Topock Gorge Experience

Topock Gorge: Mini Grand Canyon of the Lower Colorado River

Topock Gorge is known as the mini Grand Canyon of the lower Colorado River, and the best way to experience it is from the water.

Towering canyon walls, volcanic rock formations, desert scenery, protected shoreline, and quiet river passages create an experience that feels completely different from the open lake. This is one of the most scenic and memorable stretches of the lower Colorado River.

Our Topock Gorge Experience is a premium 4-hour excursion aboard Serenity Now, created for passengers who want more time on the water, more room to relax, and a deeper connection to the natural beauty of the Colorado River.

This is not a quick ride to the Gorge and back. The experience is designed to let the river unfold at a relaxed pace, with canyon scenery, wildlife, music, local highlights, and a picnic lunch served on board.

Aboard Serenity Now

Serenity Now is a one-of-a-kind custom pontoon vessel built by the owner specifically for scenic touring on Lake Havasu and the Colorado River. The concept behind the vessel is simple: the scenery is the show.

With theater-style seating and individual captain’s seats that rotate 360 degrees, every passenger can follow the landscape as it changes around them. There are no crowded rows and no obstructed views, just comfortable seating, open scenery, and a front-row experience to the river, canyons, wildlife, mountains, and sky.

We take only six passengers on the Topock Gorge Experience, keeping the excursion small, personal, and comfortable. Serenity Now also has a restroom on board for passenger comfort.

During warmer months, the vessel top is used for added shade and comfort while traveling through Topock Gorge. Cool towels are available on board during the summer months, and heavy warm blankets are available during colder months.

Designed and built by owner/operator Captain Kenny Samp, Serenity Now is a truly unique vessel created to help passengers Experience Lake Havasu in Comfort & Style. On the Topock Gorge Experience, that same comfort carries north into one of the most breathtaking stretches of the lower Colorado River.

The Experience

Your journey begins and ends at the London Bridge Resort Executive Dock, just steps from our Ticket Booth in the London Bridge English Village at the foot of the stairs of the London Bridge at London Bridge Resort.

From Lake Havasu, we travel north toward Topock Gorge, following the Colorado River through a landscape that becomes quieter, more natural, and more dramatic as the open lake gives way to protected shoreline and canyon scenery.

This excursion travels through the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, one of the last remaining natural stretches of the lower Colorado River. The refuge protects important river habitat, desert wildlife, waterfowl, and the natural beauty surrounding Topock Gorge.

As we continue into the Gorge, the canyon walls rise around the river and the volcanic rock formations become more dramatic. This is where passengers begin to understand why Topock Gorge is known as the mini Grand Canyon of the lower Colorado River.

The Topock Gorge Experience is scenic and relaxed, with your captain sharing history, wildlife, landmarks, and natural features along the way. It is not a rushed or heavily narrated tour. The beauty of the Gorge, the quiet of the river, and the time to take it all in are what make this excursion so special.

We are always watching for desert wildlife and birds along the river, which may include bighorn sheep, burros, and many species of waterfowl.

One of the highlights is Picture Rock, where passengers can view ancient Native American petroglyphs. We also pass well-known landmarks such as Mohave Rock, Praying Indian, Devil’s Elbow, and Stargazer.

Our turnaround point is near where Interstate 40 crosses the Colorado River. From there, we travel back into Topock Gorge, giving passengers another beautiful view of the canyon from the opposite direction.

Picnic Lunch On Board

While in Topock Gorge, the captain will choose a beach or cove area where we pause and serve a picnic lunch on board.

Picnic lunch includes fresh fruit, cheese, crackers, cold cuts, sandwiches and cookies.

This is one of the most relaxing parts of the excursion. Serenity Now settles into a quiet area of Topock Gorge, the canyon scenery surrounds the view, and passengers have time to enjoy lunch, music, and the feeling of being tucked away in one of the most beautiful places on the lower Colorado River.

A compilation of classic music plays throughout the excursion, chosen to fit the scenery, the pace, and the relaxed feeling of the day.

During warmer months, passengers may have an opportunity to swim during the lunch break when conditions allow.

What to Bring

Complimentary bottled water is provided on board.

Passengers are welcome to bring other beverages, including wine or cocktails, along with a small cooler and light snacks. Plastic cups are available if needed. If you would like clean ice for beverages or cocktails, let us know when you check in and we will provide it for you.

Please avoid stemware on board.

In the winter months, we recommend dressing in layers, as it can feel cooler traveling north through Topock Gorge. Heavy warm blankets are available on board for your comfort. The Captain will bring the vessel top, and the group can decide if and when the top is needed. This time of year, the sun is often welcoming, but shade is available if needed.

In the summer months, we recommend comfortable clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Passengers may wear or bring swimsuits if they would like the option to swim during the lunch break when conditions allow. Please bring a towel if you plan to swim. The vessel top is used to help keep passengers out of direct sunlight, and cool towels are available on board to help keep you comfortable.

Book the Topock Gorge Experience

The Topock Gorge Experience is the premium daytime excursion of Sunset Charter & Tour Co., created for passengers who want to experience the mini Grand Canyon of the lower Colorado River from the comfort of Serenity Now.

When you book direct, you are booking with the local company that knows Lake Havasu, Topock Gorge, the Colorado River, and the quiet places that make this stretch of water so special.

With only six passengers, 360-degree seating, Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Topock Gorge, Picture Rock, Colorado River history, wildlife, music, and picnic lunch served on board, this excursion was created to help passengers experience one of the most remarkable natural areas on the lower Colorado River.

Whether you are visiting Lake Havasu, looking for a scenic day trip, or wanting to experience the mini Grand Canyon of the lower Colorado River, the Topock Gorge Experience offers a day on the Colorado River you will remember long after the canyon walls fade behind you.