Needles, California - Gateway to the Colorado River

Needles, California

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The Colorado River Nature Center - A great place for recreation along the Colorado River, visitors enjoy boating, fishing, picnicking, and wildlife and bird watching opportunities. The Nature Center is located on 500 acres along the Colorado River south of Bullhead City, Arizona.

Havasu National Wildlife Refuge – The refuge is located between Needles and Lake Havasu City along the Colorado River. Cattail, mesquite and arrowhead beautify the marsh and provide habitat for dove, quail, beaver, geese and other wildlife. For more information call 760-326-3853.

Mitchell Caverns - Located in the Providence Mountain State Park, within the Mojave National Preserve Area, approximately 60 miles west of Needles. These caverns are limestone caves that feature stalactites, stalagmites, flow-stone and other formations of beauty and interest.

The Route 66 Motel Sign in Needles, California. The motel still caters to Mother Road travelers, April, 2008, Kathy Weiser.

This image available for photographic prints

and downloads HERE!

Cavern tours, lasting a little more than an hour and requiring a 1.5 mile hike, are available daily, Labor Day weekend through Memorial Day. Throughout the summer weekend tours begin at 1:30 p.m. For more information on camping and tours, please call 760-326-2586.

Mojave National Preserve - The preserve protects approximately 1.6 million acres of desert habitat and was created by Congress in 1994. Located just west of Needles, visitors can observe ranching activities, historic and modern mining operations, through and around the "Hole in the Wall" area, and traverse the old Mojave Road as the Indians, soldiers and homesteaders did. Geologic features such as Cima Dome, the Cinder Cones, and the Kelso Dunes add to the visual attractions of the area. Animals such as Bighorn Sheep and desert tortoises may be observed in this scenic area. Camping is available at Mid Hills and the Hole in the Wall campgrounds. For more information, please contact the Needles Office of the Mojave National Preserve at 760-326-6322.

Mystic Maze - A National Wildlife Refuge Systems Archaeological site, located approximately 12 miles south of Needles off I-40. Precise arrangements of rocks have led some people to believe that this was an ancient agricultural project, but experts have said, "no." For more information contact the Museum at 760-326-5678.

Needles Regional Museum - The Needles Regional Museum is located at 929 Front Street and contains memorabilia from throughout our colorful history. The all-volunteer staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Their winter hours are 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Summer hours are the same with a break in August for vacation. Please contact the Museum by calling 760-326-5678

Needles Municipal Aquatics Center - The Needles Municipal Aquatics Center attracts many participants in the spring, summer and early fall with its waterslide, main pool and kiddy play area. Swim team, swim lessons for all ages, and water exercise classes are available. Please contact the center by calling 760-326-3866.

Oatman - Oatman, Arizona is located just a scenic 45 minutes drive Northwest of Needles. Oatman merchants have endeavored to keep this famous gold mining center as authentic as possible. Step back in time, enjoy the burros that walk freely throughout the town and the mock old west gunfights, while browsing for that perfect antique you cannot go home without!

Topock Gorge - By boat or canoe, the Topock Gorge can provide many hours of enjoyment for visitors. Located just 17 miles South of Needles on the Colorado River. Gaze at rock formations in the ravines and lava rock pinnacles, "totems," and arches are everywhere to be seen.

Route 66 Burger Hut in Needles, California, Kathy Weiser,

April, 2008.

The Le Brun Motel is just one of many Route 66 casualties, Kathy Weiser, April, 2008.

For Needles Lodging, click HERE!

Guestbook

We are so glad you came to visit us at Legends of America! Please, let us know what you think. Your feedback will make our website even better!

The River Road Resort, with its vintage sign, still caters to customers today, Kathy Weiser, April, 2008.

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From the Rocky Mountain General Store

Route 66 Postcards - Legends of America and the Rocky Mountain General Store has collected numerous postcards for our Route 66 enthusiasts. For many of these, we have only one available. To see this varied collection, click HERE!