Parker

Around Parker

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Countryside and towns · Arizona · 16k people

Parker

Locals say Parker Valley

Desert sun, river cool, and wide-open skies.

Desert Sunset OrangeRiver TealQuartz Gold

Welcome to the Parker Valley, where the Colorado River meets the desert. Whether you're here for the winter sun or the rock shows, you'll find a laid-back community that loves the outdoors.

Clubs for Parker

No clubs for Parker yet.

The room

One room for everyone around Parker. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.

Ask the neighbours

All

A good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.

Coming up

No events in the next month. Events made in the room show up here.

Marketplace

Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Parker. Sign in to sell something.

Things to do

  • Parker Dam Deepest dam in the world, spans the Colorado River.
  • Buckskin Mountain State Park Riverfront park with campsites and trails.
  • Cibola National Wildlife Refuge Migratory bird haven along the Colorado.
  • Quartzsite Museum Local history and mining heritage.
  • BlueWater Resort & Casino Riverfront casino and hotel in Parker.
  • The Parker Strip Popular stretch of the Colorado for boating and watersports.
  • Outdoors Boating and waterskiing on the Colorado River
  • Outdoors Off-roading on desert trails
  • With kids Swimming and picnicking along the Parker Strip
  • With kids Exploring the Quartzsite gem shows
  • Evenings Live music and gaming at BlueWater Resort
  • Evenings Local bars in Parker and Quartzsite
  • Locals love RV parks and snowbird havens
  • Locals love Riverfront campsites and boat launches

Through the year

  • Quartzsite Rock & Gem Show January-February Massive winter gathering of rock and gem vendors.
  • Quartzsite Sports, Vacation & RV Show January Showcase of RVs, outdoor gear, and winter activities.
  • La Paz County Fair April County fair with livestock, rides, and local exhibits.
  • Parker 4th of July Celebration July Fireworks and festivities along the Colorado River.
  • Bouse Days Spring Small-town festival celebrating Bouse's heritage.

Desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. Best time to be out is from October to April. Summer highs often exceed 100°F, with monsoon thunderstorms in July and August. Winters are sunny and pleasant. Best: October to April

Talk like a local

“Snowbird”
Winter visitor from colder climates.
“The Strip”
The Colorado River recreation area near Parker.
“Rockhounding”
Searching for rocks and minerals.
“Boondocking”
Camping without hookups, often on public land.

Getaways

Local flavour

Rooting for Phoenix Suns (NBA), Arizona Cardinals (NFL), Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), Arizona State Sun Devils (NCAA), Arizona Wildcats (NCAA)

Eat and drink

  • Sonoran hot dog Bacon-wrapped hot dog with pinto beans, onions, and jalapeño salsa, a regional favorite.
  • Fish tacos Fresh catches from the Colorado River, often served with cabbage slaw and crema.
  • Fry bread A staple of the Colorado River Indian Tribes' cuisine, often served with honey or as a taco.

Where people go

  • RV parks and snowbird havens Winter visitors flock to the area, creating a seasonal culture of campfires and card games.
  • Riverfront campsites and boat launches The Colorado River is the centerpiece, with spots for fishing, kayaking, and jet skiing.
  • Desert off-road trails ATV and dirt bike routes wind through the Sonoran Desert, popular with locals and visitors.
  • Rock and gem shows Quartzsite's annual shows are a mecca for rockhounds and collectors.
  • Casino and resort The BlueWater Resort and Casino in Parker is a gathering spot for entertainment and dining.

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La Paz County, AZ. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.

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