Whitney, Nevada: 10 Easy Road Trips Near Clark County Adventures

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10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips Near Whitney, Nevada (Perfect Weekend Escapes)

If you live in or around Whitney, Nevada, you probably know how easy it is to get stuck in the same routine. Same streets, same views, same weekend plans. But here’s the good news: within just a few hours’ drive, you’ve got deserts, mountains, ghost towns, hot springs, and even a quiet beach town on a lake waiting for you. In this guide, we’ll look at 10 short road trips outside Clark County into nearby counties like Mohave (AZ), Inyo (CA), San Bernardino (CA), Lincoln (NV), and Nye (NV). These are easy, mostly straight-shot drives that are perfect for a day trip or a simple overnight.

1. Laughlin, AZ & the Colorado River – Mohave County, Arizona

Looking for water, sunshine, and a laid-back vibe? Laughlin sits right on the Colorado RiverWhy go:
  • Relax by the river with sandy stretches and grassy picnic spots.
  • Hop on a river cruise at sunset for awesome desert views.
  • Rent jet skis or a small boat for a couple of hours of fun.
From Whitney, you’re looking at roughly a 2-hour drive, depending on traffic. It’s an easy, mostly desert highway ride, and once you arrive, you can park the car and walk along the riverfront. If you’re more into people-watching than power boating, grab a patio seat at one of the riverside restaurants, order a burger, and just take it all in. It’s the kind of simple trip that still feels like a real getaway.

2. Oatman, AZ – Wild Burros & Old West Charm (Mohave County)

If you’ve ever wanted to step into an Old West movie, Oatman in Mohave County is your spot. It’s a tiny historic town along old Route 66 where wild burros literally wander the streets. What to do:
  • Walk the wooden sidewalks and explore quirky storefronts.
  • Feed the burros (they’re friendly, but don’t tease them).
  • Catch a staged “gunfight” performance in the street on busy days.
The drive from Whitney is about 2.5 hours, and the last stretch on old Route 66 is full of curves and great views. If you like taking photos, you’ll stop more than you think you will. I still remember my first time there: I opened my car door and immediately had a burro nose in my bag. Lesson learned—keep the snacks zipped up.

3. Death Valley National Park – Badwater Basin & Artist’s Drive (Inyo County, CA)

Yes, it has a dramatic name, but Death Valley in Inyo County, California is one of the most beautiful places you can drive to from Whitney. Top spots to check out:
  • Badwater Basin – Stand on the famous salt flats, 282 feet below sea level.
  • Artist’s Drive – A scenic one-way loop through colorful hills; great for photos.
  • Zabriskie Point – Short walk to an overlook with otherworldly views.
You’re looking at about a 2.5–3 hour drive, depending on your route. Summer can be brutally hot (over 115°F), so fall, winter, and early spring are better for exploring. Bring:
  • Plenty of water (way more than you think; at least a gallon per person if you’re hiking).
  • Snacks and a cooler.
  • Good sun protection – hat, sunglasses, sunscreen.
Think of Death Valley as a giant outdoor museum full of strange landscapes. You don’t have to hike far; many of the best views are right off the road.

4. Shoshone & Tecopa Hot Springs – Desert Soak Getaway (Inyo County, CA)

If you like the idea of a quiet soak after a long week, head over the California line to the Shoshone and Tecopa area in Inyo County. Why it’s worth the drive:
  • Natural-feeling hot springs pools (some rustic, some more developed).
  • Peaceful desert views with big open skies.
  • Nearby hiking and birdwatching around wetlands and desert trails.
It’s around a 1.5–2 hour drive from Whitney, and it makes a nice mellow day trip. Come in the cooler months—soaking in hot water in the middle of summer heat isn’t most people’s idea of fun. It’s the kind of place where your phone finally feels quiet, the stars seem brighter, and the only schedule you have is, “Should we get out of the pool now… or in 10 minutes?”

5. Kelso Dunes & Mojave National Preserve – Giant Sand Dunes (San Bernardino County, CA)

Just across the border in San Bernardino County is the Mojave National Preserve, home to the towering Kelso Dunes. If you’ve never walked up a mountain of sand, this is your chance. What makes it special:
  • Dunes can rise up to about 650 feet high.
  • On certain days, the sand can “sing” or hum as you slide down.
  • Unreal sunsets with glowing pink and orange skies.
From Whitney, plan on roughly a 2.5-hour drive. The last section is on smaller desert roads, so be sure your gas tank is happy before you turn off the main highway. If you hike up, it’s tougher than it looks—walking in sand is like climbing a stair stepper at the gym. But you can stop anytime and just take in the silence. The vastness of the Mojave Desert has a way of putting everyday problems into perspective.

6. Baker, CA & Zzyzx Road – Strange Desert Stop (San Bernardino County, CA)

You’ve probably seen the exit sign for Zzyzx Road on drives to California and wondered what on earth that was. It leads to a quirky little area near Baker with desert scenery and a very odd history. Why stop here:
  • Stretch your legs around a small lake and palm trees in the middle of nowhere.
  • Walk among the remains of an old “health spa” site.
  • Enjoy wide-open desert views just off I‑15.
Baker itself is about a 2-hour drive from Whitney. You can combine this road trip with Kelso Dunes or use it as a fun pit stop on your way to somewhere farther in California. It’s one of those places that makes you say, “How does this even exist out here?” And that’s exactly what makes it memorable.

7. Caliente, NV – Historic Railroad Town & Red Rock Trails (Lincoln County, NV)

Head north from Whitney into Lincoln County and you’ll find Caliente, a small railroad town tucked against red cliffs and green trees. What to enjoy:
  • Stroll around the historic train depot and old buildings.
  • Check out nearby trails with red rock formations and desert views.
  • Use it as a base to explore nearby state parks (like Kershaw-Ryan).
Driving time is around 2.5–3 hours. The desert gradually gives way to more rugged hills and color as you head north. If you’re into photography, the mix of old railroad history and red cliffs makes for great shots. Plus, it’s much quieter than the big city—great if you need a mental reset.

8. Pioche, NV – Old-Time Mining Town Adventure (Lincoln County, NV)

Just a bit farther north in Lincoln County sits Pioche, a historic mining town that feels like it’s frozen in time. Highlights:
  • Explore old buildings and mining equipment around town.
  • Learn about its rowdy Wild West past—this place used to be tough.
  • Visit nearby viewpoints for sweeping high-desert scenery.
From Whitney, expect roughly a 3–3.5 hour drive, so this one works well as an overnight trip. Pair Pioche with Caliente or some of the nearby state parks for a full weekend. If you like ghost-town vibes but still want a few modern comforts (like a place to sleep and eat), Pioche hits that sweet spot.

9. Tonopah, NV – Stargazing & Creepy-Cool History (Nye County, NV)

In Nye County, about halfway between Las Vegas and Reno, sits Tonopah. It’s known for its dark skies and rich mining past. What to do there:
  • Stargazing – The area is famous for its incredibly clear night skies.
  • Visit the mining park to learn how miners lived and worked.
  • Walk around downtown and spot murals and historic buildings.
Distance-wise, Tonopah is a longer one—about a 3.5–4 hour drive—making it better for a weekend trip than a simple day trip. But for anyone who loves stars, it’s worth it. On a good night, the Milky Way looks like a bright river across the sky. If you ever feel like city lights are closing in on you, a night in Tonopah feels like pressing a reset button.

10. Pahrump, NV – Wineries, Desert Views, and a Laid-Back Pace (Nye County, NV)

Last but not least, there’s Pahrump in Nye County, an easy hop from Whitney and a great “mini-vacation” spot. Why visit:
  • Check out local wineries for tastings and tours.
  • Enjoy views of wide desert valleys and jagged mountains.
  • Use it as a starting point for other adventures in Nye County.
You’re only about 1–1.5 hours away, so this makes a comfortable half-day getaway. You can sleep in, hit the road late morning, and still be back home by dinner if you want. If you’ve been thinking, “I wish I could get out of town but I don’t have the time,” Pahrump is your answer. It’s close, relaxed, and low-stress.

Tips for Road-Tripping from Whitney, Nevada

To make these Whitney road trips smoother and more fun, keep a few basics in mind:
  • Check the weather – Desert heat, wind, or rare storms can affect driving and hiking.
  • Fuel up early – Some stretches in Nevada, California, and Arizona are long and empty.
  • Carry extra water – Especially for places like Death Valley and Mojave National Preserve.
  • Start early – You’ll beat traffic and have more time to explore.
  • Pack a simple day bag – Snacks, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a light jacket.
Once you get used to taking short drives out of the city, it becomes a habit. You might find yourself saying, “Let’s just see what’s out there this weekend,” and those spur-of-the-moment trips often become your favorite memories.

Where Will You Go First?

Living near Whitney, Nevada puts you in a sweet spot—within just a few hours you can reach:
  • Historic mining towns in Lincoln County and Nye County
  • Wild desert landscapes in San Bernardino County, CA
  • Riverside hangouts and quirky Old West towns in Mohave County, AZ
  • Otherworldly national parks in Inyo County, CA
So, which of these 10 out-of-county road trips from Whitney is calling your name? Are you more into hot springs, ghost towns, sand dunes, or stargazing? Share your thoughts in the comments:
  • Have you driven to any of these places from Whitney?
  • Do you have a favorite hidden spot in Mohave, Inyo, San Bernardino, Lincoln, or Nye County?
  • What road trip should be next on the list?
If you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends, family, or anyone in the Las Vegas Valley looking for fresh ideas for a weekend escape. The more we share local road trip ideas, the easier it is for everyone to get out and explore.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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