The town of Needles, California, to the northwest, was named for the "needle-like" vertical rock outcroppings.

The natural landmarks and river crossing by them were one of the journey markers for travelers on historic Route 66.

[citation needed] The Topock Gorge is within the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

[1] It features natural habitat, wildlife, scenic preservation, and archeology.

Mojave people Indian petroglyphs are in the Gorge.