DECEMBER, 1971 50c - Desert Magazine of the Southwest

Havasu (above) is a complete
aquatic recreational center. One of
several interesting arches (right) which
can be seen on the road through the
Whipple Mountains.
sable with S/C units.
At the present time, there is only one
public campground on the Strip—Empire
Landing at the Crossroads. It is
being developed by the Bureau of Land
Management and, currently, provides
only primitive sanitary facilities.
A circle tour up the California (or
Arizona) side of the River, crossing
Parker Dam and returning along the opposite
shore, will treat you to some spectacular
scenery. Through eons of time,
the Colorado River has cut deep into the
iron-red sediments and formed a picturesque
canyon between Arizona's Buckskin
Mountains and California's Whipples.
Subsequent erosion has scoured an array
of chimney, fortress and castle-like formations
along its length. The contrast of
rich, red-brown mountains and deep blue
water will keep your color camera busy.
At Parker Dam, stop and view the
lower end of Havasu Lake. This area is
part of a National Wildlife Refuge and
you will see numerous waterfowl which
have journeyed south to spend the winter.
You will also enjoy taking the selfguided
tour of the power plant which
is informative and educational.
An interesting back country tour via
paved road will take you through the
northeastern fringes of the Whipple
Mountains. A wide variety of scenery
will be enjoyed as the route winds
around mountains and drops into deep
canyons. Begin the trip by turning west
from the Parker Dam Road at the sign
"Black Meadow Landing" which is lo-
cated just south of Parker Dam on the
California side.
In just eight-tenths of a mile you will
see dirt tracks leading off to the left amid
some trees. Follow this short detour and
you will be rewarded with a palm oasis,
waterfall and stream. It is a delightful
spot for a coffee break or lunch.
Back on the paved road a half-mile beyond
the oasis, look left into the canyon
as you near the summit. You will see a
narrow, rocky gorge filled with palm
trees.
Beyond the summit, the road skirts
the Department of Water and Power
Field Office Headquarters, then skips
along the edge of Gene Wash Reservoir
—the beginning of the Colorado River
Aqueduct. The paving narrows, rides
13