Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge

Explore this diverse ecosystem where the Colorado and Bill Williams rivers converge.

Up and down Arizona’s West Coast, most of the action takes place along the Colorado River. The Bill Williams River offers even more outdoor recreation in the arid landscapes of Western Arizona. Where the two rivers meet, a natural playground invites visitors to discover a surprising mix of plants and animals. Rugged mountains frame this natural oasis that thrives with cottonwood and willow trees and is protected primarily for its native waterfowl population and seasonal birds that migrate here from Central and South America.

Explore the Refuge

This surprising natural wonderland spans the transition zone between the Mohave and Sonoran deserts. Hop off Highway 95 and take a short, paved drive to the lake formed where the rivers meet. From the on-site visitor center, short trails take hikers through a riparian area that looks like an arboretum. The Peninsula Trail is an easy 1-mile walk that passes three fishing piers. The Delta Loop Trail winds half a mile along the shoreline and has viewpoints overlooking the marsh habitat. Visitors in high-clearance vehicles can also drive Planet Ranch Road for 3 miles into remote segments of the refuge. Along this stretch of the river, be on the lookout for the bighorn sheep, javelina, coyotes and beavers that rely on this aquatic ecosystem.

Stay at a State Park

State parks at Buckskin Mountain, River Island and Cattail Cove bookend Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge and offer scenic tent camping and RV sites along the Colorado River. This area is scorching hot in the summer so sunscreen, a hat and plenty of drinking water are required to enjoy this area safely year-round. The clear waters of the Colorado River also have a cooling effect in the warmer months. Visitors are encouraged to jump in or chill out and watch the water flow by.

Visit Area Preserves

Visitors who prefer not to camp find plenty of lodging options in nearby Parker and Lake Havasu City. Plan to spend the night and add a second day of river exploration to the trip. South of Parker, see a wetlands restoration project at Ahakhav Tribal Preserve. There, float a canoe onto the intricate expanse of wetlands created by the Colorado River. North of Lake Havasu City, document more wildlife sightings at Havasu National Wildlife Refuge. Kayaks outnumber motorboats and desert critters outnumber visitors in this secluded area.