10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips from Spring Valley, Nevada
If you live in
Spring Valley, Nevada, you already know it’s a great home base. But sometimes you just want to hop in the car, leave Clark County behind, and see something totally different for the day (or a quick weekend).
The good news? Within a few hours, you can reach desert ghost towns, alien highways, wild hot springs, and even a cool pine forest that feels a world away from the Las Vegas Valley.
Below are
10 short out-of-county road trips from Spring Valley, focusing on nearby spots in:
- Mohave County, Arizona
- Inyo County, California
- San Bernardino County, California
- Lincoln County, Nevada
- Nye County, Nevada
All of these are
outside Clark County, but close enough to make a realistic day trip or overnight escape.
1. Laughlin, Nevada & Colorado River Fun (Mohave County, AZ Side)
Yes, Laughlin itself is in Nevada, but the real bonus is just across the river in
Mohave County, Arizona.
From Spring Valley, it’s roughly a 2 to 2.5-hour drive south. Once you reach the Colorado River, you can cross the bridge into
Bullhead City and the Arizona side for a change of scenery.
Why go:
- Relax along the Colorado River with beaches and riverfront parks.
- Rent a jet ski, kayak, or paddleboard in season.
- Walk or bike along the riverwalk areas on both sides.
If you’re used to the bright lights of Las Vegas, the calm river vibe feels like hitting a reset button.
Tip: Summer can be very hot here. Plan water activities early in the morning or closer to sunset, and bring more water than you think you need.
2. Oatman, Arizona – Wild Burros & Route 66 Charm (Mohave County)
About 2.5 to 3 hours from Spring Valley,
Oatman is an old mining town tucked into the Black Mountains of Mohave County. The drive alone is worth it, especially once you get onto the old stretch of
Route 66.
What makes it special:
- Friendly wild burros wander the streets looking for snacks.
- Weathered wooden buildings and a classic Old West feel.
- Fun gift shops, old-time photos, and roadside diners.
It’s the kind of quirky stop that makes a road trip memorable. Kids usually love the burros, and adults enjoy the throwback Route 66 atmosphere.
Road tip: The road into Oatman has sharp curves and drops. Take it slow, especially if you’re not used to mountain driving.
3. Death Valley National Park – Furnace Creek & Badwater (Inyo County, CA)
Looking for a place that feels like another planet? Head about 2 to 2.5 hours west from Spring Valley to
Death Valley National Park in
Inyo County, California.
Once you cross the county line, you’re in a huge, otherworldly landscape:
- Badwater Basin – the lowest point in North America, about 282 feet below sea level.
- Furnace Creek – a small oasis area with visitor services and trails.
- Wild views of salt flats, colorful rocks, and desert mountains.
If you’re used to the buzz of Spring Valley traffic, the silence out here feels almost unreal.
Important: Death Valley can be extremely hot, especially in summer. Stay near your car, bring a cooler with plenty of water, and check for any park alerts before you go.
4. Dante’s View & Zabriskie Point – Epic Desert Vistas (Inyo County, CA)
Also in
Inyo County and part of Death Valley National Park, these two viewpoints are easy to visit together and work great for sunrise or sunset.
Dante’s View:
- High overlook more than a mile above the valley floor.
- Cooler temps than the valley below and huge sweeping views.
Zabriskie Point:
- Short walk from the parking lot to a viewpoint.
- Colorful, wavy badlands that glow in the early or late light.
From Spring Valley, plan on about 2.5 hours each way, depending on your route. It’s a long day, but many people do it as a single-day road trip from the Las Vegas area.
Photo tip: Bring a hat and maybe a simple tripod if you love sunrise or sunset shots. The light changes quickly and the scenery is dramatic.
5. Mojave National Preserve – Kelso Dunes & Desert Quiet (San Bernardino County, CA)
Head south and west into
San Bernardino County, California, and you’ll find the
Mojave National Preserve, about 1.5 to 2 hours from Spring Valley, depending on your entry point.
Kelso Dunes are one of the stars here:
- Huge sand dunes you can hike up for sweeping views.
- On some days, the sand can “sing” or “boom” as you walk (a natural sound phenomenon).
- Wide-open skies perfect for stargazing on clear nights.
The preserve feels remote, so once you’re there, you really sense how big the desert is.
Prepare for:
- Limited services (bring food, water, and a full gas tank).
- Soft sand on access roads to some areas.
6. Calico Ghost Town – Family-Friendly Old West Stop (San Bernardino County, CA)
Just off I-15 near Barstow in
San Bernardino County,
Calico Ghost Town is around 3 hours from Spring Valley. It’s a fun road trip break if you’re heading toward Southern California, but it also works as a dedicated day trip.
Why it’s great:
- Recreated mining town with wooden buildings and old-time decor.
- Shops, simple eateries, and seasonal events.
- Short tours and exhibits about mining history.
Is it touristy? Yes. But sometimes that’s part of the fun, especially with kids or friends who love Old West themes.
Money-saving idea: Check online for any available coupons or combo tickets before you go. Some hotels and travel sites offer discounts.
7. Cathedral Gorge State Park – Slot Canyons & Clay Spires (Lincoln County, NV)
Drive about 2.5 to 3 hours north from Spring Valley into
Lincoln County, Nevada, and you’ll reach
Cathedral Gorge State Park, one of Nevada’s most unique parks.
The landscape looks almost like a giant sandcastle:
- Tall, narrow clay formations you can wander through.
- Short slot-canyon style paths that are fun to explore.
- Quiet picnic areas with big-sky views.
If Zion or Bryce Canyon feel too far for a quick escape, this is a closer, less crowded alternative with a similar sense of “wow.”
Best time to go: Spring and fall usually offer the most comfortable weather. Summer can be hot, but mornings and evenings can still be pleasant.
8. Pioche & Echo Canyon State Park – Old Mining Town & Lakeside Relaxing (Lincoln County, NV)
Continue past Cathedral Gorge, and you’ll find the historic town of
Pioche and nearby
Echo Canyon State Park in Lincoln County, roughly 3 to 3.5 hours from Spring Valley.
In Pioche:
- Old buildings and mining history on the hillside.
- Atmosphere that feels like a true Nevada frontier town.
At Echo Canyon:
- Small reservoir for fishing, kayaking, or just relaxing by the water.
- Picnic spots and simple trails among cliffs and rock formations.
If you like combining a bit of history with quiet outdoor time, this pair makes a great weekend road trip from the Las Vegas area.
Road note: Services can be spread out. Top off your gas before leaving more populated areas.
9. Tonopah – Starry Skies & Old Silver Mines (Nye County, NV)
Head northwest about 3 to 3.5 hours and you’ll reach
Tonopah in
Nye County, Nevada. It feels like a real Nevada mining town, with a mix of old and new.
Highlights:
- Tonopah Historic Mining Park – explore old mine structures and learn how the town grew.
- Tonopah Stargazing Park – some of the darkest skies around, perfect for Milky Way viewing on clear nights.
- Classic small-town diners and bars for a low-key evening.
If you’ve never seen a truly dark night sky, Tonopah can be a jaw-dropping experience compared to light-heavy Spring Valley.
Packing tip: Bring a warm jacket, even in warmer months. Desert nights at higher elevation can get chilly.
10. Beatty & Rhyolite Ghost Town – Gateway to Desert History (Nye County, NV)
About 2 hours northwest of Spring Valley, you’ll find the tiny town of
Beatty in Nye County. Just outside town is
Rhyolite Ghost Town, one of Nevada’s most photogenic abandoned towns.
In Rhyolite:
- Old bank and train depot ruins set against desert hills.
- Scattered art installations and odd sculptures.
- Easy dirt roads you can typically handle in a standard car (check conditions).
Beatty often serves as a gateway to the eastern side of Death Valley, but it’s also a fun standalone road trip.
Combo idea: Make a loop: Spring Valley → Beatty → Rhyolite → Death Valley viewpoints → back home. It’s a full day, but many locals do this when they have visitors in town.
Simple Road Trip Tips from Spring Valley
To keep your
Spring Valley road trips fun and stress-free, a few basic habits go a long way:
- Check your gas – Desert distances can be deceiving. Fill up before leaving the metro area.
- Pack extra water – At least a gallon per person in hotter months, plus snacks.
- Download maps – Some areas in Nye, Lincoln, Inyo, and Mohave Counties have spotty cell service.
- Watch the weather – Heavy rain can cause flash floods in desert canyons and washes.
- Tell someone your general route if you’re heading somewhere remote.
Even short drives out of Clark County can feel like a full reset for your brain.
Where Will You Go First?
From
Spring Valley, Nevada, you’re surrounded by incredible options in
Mohave County, Inyo County, San Bernardino County, Lincoln County, and Nye County. Whether you’re into ghost towns, river days, starry skies, or dramatic desert views, there’s a short road trip waiting just outside Clark County.
Which of these spots sounds most like your style:
burros in Oatman, dunes in the Mojave, or ghost towns in Rhyolite?
Share your thoughts in the comments—and if you’ve already done a favorite day trip from Spring Valley, let everyone know what you loved about it.
If you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who live in the Las Vegas area or are planning a visit. Your shares and comments help more travelers discover these amazing out-of-county road trips near Spring Valley!
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