Roger Naylor

Special for The Republic

Where desert and water meet, you can expect rare beauty and a bounty of recreational possibilities. That’s Arizona’s "west coast" in a nutshell.

The Colorado River defines the state's western border, unfolding in a series of lakes and wide channels as it courses toward Mexico. That contrast of water and desert creates a paradise of palm trees, sandy beaches and craggy mountains.

Fall is a great time to go. Summer boaters are long gone and snowbirds won’t arrive in force until after the holidays. Until then, warm sunny days invite you to explore this long slender oasis.

Start in Yuma, Arizona’s oldest west coast town because it provided a rare crossing point of the then-volatile Colorado River, and travel north. Take your time and enjoy. Remember, you’re hanging on the coast, baby.

Yuma

In September, Yuma Territorial Prison was named the country’s most haunted destination by USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Awards. Carved from a granite cliff overlooking the Colorado River, this was America’s most notorious 19th century hoosegow.

The prison opened in 1876 and by the time it closed 33 years later had earned a fearsome reputation. No one was executed, but 111 prisoners died while incarcerated and 104 still lie in the sun-baked prison graveyard.

Now the prison is a state park. Visitors can explore the stark cell blocks, walk among the lonely graves, climb into the guard tower and feel the walls close in around them in the infamous “snake den” punishment cell. The museum is filled with artifacts and exhibits.

Details: Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park, 220 N. Prison Hill Road. $8, $4 for ages 7-13. 928-783-4771, azstateparks.com/yuma-territorial.

In downtown Yuma, the Sanguinetti House Museum and Gardens contains period rooms and rotating exhibits. "Clues: History Mysteries of Yuma" opens Oct. 13. Guided tours combine history and storytelling. Lavish flowerbeds and a lively aviary surround the 19th century adobe.

Details: 240 S. Madison Ave. $6, $3 for ages 7-13. 928-782-1841, www.arizonahistoricalsociety.org/yuma.

Just north of Martinez Lake, Imperial National Wildlife Refuge harbors an intriguing mix of river, marshy wetlands and backwater ponds bracketed by harsh desert.

The refuge was established to protect migratory birds and other wildlife along 30 miles of the lower Colorado River. It’s an especially bustling place in winter when feathered visitors like the cinnamon teal and northern pintail show up. During milder seasons, birding tours, guided hikes and stargazing events are offered.

Details: The refuge is about 45 miles north of Yuma off U.S. 95. See the website for directions to the visitor center. Free. 928-783-3371, www.fws.gov/refuge/imperial.

Parker

Located in a small shopping plaza, the Colorado River Indian Tribes Museum contains a diverse mix of exhibits and artworks. Four tribes are represented— Mohave, Chemehuevi, Hopi and Navajo.

Traditional and modern pieces including baskets, pottery, jewelry and kachinas are displayed. Learn about the history of the tribes as well as the Japanese internment camp built on the reservation during World War II. The gift shop sells authentic locally made arts and crafts. The museum is open Mondays through Fridays.

Details: 133 Riverside Drive. 928-669-8970, www.crit-nsn.gov/critmuseum.

The Nellie E Saloon, better known as the Desert Bar, is a far-flung outpost outside of Parker. It can only be reached via a 5-mile rough dirt road. (Cars can make it but you might be happier in a high-clearance vehicle.)

The Nellie E occupies the site of an old mining camp, a multi-terraced oasis spread across rocky hills that manages to look both historic and post-apocalyptic at the same time. Everything operates by solar power.

Bands perform through the day and the burgers are tender slabs of beef charred from the grill and seasoned with a fine spice of remoteness. There are a few other food options, but sitting in the middle of nowhere with a band cranking out road tunes from your youth, that calls for a burger.

The bar is open from noon to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays only from October through April. And bring cash. They don't take credit cards.

Details: 10 miles northeast of Parker off U.S. 95 and Cienega Springs Road. www.thedesertbar.com.

Three state parks perch on the banks of the Colorado River and feature sandy beaches, boat ramps, picnic areas, hiking trails and campgrounds. Buckskin Mountain is 11 miles north of Parker, River island is 12 miles north and Cattail Cove is 25 miles north.

Details: Admission to each park is $10 per vehicle, $15 Fridays through Sundays at Cattail Cove. www.azstateparks.com.

Lake Havasu City

If you want the whole story on how London Bridge landed in the Arizona desert, sign up for a walking tour offered by the visitor center.

Learn not just about the stone and concrete structure, but also its storied history. See the strafing scars from World War II and hear about the mysterious ghosts that still haunt the bridge. The 90-minute tour starts at 11 a.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays from November through April. It covers a half-mile and climbs 51 steps.

Details: 422 English Village. $10, free for age 12 and younger. 928-855-5655, www.golakehavasu.com/london-bridge-historic-walking-tour.

On the Rubba Duck Safari, participants pilot inflatable boats through Bridgewater Channel and into the open water of the lake. The guided tour lasts 2.5 hours and explores the shoreline scenery and secluded coves of beautiful Copper Canyon.

Details: $119 for a single-person boat; $158 for a two-person boat. 928-208-0293, www.golakehavasu.com/rubba-duck-safari.

Lake Havasu City is home to more lighthouses than any other town in the country. Not bad for a desert state. The 25 small structures are scaled-down replicas of some of America’s most famous lighthouses.

Visit more than a dozen of the stylish navigational aids that are accessible only by water on the Lighthouse Tour by Sunset Charter & Tour Co. Climb aboard the Kon Tiki Canyon Cruiser for a two-hour narrated tour at 1 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays from October through May. Wildlife sightings are part of the fun.

Details: $30, $25 for age 12 and younger. 928-716-8687, www.lakehavasuboattours.com.

Don’t forget to pack hiking boots. Despite being a watery playground, Lake Havasu City has developed a dandy system of hiking trails. Try the Water Tank Trail (6.2 miles round trip), a gentle ramble across the Aubrey Hills punctuated with exotic rock formations and ending at a fenced-in wildlife watering hole. Keep an eye peeled for bighorn sheep. Grab a map and directions from the visitor center.

Details: 422 English Village. 928-855-5655, www.golakehavasu.com.

Bullhead City

Spend time at Community Park, a wide swath of green space stretched along the Colorado River. There is a large beach area with shade ramadas, a boat launch ramp, a quaint museum and a portion of the Heritage Trail.

Details: 1251 State Route 95, 928-763-0158, www.bullheadcity.com.

Just north of Bullhead City, Katherine Landing at Lake Mohave Marina is a full-service marina offering lodging, dining, campground, a swim beach, boat and equipment rentals, boat slips and other amenities. You can rent personal watercraft, kayaks, fishing boats and 28-foot patio boats.

It’s a chance to explore the scenic coves of Lake Mohave. The lake is part of Lake Mead National Recreation Area, which has a $25 admission fee, good for seven days.

Details: 928-754-3245, www.katherinelanding.com.

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