HikeArizona.COM

I'm looking for partners to do a combination kayak / hike trip on the Colorado River north of Lake Havasu. My plan is to drive up to Lake Havasu Sunday afternoon, April 27, stay overnight in a cheap motel, and then Monday morning link up with Western Arizona Canoe and Kayak Outfitters (AZWacko) for the shuttle up to the launch at I40 / Topock. We'll kayak downstream into the Havasu Wilderness / Wildlife Refuge, and pull off, taking a hike up into the wilderness on the AZ side. My tentative plan is to pull out at what looks like a gaging station about 3.2 miles downstream from the put-in point, and hike up the wash to an old mine and possible spring at Jackpot Spring, about 4 miles round trip. Then returning to the boats, and continue down to the pull out at Castle Rock / Crystal Beach. I would drive back to Phoenix Monday night. Boat rental including shuttle is $70. I did a trip similar to this before, described here.

@GrangerGuy
I've kayaked Topock Gorge many times. Have hiked in the Needles Wilderness as well, (accessing from 95), but haven't tried to combine the two, because just getting to Castle Rock Bay (especially if the wind comes up) is enough for me. That last several miles out of the canyon is always a slog. That being said, one time I paddled from Pirate's Cove campground on the CA side, to Windsor Beach in LHC, about 25 miles or so.

@azbackpackr
I have read all of your posts about this area and found them valuable as I was proposing this trip! Thank you for all of the insight. I hope I get a taker or two on this. As you say about the wind, it can be a problem. I planned to do this one a couple years ago, and had to defer because of the south wind and forecast rain.

@GrangerGuy
Yup that's a no-go unless you've got lots of time, and camping gear. I'd love to do another dam-to-dam again, both Hoover to Davis and Davis to Parker. The big lakes have so many great campsites.

Hope you can find some folks.