10 Easy Road Trips From Henderson, Nevada (That Get You Out of Clark County)
If you live in
Henderson, Nevada, you probably love the sunshine, desert views, and quick access to Las Vegas. But sometimes you just want to hop in the car, leave Clark County behind, and explore somewhere new for the day or a quick overnight.
The good news? You’re surrounded by some of the most jaw-dropping places in the Southwest. From ghost towns to hot springs, from alien highways to giant sand dunes, there’s a lot to see just a few hours from home.
Below are
10 short out-of-county road trips from Henderson that take you into:
- Mohave County, Arizona
- Inyo County, California
- San Bernardino County, California
- Lincoln County, Nevada
- Nye County, Nevada
All of these trips start outside Clark County, just like you requested. Let’s hit the road.
1. Laughlin, AZ Viewpoints & Colorado River Time (Mohave County, AZ)
Once you cross the river from Nevada, you’re in
Mohave County, Arizona, and it suddenly feels like a mini river vacation.
Why go: Casino lights, riverfront walks, and easy water fun.
Driving time from Henderson: About 1.5–2 hours to the Arizona side near Bullhead City / across from Laughlin.
What to do:
- Walk along the Colorado River on the Arizona side and enjoy the views of Laughlin’s casinos.
- Rent a kayak, paddleboard, or jet ski from local outfitters for a few hours on the water.
- Pack a cooler and find a quiet spot along the shoreline to relax.
I like to leave Henderson after breakfast, roll into the area around late morning, enjoy a long riverside walk, and grab lunch with a view. It feels like a mini vacation without the stress of flying.
2. Katherine Landing & Lake Mohave Coves (Mohave County, AZ)
Drive just a bit farther from Laughlin’s gaming strip, and you reach a more peaceful side of
Lake Mohave in Mohave County, Arizona.
Why go: Clear blue water, quiet coves, and great swimming on warm days.
Driving time from Henderson: Around 2 hours.
Highlights at Katherine Landing:
- Rent a small boat or pontoon and explore hidden coves.
- Swim in the lake (always check conditions and stay safe).
- Enjoy lakeside picnics with mountain backdrops.
If you’re craving water but don’t want the crowds you sometimes see closer to Vegas, this side of Lake Mohave feels like a calm escape.
3. Oatman, Arizona – Wild Burros & Route 66 Vibes (Mohave County, AZ)
Step straight into an old Western movie set in
Oatman, a quirky former mining town on historic Route 66 in Mohave County.
Why go: Wild burros in the street, wood-plank sidewalks, and fun photo ops.
Driving time from Henderson: About 2–2.5 hours.
Things to do in Oatman:
- Meet the friendly wild burros that wander freely around town.
- Watch a staged “old-west style” street gunfight (check schedules).
- Browse funky gift shops and Route 66 souvenirs.
Parking on the edge of town and just strolling up and down the main street is half the fun. The whole place is small enough to explore in a few hours, which makes it a perfect day trip from Henderson.
4. Death Valley National Park – Furnace Creek & Badwater Basin (Inyo County, CA)
When you drive west from Nevada into
Inyo County, California, you enter another world:
Death Valley National Park. It’s harsh, beautiful, and surprisingly easy to visit for a day or quick overnight.
Why go: Otherworldly landscapes, star-filled skies, and record-breaking heat.
Driving time from Henderson: Around 2.5–3 hours to Furnace Creek.
Iconic stops in Inyo County’s Death Valley:
- Badwater Basin – Stand at about 282 feet below sea level on the vast salt flats.
- Artist’s Drive / Artist’s Palette – A scenic loop with colorful hills and canyons.
- Zabriskie Point – One of the best sunrise or sunset spots in the park.
If you go in summer, treat the heat very seriously. Carry plenty of water, wear sun protection, and limit mid-day hiking. In cooler months, this can be one of the best road trips from Henderson.
5. Mesquite Sand Dunes & Stovepipe Wells (Inyo County, CA)
Another great slice of
Death Valley in Inyo County is the area near
Stovepipe Wells, famous for its sweeping sand dunes.
Why go: Classic Sahara-style sand dunes without leaving the USA.
Driving time from Henderson: Around 3–3.5 hours.
Top things to do:
- Walk out onto the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes near Stovepipe Wells.
- Try some simple sand dune photography at sunrise or sunset.
- Grab a meal or cold drink at Stovepipe Wells Village after exploring.
The dunes are especially fun if you’ve got kids or friends who love to run, roll, and just play in the sand. You don’t need a long hike—just wander out as far as you’re comfortable and enjoy the silence.
6. Joshua Tree National Park’s Mojave Entrance (San Bernardino County, CA)
You don’t have to drive all the way to Southern California’s beaches to see something amazing. Head into
San Bernardino County, California, and explore the high desert side of
Joshua Tree National Park.
Why go: Twisted Joshua trees, giant rock piles, and incredible sunsets.
Driving time from Henderson: About 3.5–4 hours to the north/western entrances.
What to do on a short visit:
- Stop at iconic rock formations like Skull Rock or Jumbo Rocks.
- Walk one of the short nature trails (many are family-friendly).
- Stay past sunset to watch the stars—it’s a designated Dark Sky area.
Joshua Tree feels artsy and mellow. If you’re used to the fast energy of Las Vegas and Henderson, spending a night here can feel like hitting the reset button.
7. Mojave National Preserve – Kelso Dunes & Lava Fields (San Bernardino County, CA)
Still in
San Bernardino County, but much closer than the coast, you’ll find the quiet beauty of the
Mojave National Preserve.
Why go: Huge sand dunes, volcanic rocks, and almost no crowds.
Driving time from Henderson: Roughly 1.5–2.5 hours depending on which area you visit.
Don’t miss:
- Kelso Dunes – Massive sand dunes you can hike (even partway) for a wide-open desert view.
- Lava Tube – A short hike to a small cave-like lava tube, where sunlight beams through openings in the ceiling.
The Mojave National Preserve is great if you like the idea of big desert scenery but don’t want to deal with packed parking lots and crowded viewpoints.
8. Pioche & Echo Canyon – Nevada’s High Desert Charm (Lincoln County, NV)
Leave Clark County and head north into
Lincoln County, Nevada, where old mining history meets wide-open basins and rocky cliffs.
Why go: Quieter Nevada towns, historic buildings, and underrated state parks.
Driving time from Henderson: About 3–3.5 hours to Pioche.
What to see:
- Pioche – A historic mining town with old structures and great photo spots.
- Echo Canyon State Park – A peaceful reservoir with camping, fishing, and hiking.
This is a great option if you like ghost-town vibes but don’t want to be surrounded by tour buses. Bring snacks, a camera, and enjoy a slower pace.
9. Great Basin Highway & Cathedral Gorge (Lincoln County, NV)
Still in
Lincoln County, you’ll find one of Nevada’s most unique landscapes:
Cathedral Gorge State Park.
Why go: Slot-canyon-style formations you can wander through without long hikes.
Driving time from Henderson: Around 2.5–3 hours.
Why it’s special:
- Tall, narrow clay formations that feel like a labyrinth.
- Short, easy trails with lots of payoff for your effort.
- Great for simple day hikes and photography.
If you’ve ever wanted to see something that looks like a mini Bryce Canyon without driving all the way to Utah, Cathedral Gorge is a surprisingly good stand-in.
10. Tonopah & The Stargazing Highway (Nye County, NV)
Head northwest from Henderson (leaving Clark County) and eventually you’ll reach
Nye County, Nevada, home to wide-open skies, quiet highways, and the historic town of
Tonopah.
Why go: Some of the darkest skies in the country and classic Nevada mining history.
Driving time from Henderson: About 4–4.5 hours.
Top things to do:
- Visit the Tonopah Historic Mining Park for a walk through old mining structures.
- Stay overnight and enjoy incredible stargazing—the Milky Way can be visible on clear nights.
- Explore a few local diners and motels that feel frozen in time.
If you’ve never seen a truly dark night sky, this road trip from Henderson can be life-changing. The long drive is worth it for the stars alone.
Tips for Planning Your Out-of-County Road Trips From Henderson
- Check the weather – Desert conditions can change fast. Summer heat and winter ice in the higher elevations can both be an issue.
- Gas up early – Some stretches, especially in Nye, Lincoln, and Inyo Counties, have long gaps between gas stations.
- Carry extra water – Even if you think you don’t need it, keep a few extra bottles in the car.
- Download maps – Cell service can be spotty in remote areas.
- Start early – You’ll beat the heat and have more time to explore.
Ready to Explore Beyond Henderson?
Living in or visiting
Henderson, Nevada puts you in the middle of some of the best road trips in the Southwest. In just a few hours, you can:
- Pet wild burros in Oatman, Arizona.
- Walk below sea level in Death Valley.
- Climb dunes in the Mojave National Preserve.
- Wander among strange rock formations in Cathedral Gorge.
- Stargaze in Tonopah under incredibly dark skies.
If you’ve been wondering, “What are some easy day trips near Henderson that get me out of Clark County?”, now you’ve got a solid list to start with.
Which trip are you planning first? Have you already been to any of these places, or do you have a hidden gem in Mohave, Inyo, San Bernardino, Lincoln, or Nye County that others should know about?
Share your thoughts in the comments and tell us about your favorite road trip from Henderson. If you found this guide helpful, please
share it with a friend who’s always saying, “We should get out of town this weekend.”
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