Going to the Desert Bar? Fun things to do on your trip to Parker and western Arizona
Western Arizona is home to the Desert Bar, the watering hole near Parker whose claims to fame are its remoteness and its quirky architecture built over 40 years by owner Ken Coughlin.
Getting to the Desert Bar from Phoenix is a 150-mile commitment. But there's a lot to do in the vicinity.
Whether you’re seeking a water-sports adventure on the Colorado River (that's California on the other side), want to take a scenic hike in the Buckskin Mountains or simply stop and enjoy the picturesque views before driving the last 5 miles to the far-flung bar, western Arizona has plenty to offer. You might even spot a stray Joshua tree.
Here is a guide to fun things to do in western Arizona.
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Buckskin Mountain State Park
Why not make your trip to the Desert Bar a weekend getaway? Buckskin Mountain State Park in Parker is on the Colorado River just over 6 miles from the bar. Craggy mountains line the California and Arizona sides of the river.
The park has 80 campsites for tents and RVs. Hookups are available. Camping rates are $35-$40 per night. Tall trees provide shade throughout the park. The tent sites are at the river's edge, for idyllic views of the orange and purple sunsets.
The park also has restrooms, showers, a boat ramp, a sandy beach and ramadas perfect for picnics. The WiFi connection works best at the ramada near the entrance.
On the river, fishing, boating, and swimming are available in designated areas.
Want to go for a hike? Buckskin Mountain State Park has five hiking trails with scenic lookouts, views of the Colorado River, an abandoned mine shaft and plenty of rolling hills. The longest hike is a 6.8-mile round trip called the Buckskin Trail. In the winter months, you can join a ranger for a guided hike at 10 a.m. Saturdays.
In need of supplies? The visitor center has convenience and grocery items, souvenirs, snacks and ice cream.
Pro tips: If you plan to be at the Desert Bar right when it opens at noon, doublecheck that your phone is still on Arizona time. Being this close to California, it might automatically switch to that time zone.
And if you're setting up a tent, check the weather report for wind speed as well as temperature. It can get gusty along the river and assembling a tent when the wind is high is challenging. Four hands are definitely better than two in this situation. It also helps to set up before dusk so you can see what you're doing.
Details: Buckskin Mountain State Park is open year round. 5476 State Route 95, Parker. Day-use admission is $10 per vehicle. https://azstateparks.com/buckskin.
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Bill Williams Wildlife Refuge
Need some calm before the storm? The Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge should be on your to-do list before you immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of the Desert Bar.
The Bill Williams River marks the transition between the Mojave and Sonoran deserts and is a melting pot of wildlife from both. It is truly a picturesque place. The teal blue water framed by mountains and riparian forest dominated by cottonwood and willow trees will surely have you getting your camera out.
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the river gets its name from a mountain man who traveled through most of Arizona in the early 1800s – basically one of the original Bear Grylls. He came west from St. Louis as a missionary to Native Americans but eventually became a trapper.
The refuge is home to over 355 species of birds, 34 documented reptiles, 40 species of butterflies, 57 species of mammals and seven amphibians, per the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service.
The refuge has been recognized by the National Audubon Society and The American Bird Conservancy as a birding area of global importance because it sustains one of the highest diversities of plants and wildlife within the lower Colorado River watershed.
Ready to experience the refuge? Stop at the visitor center on SR 95 north of Parker to pick up a brochure and learn about the area.
You can explore parts of the refuge on foot. Two easy trails — each about a half-mile long — begin near the visitor center.
The Peninsula Trail is partly paved and meanders past signs that give you information about the ecosystem. There are benches along the way where you can relax and soak up the views. The Delta Loop Trail is a half-mile loop that follows the shoreline of the Bill Williams River delta.
Other activities at the refuge include kayaking, hunting, boating, birding and fishing and a scenic drive.
For an overview of the landscape, take the 7-mile round trip drive along Planet Ranch Road for mountain, river and wooded views. Get out and stretch your legs at pullouts along the way. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for this dirt and gravel road.
Many species of birds, including migratory birds from Central and South America, can be seen along the Bill Williams River. Bring binoculars for the best chance to see varieties like the endangered Southwestern willow flycatcher, which nests in the refuge, and the Yuma clapper rail, which spends most of its time hidden in the tall grasses.
Hunting regulations: Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge Hunting Brochure.
Details: Visitor center hours are 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. 60911 SR 95, Parker. Free. https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Bill_Williams_River.
More nearby parks
Three other state parks are not far from Parker.
River Island State Park is 13 miles north of Parker on SR 95. This is a great spot for tent campers and water lovers. It has a boat launch area and a beach cove. https://azstateparks.com/river-island.
Cattail Cove State park is 24 miles north of Parker. It has a white sand beach, 61 RV and tent sites, water recreation opportunities and hiking trails. https://azstateparks.com/cattail-cove.
Lake Havasu State Park is 41 miles north of Parker in Lake Havasu City. It has sandy beaches, nature trails, boat ramps and campsites. While you're in town, don't miss the famous London Bridge. It once stood over the River Thames in England and was brought to Lake Havasu in 1968. https://azstateparks.com/lake-havasu.
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You can connect with Arizona Republic Culture and Outdoors Reporter Shanti Lerner through email at [email protected] or you can also follow her on Twitter.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Parker AZ things to do: Buckskin Mountain, camping, Desert Bar
