What SARA Park Is
SARA Park is a recreation area just south of Lake Havasu City. Our hiking guide describes it as county-leased and about five miles south of town, with hiking trails, rocky hillsides, and wash bottoms. Beyond the trails it holds ballfields, a motocross course, a shooting range, and a dog park. That mix means signs and rules differ by area, so read what is posted at each trailhead.
The Trails
A trailhead sign in a 2018 photograph lists color-coded routes, including the SARA Crack, Trashcan Loop, Watershed Loop, a Lizard Peak and Table Top route, and trails marked Red, Green, and Blue. Names, colors, and routes can change, so treat that list as a snapshot and check the current map at the trailhead or with the city. Trail markers like the one in the photo at the top of this page help with navigation, but carry a map or a saved offline route anyway.
The SARA Crack
The SARA Crack is a slot-canyon route that involves scrambling through narrow rock passages down to Balance Rock Cove on the Lake Havasu shoreline. The city's own listing describes it as about a five-mile round trip. Scrambling means using hands as well as feet, so wear shoes with good grip and be honest about your comfort with uneven rock. Narrow canyons can also be affected by rain upstream, so skip it when storms are in the forecast. Our Lake Havasu State Park guide and Cattail Cove guide cover easier shoreline walks.
Heat and Safety
Desert trails offer little shade, and summer heat is severe. Hike in the cooler months or very early in the day, carry more water than you think you need, and wear sun protection. Tell someone your route, since cell coverage can be spotty in washes and canyons. Dogs can overheat quickly on hot rock and gravel, so check the ground temperature before you bring one. Our weather guide explains the seasons.
Photography
The mix of dark rock, pale washes, and lake views makes the area popular with photographers, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. Our photography spots guide places it alongside the London Bridge and the sunset viewpoints.
Pairing It With Other Stops
A morning hike fits well before a midday swim or a boat outing, and it works as the desert day in a longer stay. Our 3-day itinerary places it on the last day. For a very different change of pace, the Topock Gorge guide covers the river canyon to the north.