The Castle Rock Access Trail is a loop that travels around a tall granite monolith (Castle Rock) leading to a bay enclosed by marshlands on the western side and the shoreline on the eastern side. The trail is composed of loose sand on the north side (of castle rock) and pea gravel on the south side. The calm waters of the bay are home to abundant carp and bass, it is a popular destination for anglers, sunbathers and swimmers. Kayakers access the main Colorado river channel by way of a maintained water trail through the cattail marsh. A kayak dolly is recommended to transport your kayak the roughly .25 miles from the parking area to the beach where kayaks can be launched.
Visitors are likely to see several species of waterfowl and wading birds on and near the water’s edge such as green winged teal, northern shovelers, great blue heron and great egret. Northern harriers are a common sight flying low over the reeds and the occasional bald eagle is spotted scanning from far above for a meal below the waters surface.

The Dee Dee Delorenzo Memorial Trail or “Dee Dee Trail” is a lollipop trail that was established as a birding trail in a restored cottonwood willow and mesquite forest. The entrance to the trail is flanked by mature Fremont Cottonwood trees where great horned owls are frequently spotted. The trail continues to the fork where you meet a more open grassland savannah and excavated area which will be home to the planned water feature. Keep your eyes and ears open for covey’s of Gambel’s quail feeding in the grass and forbs. If you take the fork to the right, you travel through an arrow weed stand and adjacent to a fire break where coyotes are a frequent site. As the trail curves to the left, you enter a mesquite forest whose floor is blanketed in vibrant green Bermuda grass, blue grosbeak have been spotted flying branch to branch in the low growing dense vegetation. After this section the trail rejoins the main stem and leads you back to the entrance.

The dive cliffs trail is an out and back again trail composed of decomposing granite alluvium. It begins at the fence opening at the corner of Vista drive and Edgewater boulevard in the Desert Hills Community. The trail follows open desert ridges that lead to a popular summertime swimming hole.
Be advised that diving is a dangerous activity that has caused injury and death.

The mesquite bay north trail is the most popular trail on Havasu Refuge. The trail is short level and paved making it easy access for people who use wheelchairs or those with mobility challenges. A short unpaved portion of the trail adjacent to the parking lot provides quick access to the water for launching paddle crafts. The main part of the trail follows the water around the northern bay and leads to an accessible fishing dock where visitors can catch catfish, bass and panfish species. Birdwatching is a popular activity on this trail second only to dog walking. You cannot beat an evening on the dock watching the sun go down over Lake Havasu.

The trail at mesquite bay south leads visitors through low desert habitats adjacent to the riparian edge vegetation. You can stop and rest on a shaded bench that overlooks the cattail and phragmites stands. Listen for marsh wrens and brown headed cowbirds calling from the dense vegetation. Continuing on the trail will lead you up a long series of wide steps to a ridge that takes you to a large fishing dock that is a popular local attraction.

The remote needles mountain trailhead is accessed from highway 40 at the needles mountain road exit. The dirt portion of the road traveling through Bureau of Land Management Land is quite rugged and requires an off-road vehicle such as a side by side to travel safely. There are narrow hills and tight spaces that most road vehicles cannot traverse. The path follows several burrow trails into the Havasu Wilderness area experienced wayfinding is required. Destinations in the area beyond the designated trail include Gold Dome, South Dome, and Tumarion Peak. Using a trails app is recommended to locate sites and access routes. Always use caution when traveling in remote wilderness areas, tell someone your trip plan before you leave, include the location and route you plan to take and a time when you plan to return. Common wildlife species in the area include bighorn sheep, coyote, and Gambel’s quail.