Parker AZ - A Great Vacation Destination

Parker AZ - A Great Vacation Destination

It existed long before rivers had names, back when the mesquite was abundant along its banks, and the Mohave farmed the rich flood lands growing corn, beans, squash, and melons. It was still there when the Chemehuevis came south and lived off the land near its shores. It is still here today, and we call it the Colorado River.

Great Outdoor Activities

Parker, Arizona is dubbed "The Recreation Boating Capitol of the Southwest," and it boasts a beautiful sixteen mile stretch along the Colorado River, called the "Parker Strip." A popular vacation destination for families, Parker offers boating and water sports fun for all ages, and is one of the least restricted stretches of water anywhere in the United States.

This beautiful area offers a diverse range of activities, appealing to the whole family. If you enjoy sporting events, attend one of the off-road events, such as the "Parker 425," "Parker 250," "the Gran Prix," and the "Desert Challenge." These off-road races are exciting to watch.

Enjoy a relaxing family day at the Ahakhav Tribal Preserve. There is no charge to visit the preserve, and everyone will enjoy the Coro Coro course. It’s a Japanese game, played with balls and mallets on a nine hole course, and it’s pronounced kodo kodo. The preserve includes a park and over 1200 acres of beautiful wilderness. Birding, swimming, fishing, and canoeing are all supported by the preserve. Be sure to pick up the required tribal permit for fishing in Parker. Bring your lunch and enjoy the picnic facilities. A playground is available, allowing parents a chance to take a rest break while the kids burn up some of their energy. No alcohol is allowed in any area of the preserve.

Native American History

The Colorado River Indian Tribes Museum is open six days a week and is home to collections representing the Mohave, Navajo, Hopi, and Chemehuevi tribes. Enjoy the beautiful displays of pottery, basketry, beadwork, and jewelry in the museum. Learn about the history of these local tribes and what part they play in the area today. There is fascinating local history to learn at the museum, and at the adjacent library where many documents and original manuscripts reside. The museum appreciates a small donation when you enter.

Hidden Golden Treasure

The Parker area is also rich with gold mining history. La Paz was a mining community that put out a million dollars in its first year. Its remains are just a few miles away, but little is left. A legend tells about a barrel of gold nuggets and coins that was buried under the La Paz general store, by its two owners, to protect it from an expected flood. One of the store owners died in the flood, and the survivor returned to search for their gold. He dug everywhere and never found it. Today, many believers in this legend can be found still digging for this golden treasure. Bring along your Geiger counter, and you may be the one to strike it rich.

Water, boats, fishing, Buckskin Mountain State Park, Ahakhav Tribal Preserve, off-road races, golf, festivals, panning for gold, museums, history, and more are what the Parker, Arizona area has to offer vacationers. It’s the perfect destination for a great family vacation or a peaceful private retreat.