La Paz County, Arizona
Arizona's youngest county, bordered by the mighty Colorado River and known for its vast desert landscapes, outdoor recreation, and winter visitor population.
La Paz County is located in western Arizona along the Colorado River, which forms its western boundary with California. Established in 1983, it is Arizona's youngest county, having been carved out of the northern portion of Yuma County after a vote by local residents who sought more local control over government. The county's name, "La Paz," means "peace" in Spanish and references a historical mining community that once existed in the area.
The landscape of La Paz County is characterized by vast desert terrain, mountain ranges, and the Colorado River valley. This arid region experiences extremely hot summers and mild winters, which has made it particularly attractive to seasonal visitors and retirees who come to enjoy the sunshine during the winter months. The county is perhaps best known for the town of Quartzsite, which transforms each winter from a small desert community into a massive gathering place for RV enthusiasts, rock hounds, and gem traders. Despite its relatively small permanent population, La Paz County hosts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, creating a unique economic and social dynamic.
County Information
Demographics & Economy
Photos
Major Attractions
Colorado River
The mighty Colorado River forms the western boundary of La Paz County, separating Arizona from California. This vital waterway provides water resources and numerous recreational opportunities. Popular activities along the river include boating, fishing, swimming, water skiing, and camping. Several riverside parks and recreation areas offer access points and facilities for visitors.
Location: Western boundary of the county
Features: Boating, fishing, swimming beaches, campgrounds, wildlife viewing
Quartzsite
This small desert town undergoes a remarkable transformation each winter when hundreds of thousands of visitors arrive in RVs to attend gem shows, swap meets, and enjoy the mild winter climate. During peak season (January-February), Quartzsite hosts some of the largest gatherings of RV enthusiasts in the world. The town's population swells from around 3,000 to over 1 million during this period. The area is also known for its rich mineral deposits and is a popular destination for rockhounds.
Location: Central La Paz County
Features: Quartzsite Sports, Vacation & RV Show, Pow Wow Gem & Mineral Show, Hi Jolly Monument, swap meets
Parker Dam
Built between 1934 and 1938, Parker Dam creates Lake Havasu on the Colorado River. At 320 feet deep, it's known as the "deepest dam in the world" because much of its structure extends below the riverbed. The dam generates hydroelectric power and regulates water flow for agriculture and municipal use. Visitors can view the dam from several vantage points and learn about its construction and purpose.
Location: Northern La Paz County
Features: Hydroelectric dam, engineering marvel, viewing areas
Buckskin Mountain State Park
Located along the Colorado River, this state park offers beautiful mountain and river scenery combined with a variety of recreational activities. The park features a campground, boat ramp, beach, and hiking trails that wind through the desert landscape and offer panoramic views of the river and surrounding mountains.
Location: Along the Colorado River north of Parker
Features: Camping, hiking trails, boating access, fishing, swimming, picnic areas
KOFA National Wildlife Refuge
While primarily located in neighboring Yuma County, the northern section of the KOFA (King of Arizona) National Wildlife Refuge extends into La Paz County. This vast 665,400-acre refuge protects desert bighorn sheep and other wildlife in a dramatic landscape of rugged mountains and deep canyons. The refuge offers opportunities for primitive camping, wildlife viewing, photography, and hiking.
Location: Southern La Paz County
Features: Desert bighorn sheep habitat, wilderness areas, rugged mountains, Palm Canyon
Frequently Asked Questions
La Paz County is known for several distinctive features:
- Being Arizona's youngest county, formed in 1983
- The Colorado River, which forms its western boundary and provides water recreation opportunities
- The town of Quartzsite, which hosts one of the largest gatherings of RV enthusiasts in the world during winter months
- Parker Dam, which creates Lake Havasu and is known as the "deepest dam in the world"
- Winter visitor population that significantly increases the county's residents during cooler months
- Gem and mineral shows and swap meets that attract thousands of visitors
- Desert landscapes and mountain ranges offering outdoor recreational opportunities
- The Colorado River Indian Reservation, which covers a significant portion of the county
- The name "La Paz" refers to a historic gold mining town that was once the largest settlement in the Arizona Territory but has since disappeared
La Paz County is accessible via several transportation routes:
- By Car: The primary routes into La Paz County include:
- Interstate 10 runs east-west through the southern portion of the county, passing through Quartzsite
- Arizona State Route 95 runs north-south along the Colorado River, connecting Parker to Lake Havasu City and Yuma
- US Highway 60 enters the county from the east and joins I-10 near Quartzsite
- California State Route 62 provides access from California, crossing into Arizona near Parker
- By Air: There are no commercial airports in La Paz County. The nearest airports with commercial service are in Phoenix (approximately 150 miles from Parker) and Las Vegas (approximately 180 miles from Quartzsite). Avi Suquilla Airport in Parker serves general aviation but does not have scheduled commercial flights.
- By Boat: The Colorado River provides access to La Paz County for boaters traveling from other river communities.
Most visitors drive to La Paz County, with the drive from Phoenix to Parker taking about 2.5 hours and from Phoenix to Quartzsite taking approximately 2 hours.
The best time to visit La Paz County depends on your tolerance for heat and your interests:
- Winter (November-March): This is the most popular time to visit La Paz County. Daytime temperatures are mild, typically ranging from the 60s to 70s°F (15-25°C), making it ideal for outdoor activities. This is also when Quartzsite hosts its famous gem shows and swap meets, and when the county's population swells with winter visitors. If you're interested in the social scene and events in Quartzsite, January and February are the peak months.
- Spring (April-May): Spring offers pleasant temperatures before the extreme heat of summer sets in. Wildflowers may bloom after winter rains, adding color to the desert landscape. This can be a good time to visit for those seeking a quieter experience after the winter crowds have departed.
- Summer (June-September): Summers in La Paz County are extremely hot, with temperatures frequently exceeding 110°F (43°C). These conditions can be dangerous for outdoor activities unless proper precautions are taken. However, water-based recreation along the Colorado River remains popular, and accommodations are often less expensive during this off-season.
- Fall (October): As temperatures begin to cool, fall offers a transitional period with decreasing heat and fewer visitors before the winter season begins.
Overall, winter and early spring are considered the best times to visit for most activities in La Paz County. Summer visits should be planned with extreme heat in mind, with outdoor activities limited to early mornings or evenings, or focused on water recreation.
La Paz County offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, particularly centered around the Colorado River and desert environments:
- Water Recreation:
- Boating, jet skiing, and water skiing on the Colorado River
- Fishing for bass, catfish, crappie, and other species
- Swimming at designated beaches along the river
- Canoeing and kayaking in calmer sections of the river
- Desert Recreation:
- Off-highway vehicle (OHV) riding on designated routes
- Rockhounding and mineral collecting (particularly around Quartzsite)
- Hiking in Buckskin Mountain State Park, KOFA National Wildlife Refuge, and other public lands
- Wildlife viewing, particularly for desert species like bighorn sheep, coyotes, and various bird species
- Stargazing, taking advantage of dark desert skies
- Camping:
- Developed campgrounds at Buckskin Mountain State Park and other recreation areas
- RV parks throughout the county, particularly numerous around Quartzsite
- Dispersed camping on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands
- Long-term Visitor Areas (LTVAs) around Quartzsite for winter visitors
- Golf:
- Emerald Canyon Golf Course in Parker offers desert golfing with river views
- Hunting:
- Seasonal hunting for various game species (permits required)
- Scenic Drives:
- Parker Dam Road along the Colorado River
- Backcountry routes through desert mountain ranges
Visitors should be prepared for desert conditions, including extreme heat in summer, limited cell phone coverage in remote areas, and the need to carry adequate water supplies. Always check current regulations and conditions before planning activities.
Major Communities
Parker
County seat, population ~3,200, located on the Colorado River
Quartzsite
Population ~3,800 (permanent), known for winter RV gatherings
Ehrenberg
Population ~400, border town across from Blythe, California
Cibola
Small farming community along the Colorado River
Bouse
Population ~1,000, unincorporated community in eastern La Paz County
Salome
Population ~1,500, desert community in eastern part of the county