The tribal resort boasts 455 rooms and suites and a bright casino with lounge entertainment. Facilities include a multiplex theater, golf course, swimming pool, conference facilities and RV park For information, call the resort at 535-5555 or visit the resort's Web site at avicasino.com. For room reservations call (800) 284-2946.

The resort sponsors many special events during the year, including the colorful 14th annual tribal powwow on Feb. 23-24. Call the resort for details of the powwow and other events at (866) 463-6284. This cultural event features traditional music and dances performed by costumed dancers. The powwow will take place at the Mojave Crossing Event Center in Fort Mojave, Ariz., just across the river, accessed from the Avi by a highway bridge.

If you cross the river at the reservation, continue your exploratory drive by heading east on Aztec Road a couple of miles. Turn north on Arizona Highway 95, the Mojave Valley Road, to parallel the river for about 10 miles to Bullhead City, Ariz. You can cross back into Nevada at the highway bridge between Bullhead City and Laughlin.

If time allows, return to the Needles Highway by heading west for two miles from the Avi Resort. Follow the Needles Highway south across the California-Nevada state line to continue paralleling the river. In California the road changes names. River Road takes you over and under Interstate 40 to reach Needles, Calif., about 10 miles south of the junction. You can cross the river in Needles on Harbor Avenue. On the Arizona side, turn on the Mojave Valley Road, a straight shot north for 19 miles to Bullhead City.

In Bullhead City, the Colorado River Museum preserves regional historical artifacts and interprets the past, including Indian lore and frontier mining. The museum remains open most of the year Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Along the highways on both sides of the river, side roads provide river access to numerous marinas, public and private parks, golf courses, housing subdivisions and mobile home developments.

The river and associated marshes draw boaters, canoeists, kayakers, fishermen, campers, birders and others seeking fun in the outdoors. Because of its long autumns, mile winters and early springs, the area remains immensely popular with winter-weary snowbirds from colder climates across the country.

Margo Bartlett Pesek's column appears on Sundays.