Parker Strip Boat and Jet Ski Rentals

The Parker Strip is the Colorado River at its most fun. Between Parker Dam and Headgate Rock Dam, the river winds through the Buckskin and Whipple mountains, lined on both the Arizona and California shores with beaches, riverside parks and waterfront restaurants.

Headgate Rock Dam slows the river into Lake Moovalya, so you get calm water for cruising and tubing with the feel of a river trip. Your wake boat or Sea-Doo is ready at the water, so you can skip the trailer and the ramp and start your river day right away.

• Where to go
• What to rent
• River tips
• When to go
• Map
• Questions

Where to go on the Parker Strip

The Strip runs from Parker Dam at the north end, just below Lake Havasu, down to Headgate Rock Dam on the edge of Parker. Arizona is on the east bank and California on the west, and there's something to see around nearly every bend.

• Parker Dam. Known as the deepest dam in the world, with most of its height buried below the riverbed. Cruise up for a look, but stay outside the buoys and restricted area below the dam.
• Buckskin Mountain and River Island state parks. Two Arizona state parks just below the dam, with sandy beaches, shady ramadas and a calm cove at River Island that's perfect for a swim stop.
• The mountain bends. The stretch between the Buckskin Mountains on the Arizona side and the Whipple Mountains in California is the most scenic part of the river, especially in the late afternoon light.
• Riverside restaurants and beaches. Both shores have places to pull up for lunch, music and people watching. Weekends get lively, so look for a spot early.
• The lower Strip near Parker. Wider water above Headgate Rock Dam, with resorts and marinas close to town. A good place for tubing on quieter weekday mornings.

What to rent on the Parker Strip

A wake boat gives your group a shady home base on the river, with seats for 12 to 18 people, a big swim platform and the power to pull tubes and surfers. Add a couple of Sea-Doos and part of the crew can ride up to Parker Dam and back while everyone else relaxes. Pontoon boats are a common sight on the river, but a wake boat gives you the same room to lounge plus a lot more to do.

Wake and surf boatsRoom for 12 to 18 people, big swim platforms and towers for tubing, surfing and wakeboarding.

Sea-Doo jet skisEasy, stable riders for exploring coves and canyons. Pair two or more with a boat.

Water toysTubes, wakeboards, surfboards, skis, paddleboards and water trampolines.

River tips

The Parker Strip feels like a lake, but it's still a river. A few things work differently:

• There's current. Water releases from Parker Dam change the flow and the level through the day. Anchor securely, keep swimmers close to the boat and watch for sandbars near shore.
• Keep right. The river is narrow in places, so stay to the right side, pass wide and slow down around bends.
• Watch for no-wake zones. Marinas, resorts, launch areas and swim beaches are marked no-wake. Follow the buoys and signs.
• Two states, one river. Arizona is on one bank and California on the other, and boaters are expected to follow the rules of both.
• Respect tribal land. The south end of the Strip borders the Colorado River Indian Reservation. Follow posted rules for tribal shoreline and beaches.
• Towing needs a spotter. Keep an observer on board while anyone is on a tube, board or skis, and wrap up towing by sunset.
• Life jackets. We provide them. Kids 12 and under must wear one on the water.

When to go

• Spring is ideal, with warm days and comfortable water before the summer heat arrives.
• Summer is one of the hottest places in the country. Start at 7am, take a midday break in the shade and enjoy the warm evenings.
• Holiday weekends are the busiest days of the year on the river. Book early and expect lots of boat traffic.
• Fall and winter are mild and quiet, great for scenic cruising and Sea-Doo rides.

Pair it with another lake

Map of the Parker Strip

Parker Strip questions