Parker Dam Arizona/California
An impressive engineering marvel on the Colorado River, Parker Dam offers unique views and a chance to see wild burros.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best for clear views
Parker Dam Arizona/California
Best Time
Best for clear views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An impressive engineering marvel on the Colorado River, Parker Dam offers unique views and a chance to see wild burros.
"Cool area for photos and to look over the damn."
🚗 Park & Admire
Park on either the CA or AZ side for photos. No walking or driving across the dam itself.
🦘 Watch for Burros
Wild burros are common here; they might approach looking for food.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Parker Dam Viewpoints
California and Arizona sides
Admire the impressive engineering and the significant water level difference between Lake Havasu and the Colorado River.
Burro Encounters
Near the dam
Keep an eye out for wild burros, often seen near the dam and looking for snacks. They add a unique, wild element to your visit.
Parker Gas Prices
Town of Parker
Take advantage of some of the most affordable gas prices in the area, a practical perk for road-trippers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Access & Restrictions
Viewing & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
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Fishing at Parker Dam State Park
🚗 Park & Admire
Park on either the CA or AZ side for photos. No walking or driving across the dam itself.
🦘 Watch for Burros
Wild burros are common here; they might approach looking for food.
Quehanna Trail
Plan for 4 day Quehanna Trail thruhike. Any feedback or tips appreciated.
⛽ Cheap Gas Alert
Parker offers some of the best gas prices for miles around.
🚫 Respect Signs
Be mindful of 'government property' signs and restricted areas.
Thinking about hiking the Quehanna Trail. What can I expect?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Park & Admire
Park on either the CA or AZ side for photos. No walking or driving across the dam itself.
🦘 Watch for Burros
Wild burros are common here; they might approach looking for food.
⛽ Cheap Gas Alert
Parker offers some of the best gas prices for miles around.
🚫 Respect Signs
Be mindful of 'government property' signs and restricted areas.
🚤 Boat Launch View
The AZ side boat launch offers a decent view if you're willing to explore a bit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Parker Dam an interesting engineering feat with accessible viewing points on either side. The chance to see wild burros is a unique bonus. However, many note the restrictions on walking or driving across the dam and limited direct viewing spots, making it more of a quick photo stop than an in-depth attraction.
"Half-a-mile off the road, and well-signposted, our short side-trip to Parker Dam was an easy decision.
No parking ON the dam, but easy parking either side for photos (see mine attached).
Carry on over the dam (looking out for donkeys / burros, and their poop), and the rejoins the main Highway the other side of town.
Top tip: Parker has the cheapest gas for miles around!"
Stephen Asbury
"We saw a few mixed reviews but decided to check out Parker Dam for ourselves.
We had seen it from Lake Havasu previously when we rented a pontoon boat for the day. It looked pretty impressive even from far away. By boat, there are buoys the prohibited us from getting too close.
When we drove, it was pretty cool! You can even drive over and there is a little bit of parking in either side for you to get out and look at the dam. As many others mentioned, you cannot walk across the dam and be careful, there are a lot of gov property signs prohibiting you from entering some areas that looked welcoming.
We also asked if they do tours of the power generation area and the security gentleman said they haven’t done tours in a long time.
Anyway, we had a lot of fun and stopped for a bit on both the California and Arizona side before continuing on with our trip. I hope this helps you in making your decision on whether or not to stop!"
Scott Ferreira
"Mainly a "park & visit on your own" place. No RVs allowed across or stopping on the dam itself, and no walking across. Interesting to see the drop in heights between Lake Havasu and Colorado River. Random find... Donkeys who were definitely looking for a snack, fun!"
Cindy R
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Parker Dam is located off Highway 95 in Arizona and Highway 62 in California. It's well-signposted from the main roads, making it an easy side trip.
You can drive to pull-off points on both the Arizona and California sides of the dam for viewing. However, you cannot drive or walk across the dam itself.
The town of Parker, Arizona, is very close to the dam and offers amenities like gas stations and dining.
While you can see the dam from Lake Havasu, direct boat access to the dam itself is restricted by buoys.
The drive along Highway 95 (AZ) or Highway 62 (CA) offers desert scenery. The dam itself is the main point of interest.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to visit Parker Dam. It's a roadside attraction accessible to the public.
Parker Dam is an outdoor landmark and is accessible at any time. However, for the best viewing experience, daytime is recommended.
No, walking across Parker Dam is prohibited. Access is restricted to viewing from designated pull-off areas.
Unfortunately, tours of the power generation area at Parker Dam are not currently offered.
Yes, there are parking areas available on both the Arizona and California sides of the dam for visitors to stop and view the structure.
📸 📸 Photography
Pull-off areas on both the Arizona and California sides offer good vantage points. The boat launch on the AZ side can provide a slightly better view if you're willing to stand on boulders.
Direct access to the dam face is restricted. You'll need to capture photos from the designated viewing areas.
Daytime offers the clearest views. Early morning or late afternoon might provide softer light, but be mindful of the desert heat.
On the California side, a building might slightly obstruct some views from a small pull-off.
The sheer scale of the dam and the significant water level difference are impressive. Keep an eye out for the wild burros, which can make for interesting wildlife shots.
🎫 🐻 Wildlife & Nature
Wild burros are frequently spotted near Parker Dam and are known to approach visitors.
It's generally advised not to feed wild animals, including the burros, as it can disrupt their natural behavior and diet.
The area is characterized by desert terrain, with the Colorado River and Lake Havasu providing a stark contrast.
While Parker Dam is primarily a roadside attraction, the surrounding desert areas may offer opportunities for exploration, though specific marked trails directly at the dam are limited.
Parker Dam is crucial for managing water levels between Lake Havasu and the lower Colorado River, impacting water supply and power generation.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that access is limited; you can't walk on the dam. The visit is best suited for a short photo opportunity and a brief educational moment about water management. Pack snacks and water, as amenities directly at the dam are minimal. The nearby town of Parker offers more facilities if needed.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Since there are no extensive facilities or activities, it's ideal for a short visit. Combine it with a stop in Parker for lunch or to fill up your tank. The dam offers a unique visual and a brief break from driving.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different angles from the pull-off points on both sides. The wild burros can also present interesting wildlife photography subjects. Early morning or late afternoon light might offer more dramatic shots, but be prepared for the desert elements.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Parker Dam's Engineering
Visitors can appreciate the scale of this structure from the designated viewing areas. The dramatic difference in water levels between Lake Havasu on the upstream side and the Colorado River on the downstream side is a testament to the dam's effectiveness. While you can't walk across it, the visual impact of this massive engineering project is undeniable.
It's important to note that while the dam itself is a marvel, direct visitor access is limited. The focus is on appreciating its presence and function from the roadside. Tours of the power generation facilities are not currently available, so the experience is primarily observational.
Navigating Access and Restrictions
Be aware that 'government property' signs are posted in certain areas, indicating restricted zones. It's important to respect these boundaries to ensure safety and compliance. The experience is largely a 'park and visit on your own' affair, focusing on observation rather than interactive exploration.
For those looking for the best possible view, some reviewers suggest the boat launch area on the Arizona side can offer a slightly better perspective, though it might require standing on some boulders off the main path. Remember that tours of the power generation facilities are not offered, so manage your expectations for an in-depth look at the dam's operations.
Wildlife Encounters: The Famous Burros
While it's tempting to interact with the burros, it's important to remember they are wild animals. Visitors are generally advised against feeding them, as this can disrupt their natural foraging habits and potentially lead to dependency or aggressive behavior. Observing them from a safe distance is the best approach.
Spotting these burros can be a fun surprise, especially for families. They are a living part of the desert ecosystem around Parker Dam and contribute to the area's rustic charm. Just be mindful of their presence and give them space.
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