Day Trips from Laughlin, Nevada Offer Diversity
A Ghost Town, Desert Lake, Museum, Rock Art Are All Close By
Feb 11, 2009
People staying in Laughlin for several days won’t want to miss the wealth of attractions only a few miles away from Casino Drive. In addition to Bullhead City (population approximately 40,000) just across the river, a number of diverse destinations lie no more than a half-hour’s drive away.
Poking in the Past
Archaeologists can't agree as to when man first inhabited the Mojave desert. There's speculation that it could have been as early as 8,000 B.C. though scientific dating techniques have only confirmed that there was human habitation in the area around 5,000 or 4,000 B.C. Petroglyphs (incised rock drawings) and pictographs (drawings on the rocks' surfaces) of the ancient people who lived in the area have survived as have articles used by later groups of Indians who lived in the area.
The best place to learn about the area’s history isThe Colorado River Historical Society Museum in Bullhead City, which showcases everything from ancient fossils to an elaborate model railroad layout complete with miniature landmarks.. A collection of photos, maps, dioramas and memorabilia chronicle the silver and gold-mining days and the development of the areas ranching industry. Among the museum’s outdoor exhibits are a replica of the Katherine gold mine and a statue of Don Laughlin, founding father of Laughlin.
Lake Mojave
Just two miles upriver from Laughlin, Lake Mojave is the area's outstanding attraction for nature lovers, fishermen and water sports enthusiasts. With a shoreline of more than 150 miles and a part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Mojave is a regular rest stop for migrating waterfowl and shore birds. It's also home to bald eagles, peregrine falcons and small perching birds. Coyote, kit fox, desert bighorn sheep, roadrunners, feral burros and horses also live in the area.
Katherine Landing
One of the recreation centers on Lake Mojave, the Landing offers sandy beaches as well as boat and personal watercraft rentals. Also from Katherine Landing , rangers lead tours and give talks about the area. Among the most popular tours are those to the Grapevine Canyon petroglyphs, seven miles west of Davis Dam, and wildflower walks.
The River
Fishermen can use all sorts of lures, live bait and flies in their pursuit of striped and largemouth bass, catfish and crappies, trout and other species of fish that swim in the lake. Though fishing is permitted all along the Colorado, the Nevada record bluegill (two pounds, 13.5 ounces) was caught in 2004 at Laughlin Bay, just south of Casino Row.
To fish the river and Lake Mojave, adults need either a valid Nevada or Arizona fishing license as well as a special use stamp. Rainbow fishermen must also purchase a trout stamp. No licenses or permits are required for fishermen of 14 years and younger.
Oatman, Arizona
Half an hour southeast of Laughlin, historic Oatman, Arizona is an authentic old west gold mining town that's been turned into a carnival-type tourist destination. The town began in the early 1900s as a tent city where the miners lived. Not for everyone, it’s attractions include mine tours, staged gunfight shows and old-time saloons with live entertainment. There are also more than 30 arts and crafts shops which cater to tourists. The drive into Laughlin is interesting as it is part of the once famous Route 66.
To reach Laughlin from Las Vegas, take Highway 95 to Railroad Pass, where the highway splits. Turn on Highway 163 to Laughlin. A more scenic (and time-consuming) route, off Highway 95 just south of Searchlight that goes through Christmas Tree pass, is navigable only by four-wheel drive vehicles. The route – a side trip in itself - is photogenic, with spectacular granite outcroppings and giant boulders stacked on top of each other.
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