Crack in the Mountain Trail

This scenic trail passes through one of the most famous slot canyons on the Lower Colorado. It ends at a scenic cove on the lake beside Balance Rock, a huge rock mass precariously balanced atop a narrow column of stone. Bighorn sheep are often present. The Crack in the Mountain Trail, known by locals as "SARA's Crack," primarily follows a natural wash down to Lake Havasu, but the blue and green trails were established by Tim O'Connor in 1986. Balance Rock has been climbed by members of the Leaping Lizards Tribe. Drive south on Hwy 95 to McCulloch Blvd (mile post 177). Turn right and travel ¾ mile to the parking lot in SARA Park on the right (elev 860 ft). NOTE: For several days after a rain, water may block your passage through the crack! Check the bulletin board in the parking lot or with returning hikers before you attempt to go through. If it is blocked, you may take the blue trail at mile post .8 to reach Balance Rock Cove on the lake. To begin your hike, go through the gate at SARA Park (Special Activities Recreation Area) and follow either trail (yellow or red) down to the canyon, which eventually narrows to an arms width, tumbling down a series of dry falls through the crack. Except for a seven-foot dry fall, you can, with care, readily negotiate the drops. The seven-footer is smooth and can be slid down, like in a playground. It is possible to climb back up on the rocks alongside the waterfall. If you proceed down the wash and into the slot canyon, the crack widens just before mile 1.4. Those not wishing to walk the additional  mile to the lake can ascend the right bank on a trail which climbs to the upper route (blue trail) for the return .