In the very southernmost tip of Nevada sits Laughlin, a former mining town tucked in between the borders of California and Arizona. Although it’s best known today as a gambling resort town, Laughlin’s location on the Colorado River makes a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities easily accessible for the young at heart. Fly into the Laughlin/Bullhead International Airport or drive 90 miles from Las Vegas. It’s a four-hour drive from Phoenix and five hours from Los Angeles.
Gambling and Other Entertainment
- Laughlin’s casinos draw millions of visitors every year. In addition to the lure of the slots and gaming tables, the resorts bring in well-known performing artists to headline shows. Laughlin also hosts a variety of music festivals, car exhibits and other entertainment throughout the year. Nine casino resorts provide ample accommodations. Among these is the Riverside, owned by Don Laughlin, for whom the town is named. This resort includes a movie theater and a classic car collection and operates the U.S.S. Riverside, a luxury boat running tours of the Colorado River. The Colorado Belle is shaped like a 19th century paddle wheel boat. This resort sits right at the river’s bank, where you can sip beer from the resort’s Pints, the town’s only microbrewery. If you like your lodging Las Vegas style, the flashier Tropicana and Harrah’s may be the resorts for you.
Lake Mohave
- In 1951, Davis Dam created Lake Mohave between Laughlin and Bullhead City, Arizona. The reservoir extends 67 miles from Hoover Dam along the two state borders and most of the water lies within steep and colorful canyon walls. Lake Mohave is part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. A variety of watercraft rentals are available nearby at Katherine Landing and Cottonwood Cove, including houseboats, fishing and ski boats. These marinas, operated by the National Park Service, are open year round and offer boat slips, a launch ramp, camping, supplies and other amenities. Fishermen will find the cold water of Lake Mohave ideal for catching rainbow trout and striped bass.
Colorado River
- Water taxi services provide non-traditional transportation between Laughlin and Bullhead City. A variety of outfitters rent boats and equipment for paddling, tubing and fishing along the river. Guided tours and excursions are also available. For the adventurous, scour 58 miles of the Colorado River at a breezy 40 mph with the London Bridge Jet Boat Tours. This purveyor provides six-hour tours with a two-hour layover at Lake Havasu, Arizona, near London Bridge, which was transported to the U.S. and reconstructed in 1971.
Golfing and Dining
- Six 18-hole golf courses are located within 30 miles of Laughlin, providing golfers of any ability the opportunity to fit in a round of play. Laughlin attracts people of every age so restaurants here are diverse, ranging from the ubiquitous casino buffets and well-known national chains to barbecue, ethnic and gourmet fare. Many restaurants are located along the river giving diners a scenic view to go along with their meals.
Take a Walk
- With an average temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit, Laughlin is ideal for getting out. Enjoy bird watching and hiking at the Big Bend of the Colorado State Park south of Laughlin. Seven miles west is Christmas Tree Pass Road, where you can picnic, hike or just gawk at the scenery. Grapevine Canyon is known for its bubbling spring and petroglyphs on its rock walls. The gravel road may not be appropriate for many low-clearance passenger vehicles.
