McKinney Loop

The McKinney Loop Trail is one of several hiking trails within the Cattail Cove State Park area along the edge of Lake Havasu.

The 1.1 mile loop path follows a dry dirt track as it climbs from the upper parking area and wraps around the river basin's low mountainous landscape before returning while tracing a path looking down on the Colorado River.

Sharing the main trailhead with the Wayne's Way Trail, the signed McKinney Trail immediately heads right before making a quick climb up a flight of wooden steps. With only a 70' elevation difference between the lowest and highest points of the trail, most of the route meanders around a hard packed sandy track. From the high points, one can see how far the mountainous landscape extends away from the river. 

There are small canyons and interesting geological features that can be explored. A small slot canyon where the trail bends right will lead to the river, though no parts of the trail itself actually reach the water. Instead the return portion of the hike is uphill and parallel to the blue waters of the Colorado River. This wide portion of Lake Havasu can see a lot of boat traffic in the distance, with the red mountains of California rising in the background.

The loop path returns to views of the park's main beach area before descending down to that beach and a few scenically placed benches and tables. From here, following the pavement will lead back to the upper parking lot and trailhead area.

There is next to no shade along the hike, so visitors should be prepared for exposure to the elements. There are no amenities on the path, however the main park area has bathrooms and water available.

The McKinney Loop Trail is a part of Cattail Cove State Park and is subject to all park rules and hours, including the park's entrance fees.