird's eye view of the campground

Cabin Loop

Cabin Loop Campsites

Main Campground

Lake Havasu

This area is an unrestricted playground for OHVs and other off-highway
vehicles. The site includes parking area, unloading ramp, and vault toilets.
Vehicles must be street legal or have state required off-highway vehicle
stickers. Resort facilities nearby.

<p>This area is an unrestricted playground for OHVs and other off-highway vehicles. The site includes parking area, unloading ramp, and vault toilets. Vehicles must be street legal or have state required off-highway vehicle stickers. Resort facilities nearby.</p>

Crossroads OHV Area

Lower Campground

Cattail Cove

This area is an unrestricted playground for OHVs and other off-highway vehicles. The site includes parking area, unloading ramp, and vault toilets. Vehicles must be street legal or have state required off-highway vehicle stickers. Resort facilities nearby.

Copper Basin Dunes OHV Area

Buckskin Mountain

Take Off Point provides free public fishing and boating access to Lake Havasu,
developed through the Lake Havasu Fisheries Improvement Program, a cooperative
partnership. Enjoy world class fishing and stay in one of 73 boat-in campsites
along the Arizona shoreline. Take off Point includes parking, restrooms, and
universally-accessible fishing docks. A valid Arizona license is required for
taking wildlife (including fish) in Arizona. Details are available at the
Arizona Game and Fish License Page.

<p>Take Off Point provides free public fishing and boating access to Lake Havasu, developed through the Lake Havasu Fisheries Improvement Program, a cooperative partnership. Enjoy world class fishing and stay in one of 73 boat-in campsites along the Arizona shoreline. Take off Point includes parking, restrooms, and universally-accessible fishing docks. A valid Arizona license is required for taking wildlife (including fish) in Arizona. Details are available at the <a href="https://www.azgfd.com/License/" rel="nofollow">Arizona Game and Fish License Page</a>.</p>

Take Off Point

Lake Havasu Special Recreation Management Area encompasses the shoreline line
of Lake Havasu and surrounding areas. This area includes unique opportunities
for recreation from mountain biking and hiking to water sports.

<p>Lake Havasu Special Recreation Management Area encompasses the shoreline line of Lake Havasu and surrounding areas. This area includes unique opportunities for recreation from mountain biking and hiking to water sports.</p>

CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY boats and any other recreational equipment that comes in contact with water. Never dump unwanted bait, worms and fish parts or other organisms. For more information visit stopaquatichitchhikers.org

Clean, Drain, & Dry

Back country byways traverse scenic corridors that are off the beaten path.
The Parker Dam Road "Thread of Life" highlights the scenic, natural, historic,
and prehistoric values along an11 mile (18 km) road that travels along the
California shore of the Colorado River. This area has attracted people,
wildlife, and vegetation along a linear oasis, creating the Thread of Life.

The byway provides an abundance of recreation activities including camping,
swimming, boating, fishing, rock hounding, hiking, OHV play areas and wildlife
viewing.

<p>Back country byways traverse scenic corridors that are off the beaten path. The Parker Dam Road "Thread of Life" highlights the scenic, natural, historic, and prehistoric values along an11 mile (18 km) road that travels along the California shore of the Colorado River. This area has attracted people, wildlife, and vegetation along a linear oasis, creating the Thread of Life.</p>

<p>The byway provides an abundance of recreation activities including camping, swimming, boating, fishing, rock hounding, hiking, OHV play areas and wildlife viewing.</p>

## Overview

Crossroads Campground is located on the riverfront of the beautiful Lower
Colorado River. This campground is popular with winter visitors looking to
enjoy the warm winter temperatures and relax on the riverfront. This
campground has great access to fishing, boating and off-roading.

## Recreation

The Lower Colorado River offers excellent boating, fishing, canoeing and
swimming opportunities. The campground provides river front views and a beach.  
  
Just follow the Parker Dam Road Scenic Backcountry Byway to various recreation
sites along the river. The Rock House Visitor Center and Boat Launch are
within a mile of the campground, and offers information and a free boat launch
open year-round.  
  
Other popular activities in the Parker Strip Recreation Area include hiking,
biking, rock hounding and off-road vehicle travel.

## Facilities

The Lower Colorado River offers excellent boating, fishing, canoeing and
swimming opportunities. The campground provides river front views and a beach.  
  
Just follow the Parker Dam Road Scenic Backcountry Byway to various recreation
sites along the river. The Rock House Visitor Center and Boat Launch are
within a mile of the campground, and offers information and a free boat launch
open year-round.  
  
Other popular activities in the Parker Strip Recreation Area include hiking,
biking, rock hounding and off-road vehicle travel.

## Natural Features

The campground is situated on the shoreline of the Lower Colorado River. The
river runs through a backdrop of steep rocky terrain, and wind shaped sand
dunes. The area is teeming with wildlife, especially fish, migratory birds and
small mammals.

## Nearby Attractions

The Copper Basin Dunes and Crossroads Off- Highway Vehicle Open Areas offer
miles of off-road adventures. Rock hounders enjoy hiking and driving through
the area to search for unique rocks.  
  
Rock House Visitor Center has a free boat launch and a visitor center stocked
with brochures and information about the area.

<h2>Overview</h2>
Crossroads Campground is located on the riverfront of the beautiful Lower Colorado River. This campground is popular with winter visitors looking to enjoy the warm winter temperatures and relax on the riverfront. This campground has great access to fishing, boating and off-roading.<h2>Recreation</h2>
The Lower Colorado River offers excellent boating, fishing, canoeing and swimming opportunities. The campground provides river front views and a beach.<br/><br/>
Just follow the Parker Dam Road Scenic Backcountry Byway to various recreation sites along the river. The Rock House Visitor Center and Boat Launch are within a mile of the campground, and offers information and a free boat launch open year-round.<br/><br/>

Other popular activities in the Parker Strip Recreation Area include hiking, biking, rock hounding and off-road vehicle travel.<h2>Facilities</h2>
The Lower Colorado River offers excellent boating, fishing, canoeing and swimming opportunities. The campground provides river front views and a beach.<br/><br/>
Just follow the Parker Dam Road Scenic Backcountry Byway to various recreation sites along the river. The Rock House Visitor Center and Boat Launch are within a mile of the campground, and offers information and a free boat launch open year-round.<br/><br/>

Other popular activities in the Parker Strip Recreation Area include hiking, biking, rock hounding and off-road vehicle travel.<h2>Natural Features</h2>
The campground is situated on the shoreline of the Lower Colorado River. The river runs through a backdrop of steep rocky terrain, and wind shaped sand dunes. The area is teeming with wildlife, especially fish, migratory birds and small mammals.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
The Copper Basin Dunes and Crossroads Off- Highway Vehicle Open Areas offer miles of off-road adventures. Rock hounders enjoy hiking and driving through the area to search for unique rocks. <br/><br/>

Rock House Visitor Center has a free boat launch and a visitor center stocked with brochures and information about the area.

Crossroads Campground facilities

Crossroads Campground Entrance

Riverfront camping at Crossroads Campground

Colorado River

Campsite at Crossroads Campground

Crossroads Campground North

Crossroads Campground

CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY

Southern Section of Crossroads Campground

Crossroads Campground South

Colorado River front site at Crossroads Campground

Crossroads Campground site

Parker Strip Recreation Area

The Bill Williams River provides habitat for fish and wildlife, clean water,
forage, and recreational opportunities such as fishing, kayaking, rafting, and
hiking. The river is historically unique to this section of the Lower Colorado
River as a major tributary that was used as a travel corridor by Native
Americans, European explorers, and early settlers.  
  
Six state and federal agencies have worked together since 1992 to manage the
Bill Williams River's outstanding riparian, wildlife, recreational, and
fisheries resources. The river system provides habitat for both migratory and
resident birds as well as local wildlife which includes bighorn sheep, deer,
coyotes, javelina, ring-tail cats, foxes, and more. Aquatic life includes
macro­invertebrates, amphibians, and fish. Turtles, beavers, muskrats, and
raccoons frolic beneath the cottonwood and willow trees along the river banks.
Three segments of the Bill Williams River totaling 21.1 miles have been
determined suitable for inclusion in the National Wild & Scenic Rivers System.
These segments possess outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, fish,
and wildlife values.

<p>The Bill Williams River provides habitat for fish and wildlife, clean water, forage, and recreational opportunities such as fishing, kayaking, rafting, and hiking. The river is historically unique to this section of the Lower Colorado River as a major tributary that was used as a travel corridor by Native Americans, European explorers, and early settlers.<br/>
<br/>
Six state and federal agencies have worked together since 1992 to manage the Bill Williams River's outstanding riparian, wildlife, recreational, and fisheries resources. The river system provides habitat for both migratory and resident birds as well as local wildlife which includes bighorn sheep, deer, coyotes, javelina, ring-tail cats, foxes, and more. Aquatic life includes macro­invertebrates, amphibians, and fish. Turtles, beavers, muskrats, and raccoons frolic beneath the cottonwood and willow trees along the river banks. Three segments of the Bill Williams River totaling 21.1 miles have been determined suitable for inclusion in the National Wild & Scenic Rivers System. These segments possess outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, fish, and wildlife values.</p>

Bill Williams River

River Island

Situated in central-western Arizona along the lower Colorado River, the Bill
Williams River extends a short 40 miles before emptying into the Colorado
River at Lake Havasu. A portion of the river and its unique habitat are
protected within the Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge, offering a
glimpse into what this landscape looked like hundreds of years ago.  
  
Earliest written records of the area come from Spanish explorers who traveled
through here as early as 1598. Along with the western explorers that followed,
they took note of the ecologically rich landscape, including documentation of
miles-thick stands of cottonwood and willow trees along the river’s banks, as
well as the abundance of mesquite above the river. Today, the refuge holds one
of the last stands of naturally regenerated cottonwood-willow forest along the
lower Colorado River. As a designated Globally Important Bird Area, the refuge
is one of the last ecologically functioning river habitats in the southwest
United States. Though small, the refuge has retained nearly all of the
original terrestrial wildlife species found here prior to settlement by
Europeans, including at least six federally listed threatened or endangered
species.  
  
In 1993 it was decided that 6,100 acres of the Havasu Lake National Wildlife
Refuge would be managed as a separate refuge due to its uniqueness and
diversity of habitat. It became the Bill Williams River National Wildlife
Refuge. It is one of more than 560 national wildlife refuges, a national
network of lands and waters set aside and managed for the benefit of wildlife
and you.

<p>Situated in central-western Arizona along the lower Colorado River, the Bill Williams River extends a short 40 miles before emptying into the Colorado River at Lake Havasu. A portion of the river and its unique habitat are protected within the Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge, offering a glimpse into what this landscape looked like hundreds of years ago. <br>
 <br>
Earliest written records of the area come from Spanish explorers who traveled through here as early as 1598. Along with the western explorers that followed, they took note of the ecologically rich landscape, including documentation of miles-thick stands of cottonwood and willow trees along the river’s banks, as well as the abundance of mesquite above the river. Today, the refuge holds one of the last stands of naturally regenerated cottonwood-willow forest along the lower Colorado River. As a designated Globally Important Bird Area, the refuge is one of the last ecologically functioning river habitats in the southwest United States. Though small, the refuge has retained nearly all of the original terrestrial wildlife species found here prior to settlement by Europeans, including at least six federally listed threatened or endangered species. <br>
 <br>
In 1993 it was decided that 6,100 acres of the Havasu Lake National Wildlife Refuge would be managed as a separate refuge due to its uniqueness and diversity of habitat. It became the Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge. It is one of more than 560 national wildlife refuges, a national network of lands and waters set aside and managed for the benefit of wildlife and you. </p>

Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge

The eastern portion of the Turtle Mountains is dominated by Mopah Peak.
Standing 3,675 feet above sea level, the peak is the remnant of an ancient
vocano, eroded to form a massive, reddish pinnacle. Mopah Peak is considered
one of the most difficult climbs in the desert. The southwest approach is
probably the best for climbing. The view from the peak is said to be among the
most spectacular panoramas in the entire desert. The route to this peak is
regarded as a fun desert climb. The panarama from the summit includes the
Colorado and Stepladder Mountains to the north, the Mopah Spring palm oasis to
teh west, and the 27-ft higher summit of the Umpah Peak to the south. To climb
Umpah, descent to the saddle between the two peaks and then scramble up. Keep
your eye out for chalcedony roses; many are found in this area.

The eastern portion of the Turtle Mountains is dominated by Mopah Peak.  Standing 3,675 feet above sea level, the peak is the remnant of an ancient vocano, eroded to form a massive, reddish pinnacle.  Mopah Peak is considered one of the most difficult climbs in the desert.  The southwest approach is probably the best for climbing.  The view from the peak is said to be among the most spectacular panoramas in the entire desert.  The route to this peak is regarded as a fun desert climb.  The panarama from the summit includes the Colorado and Stepladder Mountains to the north, the Mopah Spring palm oasis to teh west, and the 27-ft higher summit of the Umpah Peak to the south.  To climb Umpah, descent to the saddle between the two peaks and then scramble up.  Keep your eye out for chalcedony roses; many are found in this area.

Whipple Mountains Wilderness

Directions

Reviews

Nearby Parks

Cupcake Mountain Hiking Trail

West Well

Savahia Peak Rock Collecting Area

Blue Cloud Camping Area

Lake Havasu

Crossroads OHV Area

Cattail Cove

Copper Basin Dunes OHV Area

Buckskin Mountain

Take Off Point

Lake Havasu

Parker Strip Recreation Area

Bill Williams River

River Island

Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge

Mopah Peak Hiking Trail