Stan Shebs: sxc.hu
Bullhead City in Arizona is both a desert town and a water-based resort destination. Located right on the Colorado River and surrounded by the sandy Mohave County, Bullhead City is home to more than 40,000 residents. With tourism (and gambling in local casinos) as the main income of the city, Bullhead has set up an incredible infrastructure to ensure visitors have lots to remember when they leave.
Guided Tours
If you want the adventure without the aggravation of having to organize everything, Extreme Adventure Tours offers a unique option: ride around the desert with a guide, but drive the 4x4 or Sandrail yourself. The tour starts in town, where you'll get a chance to learn about the background of the city, shop and discover local eateries. Then you'll head to the desert and explore the surroundings, get a chance to feed and pet burros and go gold panning. Another unique tour is the Secret Pass tour, where you get a chance to drive a Sandrail through narrow canyon walls, explore caves and hike the canyon. Most of the tours give you the option to extend the trip by adding hiking to it. Take advantage of it if you're in shape, and the weather is nice. The views are worth it.
Extreme Adventure Tours
1645 Hwy 95
Bullhead City, Arizona 86442
(888) 758-5080
extrememinirails.com
Katherine's Landing
Katherine's Landing is the city's version of a marina, beach complex and campground all in once. It can be reached by hiking through the Lake Mead National Recreational Area (about 7 miles from the town's center) or accessed by car. There's a launching ramp right on the beach, and you can rent a canoe or kayak, or bring your own if you want to test the waters. Rather than trying fishing, feed the fish, which approach the marina during the day and wait for the tourists to feed them (bring fish food and do not feed the fish table scraps or pet food). There's an RV park and a campground here as well, so you can spend the night near the water and then wake early for a hike through the area.
Katherine's Landing
601 Nevada Highway
Boulder City, Nevada 89005
(702) 293-8907
Colorado River Nature Center
Located just south of the city, the CRNC is the perfect destination for all things outdoor. This 500-acre park offers swimming, hiking trails, horseback riding, bird-watching and photography opportunities. There's no hunting in the area, so animal lovers can enjoy the wildlife in peace. Here, visitors will find coyotes, bats, several types of desert mice, raccoons and jackrabbits. There also are protected animals living in the area, such as bald eagles, the Sonoran desert tortoise and the American peregrine falcon. There are no boat launching facilities here, but non-motorized boats are permitted in the water anyway. Kayaking is especially popular, especially leaving from the small secluded beaches throughout the park. Bring a picnic (there are no eating facilities within the park) and spend an afternoon exploring.
Colorado River Nature Center (CRNC)
Arizona Game and Fish Department's Main Office
5000 W. Carefree Highway
Phoenix, Arizona 85086-5000
About The Author
Diana Bocco is a health, wellness and travel writer with credits in various publications, including "Woman's Day," "Marie Claire," "Adirondack Life" and "Self." Bocco is also a seasoned independent traveler, as well as a certified personal trainer and nutrition consultant.
