10 Easy Road Trips From Laughlin, Nevada: Iconic Things To Do Just Outside Clark County
If you’re staying in
Laughlin, Nevada and want to explore more of the Southwest, you’re in a perfect spot. Within just a few hours’ drive, you can reach red rock canyons, ghost towns, hot springs, and even the lowest point in North America.
The best part? These are all
out-of-county road trips, so you’ll be stepping beyond Clark County and into nearby parts of
Mohave County (Arizona),
San Bernardino County (California),
Inyo County (California),
Lincoln County (Nevada), and
Nye County (Nevada).
Let’s hit the road.
1. Oatman, Arizona – Wild Burros and Route 66 Charm
If you only have time for one quick road trip from Laughlin, make it
Oatman in
Mohave County, Arizona. It’s about 45 minutes from Laughlin along an old stretch of
Historic Route 66.
This tiny former mining town looks like a movie set. The wooden sidewalks creak, the buildings lean a little, and you half expect a cowboy to walk out of the saloon.
But the real stars here are the
wild burros that roam the streets.
- Many are descendants of miners’ pack animals.
- They stroll right down the main road, often stopping traffic.
- You’ll find shops selling “burro-safe” treats.
On busy weekends, you might catch mock
gunfight shows right in the street. The town is also packed with fun Route 66 souvenirs, old-timey photo studios, and classic biker bars.
If you love quirky roadside Americana, this little Arizona town is a must.
2. Lake Havasu City, Arizona – The London Bridge in the Desert
About 1.5 hours southeast of Laughlin, still in
Mohave County, AZ, you’ll hit
Lake Havasu City. It’s famous for something that sounds like a joke: the real
London Bridge…in the Arizona desert.
An American businessman actually bought the bridge from London in the late 1960s, shipped it over piece by piece, and rebuilt it across a man-made canal here. And yes, you can walk or drive over it.
Fun things to do in Lake Havasu City:
- Walk under and across the London Bridge.
- Rent a boat, kayak, or jet ski and enjoy Lake Havasu.
- Stroll along the English Village area with shops and restaurants.
- Relax on the sandy shoreline at Rotary Community Park.
The vibe here is very laid-back, especially in the cooler months. In spring, it can feel like a classic lakeside party town.
3. Kingman, Arizona – Route 66 Museums and Train History
Head about an hour east of Laughlin and you’ll find
Kingman, also in
Mohave County, AZ. Kingman doesn’t shout for attention, but it’s one of those towns that grows on you the longer you walk around.
This is real
Route 66 country, and the city leans into that:
- Arizona Route 66 Museum – A compact but interesting museum that walks you through the Mother Road’s history.
- Historic downtown – Old motels, neon signs, mom-and-pop diners.
- Locomotive Park – With a huge old steam engine kids love to gawk at.
If you’re into classic cars, old trains, and small-town diners with big plates of food, Kingman makes a great half-day trip from Laughlin.
4. Death Valley National Park (Inyo County, CA) – Otherworldly Desert Landscapes
A longer but unforgettable trip is to
Death Valley National Park in
Inyo County, California. Driving time from Laughlin will usually be around 3–4 hours, depending on your route, but the scenery is worth every mile.
This place feels like another planet.
Highlights in the Inyo County side of Death Valley include:
- Badwater Basin – About 282 feet below sea level, the lowest point in North America.
- Zabriskie Point – Famous sunrise and sunset viewpoint with wavy golden hills.
- Dante’s View – Panoramic viewpoint high above the valley floor.
- Artist’s Drive & Artist’s Palette – A scenic loop through colorful, mineral-stained hills.
Be smart about the weather here. In summer, the heat can be downright dangerous, with temperatures soaring well above 110°F. Bring more water than you think you’ll need, and make sure your car is in good shape.
5. Shoshone, California & Southern Death Valley Gateway
If you’d like a gentler introduction to the region around Death Valley, consider a trip to the tiny community of
Shoshone in the southern part of
Inyo County, CA. It’s a few hours from Laughlin, and it feels like a classic desert outpost.
Shoshone is small, but it’s a handy base or quick stop if you’re heading toward Death Valley:
- Check out the local Shoshone Museum for history and geology exhibits.
- Walk the nearby nature trails with date palms, marshes, and desert views.
- Look for old miner’s cabins and desert ruins in the area.
This is one of those places where you sit on a porch in the evening, watch the sky turn orange and purple, and realize how quiet the desert can be.
6. Mojave National Preserve (San Bernardino County, CA) – Giant Dunes and Joshua Trees
About 1.5–2 hours southwest of Laughlin, you’ll reach the huge open spaces of the
Mojave National Preserve in
San Bernardino County, California. If you like wide-open roads and not seeing many people, this is your spot.
Top things to see in the preserve:
- Kelso Dunes – Massive sand dunes you can hike up. On the way down, sometimes the sand actually “sings” or rumbles.
- Joshua tree forests – Not as famous as Joshua Tree National Park, but still packed with these strange, twisty trees.
- Kelso Depot Visitor Center (check hours) – A historic train depot turned visitor center.
Most of the roads are paved, but some are rough. Check road conditions before you go. Bring plenty of water and a full tank of gas; services can be far apart.
7. Calico Ghost Town, California – Family-Friendly Old West Fun
Near Barstow in
San Bernardino County, CA, about 3 hours from Laughlin, you’ll find
Calico Ghost Town. It’s a former silver mining town that’s been restored and turned into a park and tourist attraction.
Yes, it’s touristy. But it’s also a lot of fun, especially if you’re traveling with kids or just enjoy Old West history.
What to do at Calico:
- Wander through preserved and reconstructed mining buildings.
- Take a short mine tour to see where silver used to be pulled from the earth.
- Browse gift shops for Western-themed souvenirs and candy.
- Enjoy staged events on weekends and holidays.
Think of it as a cross between a real ghost town and an Old West theme park. Cheesy? A little. Memorable? Definitely.
8. Cathedral Gorge State Park (Lincoln County, NV) – Slot Canyons Without the Crowds
Head about 3.5–4 hours north from Laughlin into
Lincoln County, Nevada, and you’ll discover
Cathedral Gorge State Park. It’s one of Nevada’s most underrated parks and a fantastic road trip destination.
The park is filled with soft, eroded clay spires and narrow slot canyons. From a distance, the formations look like melted castles or church cathedrals, which is how the park got its name.
Things to enjoy here:
- Short hikes weaving through narrow slot-like passages.
- Easy viewpoints right off the main road through the park.
- Wide-open skies perfect for stargazing.
The trails are generally short and not too hard, but it can get hot. Spring and fall are ideal. If you’re used to crowded national parks, the quiet here will feel like a luxury.
9. Pioche and the Historic Mining Country of Lincoln County, NV
As you explore Lincoln County, don’t miss
Pioche, a historic mining town not far from Cathedral Gorge. It’s one of Nevada’s classic “rough and tumble” Old West towns.
In the late 1800s, Pioche had a reputation for being so wild that more men reportedly died from violence than from mining accidents.
Today, it’s quiet, but the history is still on display:
- Visit the old Million Dollar Courthouse, which cost way more than planned back in the day.
- See the remains of the old aerial tramway that carried ore buckets over town.
- Walk the historic cemetery with interesting (and sometimes grim) tombstone stories.
If you like small towns with big stories, Pioche is a fun, off-the-beaten-path stop on your Nevada road trip loop.
10. Tonopah, Nevada – Stargazing and the “Mizpah” Hotel
For a deeper dive into central Nevada, head to
Tonopah in
Nye County, NV. It’s a longer drive—around 5 hours from Laughlin—so this works best as an overnight trip or part of a bigger Nevada road adventure.
Tonopah is known for two main things:
- Mining history – The Tonopah Historic Mining Park lets you walk through old mine structures, learn how ore was processed, and see early mining gear up close.
- Dark skies – The town has some of the best stargazing in the country, with minimal light pollution. The Tonopah Star Trails area is especially popular.
The historic
Mizpah Hotel is a classic early-1900s hotel with creaky floors, old photographs, and plenty of stories. Some say it’s haunted; others just enjoy the vintage style and strong sense of history.
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you were in a Western movie under a galaxy of stars, Tonopah delivers.
Tips for Planning Road Trips From Laughlin
To make the most of these out-of-county adventures around Laughlin, keep these simple tips in mind:
- Fuel up often: In Nevada and the California/Arizona desert, gas stations can be far apart. Don’t risk driving on “E.”
- Carry extra water: A gallon per person per day is a good rule of thumb in hot months.
- Check the weather: Summer heat, flash floods, and winter mountain conditions can all affect your plans.
- Verify park hours and fees: Especially for places like Death Valley, Mojave National Preserve, and Cathedral Gorge State Park.
- Bring layers: Deserts can be hot by day and surprisingly cool at night.
Some days you might just want a short drive to Oatman or Kingman. Other days, you may feel like taking on a bigger loop through Death Valley or up into Nevada’s high desert. Either way, Laughlin makes a great base.
Where Will You Go First?
Living or vacationing in
Laughlin, NV puts you within reach of some of the most unique spots in
Nevada, Arizona, and California. From burro-filled streets in Oatman to the alien landscapes of Death Valley and the hidden slot canyons of Cathedral Gorge, there’s no shortage of
day trips and weekend road trips waiting just beyond Clark County.
Which of these 10 road trips are you adding to your list? Did I miss one of your favorite out-of-county places near Laughlin?
Share this post with your travel buddies, and if you’ve done any of these drives,
drop a comment with your tips, stories, or hidden-gem stops along the way. Your experience might be exactly what another traveler needs to plan their next adventure.
Comments
Post a Comment