Life Along the Colorado River
Buckskin Mountain State Park commands one of the finest views along the Parker strip, an 18-mile stretch between Parker Dam and Headgate Dam. Mountains line the river on both the Arizona and California sides, and the wildlife is as varied as the recreational opportunities along the river. This picturesque park provides scenic respite, mountain hikes, a desert escape and fun-filled water adventure. The nearby River Island Unit, about one mile north, is ideal for tent campers. It offers a ramada with campfire ring, which may be reserved for group use (fee required) except on holiday weekends. A sandy beach, cove, and boat launch area are also located at the River Island Unit.
In the summer, Buckskin and River Island are popular for boating, jet skiing, swimming and camping. In the winter, visitors appreciate the mild climate and enjoy camping, fishing and hiking in the park. Both areas are year-round destinations for those looking to discover a variety of recreational and cultural resources. The Colorado River Indian Reservation is just east of Parker and archaeological sites are scattered up and down Arizona's "west coast." Parker Dam, the world's deepest dam, is located approximately five miles to the north on Highway 95. About 25 miles north is Lake Havasu City, home of the famous London Bridge. This 1,677-acre park has been operated by Arizona State Parks since 1967.
Trails
Many visitors take advantage of a terrific network of hiking trails. Starting at the entrance to Buckskin is the steep and winding 1/2-mile round trip Lightning Bolt Trail that affords a wonderful view of the campground and Colorado River.
From this trail, visitors can access the 1-mile loop Buckskin Trail. A very informative trail guide corresponding to numbered posts along the trail highlights native vegetation and can be obtained at the Ranger Station.
A concrete pedestrian footbridge crosses Highway 95 and leads to two other one-way trails. Interruption Point Trail is a one-mile round trip trek to a scenic overlook. There is also a one-way trail travelling to a series of abandoned mines, roundtrip is about 1/2-mile. Ranger-led hikes are held throughout the year.
To the right of the boat launch at River Island is the entrance to the Habitat Trail. Pick up a trail guide and learn about the river's edge from "Arnie Ant." In the brochure, Arnie shares what life on the Colorado River is like from an ant's perspective from what to eat to how to avoid being eaten. The one-mile roundtrip trail is quite steep and offers fantastic views of the surrounding mountains and the Parker Dam.
From a brief excursion to an overlook or a several hour test of your endurance, the trails at Buckskin and River Island can meet your needs. Remember, for safety sake, wear sturdy shoes, a hat, sunscreen and take along plenty of water. Have fun!
River Island Unit
The River Island Unit is ideal for tent campers and can provide a scenic respite, a desert escape, or a fun-filled water adventure. It offers 37 campsites, a ramada, sandy beach, cove, and boat launch area.
In the summer, the park unit is most popular for boating, fishing, jet skiing, swimming, and camping amidst a backdrop of beautiful mountains. In the winter, visitors appreciate the mild climate and enjoy camping and fishing. River Island Unit - Buckskin Mountain State Park is a year-round destination for those looking to discover a variety of recreational and cultural resources.
River Island Unit
Buckskin Mountain State Park
5200 Highway 95
Parker, Arizona 85344
928-667-3386
Fax 928-667-3387
Buckskin Mountain State Park commands one of the finest views along the Parker strip, an 18-mile stretch between Parker Dam and Headgate Dam. Mountains line the river on both the Arizona and California sides, and the wildlife is as varied as the recreational opportunities along the river. This picturesque park provides scenic respite, mountain hikes, a desert escape and fun-filled water adventure. The nearby River Island Unit, about one mile north, is ideal for tent campers. It offers a ramada with campfire ring, which may be reserved for group use (fee required) except on holiday weekends. A sandy beach, cove, and boat launch area are also located at the River Island Unit.
In the summer, Buckskin and River Island are popular for boating, jet skiing, swimming and camping. In the winter, visitors appreciate the mild climate and enjoy camping, fishing and hiking in the park. Both areas are year-round destinations for those looking to discover a variety of recreational and cultural resources. The Colorado River Indian Reservation is just east of Parker and archaeological sites are scattered up and down Arizona's "west coast." Parker Dam, the world's deepest dam, is located approximately five miles to the north on Highway 95. About 25 miles north is Lake Havasu City, home of the famous London Bridge. This 1,677-acre park has been operated by Arizona State Parks since 1967.
Trails
Many visitors take advantage of a terrific network of hiking trails. Starting at the entrance to Buckskin is the steep and winding 1/2-mile round trip Lightning Bolt Trail that affords a wonderful view of the campground and Colorado River.
From this trail, visitors can access the 1-mile loop Buckskin Trail. A very informative trail guide corresponding to numbered posts along the trail highlights native vegetation and can be obtained at the Ranger Station.
A concrete pedestrian footbridge crosses Highway 95 and leads to two other one-way trails. Interruption Point Trail is a one-mile round trip trek to a scenic overlook. There is also a one-way trail travelling to a series of abandoned mines, roundtrip is about 1/2-mile. Ranger-led hikes are held throughout the year.
To the right of the boat launch at River Island is the entrance to the Habitat Trail. Pick up a trail guide and learn about the river's edge from "Arnie Ant." In the brochure, Arnie shares what life on the Colorado River is like from an ant's perspective from what to eat to how to avoid being eaten. The one-mile roundtrip trail is quite steep and offers fantastic views of the surrounding mountains and the Parker Dam.
From a brief excursion to an overlook or a several hour test of your endurance, the trails at Buckskin and River Island can meet your needs. Remember, for safety sake, wear sturdy shoes, a hat, sunscreen and take along plenty of water. Have fun!
River Island Unit
The River Island Unit is ideal for tent campers and can provide a scenic respite, a desert escape, or a fun-filled water adventure. It offers 37 campsites, a ramada, sandy beach, cove, and boat launch area.
In the summer, the park unit is most popular for boating, fishing, jet skiing, swimming, and camping amidst a backdrop of beautiful mountains. In the winter, visitors appreciate the mild climate and enjoy camping and fishing. River Island Unit - Buckskin Mountain State Park is a year-round destination for those looking to discover a variety of recreational and cultural resources.
River Island Unit
Buckskin Mountain State Park
5200 Highway 95
Parker, Arizona 85344
928-667-3386
Fax 928-667-3387
© 2006 by "DiscoveringArizona Inc." · All Rights Reserved · E-Mail: jayq@discoveringarizona.com
Buckskin Mountain State Park is located between the Buckskin Mountains and the Colorado River 12 miles north of Parker, Arizona on Highway 95. The park is open 364 days a year, and offers 105 campsites and 21 cabana sites. A main attraction of Buckskin Mountain State Park is River Island, complete with a sandy beach, restrooms, and showers.
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