Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge

Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge is very diverse natural habitat. Even main accent of refuge to preserve river cottonwood forest, they have plenty of other points of interest. You can just stop by scenic viewpoints along highway, or learn about wildlife in visitor center, take small lake trail, go fishing or kayaking, and drive all the way down Planet Ranch Road and hike river trails.

Whenever you are going to Lake Havasu City from the south reserve at least few minutes for the break with view. There is several viewpoints available we would recommend to stop on these two at least. First one located on north side of the road between Havasu Spring and Mark Wilmer Pumping Plant. To get to the right spot look for viewpoint divided from highway, here is link to map. From here opens up beautiful view on delta of the river and peninsula adjacent to visitor center. Second stop would be next to the Bill Williams Memorial Bridge. South stop offer view on grassy mouth of the river and lake Havasu. North stop gives opportunity to see grassy river and cottonwood forest (yes, it’s burned, and it makes it even more enchanted).

Additionally to spots above stop by Visitor Center and do small hike on Peninsula trail. First half of the trail is paved and wheelchair accessible. There are several viewpoints along and access to multiple fishing docks. Small exhibitions inside the center talks in details about diverse nature of the river (It’s not often to see cactuses, wetlands and cottonwood forest in the same place). Also river plays important role in migratory birds life.

To the all above add drive on Planet Ranch Road along the river. Be careful that road is gravel and primitive with several wash offs but still passable on pretty much any car. High clearance definitely would be plus. We did it in our 2wd van without issues, only one spot with a lot of sand looks bit challenging. Road goes up and down for about 3.3 miles. We would recommend go all the way to end first and visit all the spots on the way back. Starting from the very end you will find 4 trailheads:

Furthest one is Bill Williams river trail, it’s mostly old sandy road that goes between newly planted cottonwood and willows. In June 2021 about 1200 acres of forest and march burned along the road and river, and last September about 100 acres were replanted with native vegetation. There is none specific end of trail, in about quarter mile you may find yourself already in the river (depends on season).

Next trail is about half a mile from the dead end. Could be easily noticed because trail edged with rocks. Riparian Overlook Trail is very short about 0.13 miles, has some elevation to reward you with stunning view of forest and valley.

Slot Canyon Trailhead could be found next to the slotted rock. Look for gated right turn and cleared forest behind gates. Officially trail is 0.37 miles but we didn’t go far since forest also burned in that area and didn’t look welcoming. Thanks to the sunshine forest was like enchanted one, with grey sky it would be more like spooky forest.

Last trail is about mile away from highway and marked with Scenic view sign. Valley View Trail is short 0.09 mile, but steep and climbs on some loose rocks area. Wear non slipping shoes and be extra careful on descending from final spot. Views from here is amazing! Yellow grass slowly transforming into forest on one side. On other side bridge over river mouth and lake in background. Look closer to nearby hills and see some desert habitants, aka cactuses. It makes this picture even more surrealistic.

Few more beautiful views opens up right from roadway. Since we haven’t really seen anyone we just stopped right on the road to take another thrilling picture.