Sara Park | Lake Havasu City

Sara Park is a vast, multi-use recreational area covering approximately 1,100 acres, located about five miles south of Lake Havasu City, Arizona. It serves as a regional hub for outdoor activities, sports, and community events, offering a diverse range of options for visitors seeking adventure, fitness, family fun, or relaxation in the desert environment.

Location and Environment

Set amid the rugged desert terrain characteristic of the Lake Havasu region, Sara Park boasts a scenic natural backdrop that combines rocky outcrops, desert flora, and open spaces. Its location just outside the city limits makes it easily accessible while providing a spacious, less urbanized atmosphere ideal for a variety of outdoor pursuits.

Outdoor Recreation and Trail Systems

One of Sara Park’s signature features is its extensive trail network and outdoor recreational opportunities:

Crack in the Wall Trail: This popular hiking trail is approximately 5 miles round-trip and is well known for guiding hikers through a striking slot canyon, a narrow and dramatic natural passage carved into the desert rock. The trail culminates at Balance Rock, a remarkable geological formation that offers impressive views and photo opportunities. This hike combines moderate difficulty with a unique desert hiking experience, drawing nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Mountain Biking Trails: The park’s trail system is also open to mountain bikers, featuring varied terrain that ranges from smooth pathways to challenging rocky sections and climbs. These trails cater to riders of different skill levels, allowing both beginners and experienced bikers to enjoy the rugged desert landscape while testing their endurance and skills.

Disc Golf Course: Sara Park includes a 24-hole disc golf course laid out across the desert terrain. This course offers a recreational challenge amid natural surroundings, attracting disc golf enthusiasts from the local area and visitors alike. The course winds through varied elevation and vegetation, adding to the strategic elements of the game.

Motorsports and Specialized Facilities

Sara Park is home to several specialized sporting facilities that add a unique dimension to its recreational offerings:

Havasu 95 Speedway: This is an ASA-sanctioned paved oval race track hosting a variety of motorsport events. The speedway is notable for hosting the quirky Waterless Boat Races, a local favorite event. Racing events at the speedway bring together motorsport fans and competitors, fostering a lively community atmosphere.

Motocross and BMX Tracks: Dedicated areas for motocross and BMX biking are available within the park. The motocross track provides riders with a challenging dirt circuit featuring jumps and obstacles. The BMX track supports drop-in sessions on specific evenings, offering opportunities for practice and competition for riders of all ages.

Dog Park

Dylan’s Dog Park: A popular feature within Sara Park is the two-acre off-leash dog park. It is divided into separate areas for small and large dogs, ensuring safe and enjoyable play environments for pets of different sizes. The dog park includes grassy areas, shaded walking paths, and covered benches for owners, promoting a pet-friendly atmosphere where dogs can exercise freely. The dog park operates daily from sunrise until 11 PM, with regular maintenance periods.

Shooting and Archery Facilities

Sara Park hosts the Lake Havasu City Sportsman’s Club, established in 1971, which offers a comprehensive shooting range complex:

Ranges: Facilities include five pistol ranges and two rifle ranges, catering to both recreational shooters and more serious marksmanship training.

Clay Shooting: The club offers skeet, trap, and 5-stand clay target shooting for those interested in shotgun sports.

Archery Range: Archery enthusiasts have access to a practice range with targets to hone their skills.

All participants are required to bring their own equipment and adhere to strict safety regulations to maintain a secure environment for all users.

Additional Amenities and Community Features

Beyond sports and trails, Sara Park includes a variety of facilities and amenities designed for community use and events:

Rodeo Grounds: The park contains grounds where rodeos and related community fairs and gatherings are held, reflecting the region’s cultural traditions and providing entertainment.

RC Vehicle Track: A dedicated space for remote-controlled vehicles offers hobbyists a place to race and operate their models safely.

Roller Hockey Field: An inline skating hockey field supports local roller hockey activities and practices.

Picnic Ramadas: Scattered throughout the park are shaded picnic areas equipped with tables and barbecue grills, inviting families and groups to enjoy meals outdoors in a comfortable setting.

Restrooms: Well-maintained restroom facilities are available in multiple locations within the park for visitor convenience.

Accessibility and Operations

Sara Park is open daily from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM, providing ample time for visitors to engage in activities from early morning hikes to evening dog walks or sporting events. The park is managed by the Lake Havasu City Parks and Recreation Department, which also organizes many of the community events held at the park.

Summary

Sara Park stands out as a premier, multi-faceted recreational destination in the Lake Havasu area, combining natural beauty with extensive facilities for a broad spectrum of outdoor activities. Whether exploring slot canyons on foot, competing in motorsports or disc golf, enjoying time with pets at the dog park, or practicing shooting sports, visitors find abundant opportunities to connect with nature and the community. The park’s size, diverse offerings, and natural desert setting create a dynamic environment suited to adventure seekers, families, hobbyists, and those simply looking to enjoy the outdoors.