Off-Road Day Trips Near Laughlin

Laughlin makes a good base for exploring. Within a short drive you can reach a historic Route 66 town, a quiet mountain pass, ancient rock art and a long lake made by a dam. Here are the trips we think are most worth your time, with notes on how to fit them into a day.

Oatman and the burros

Cross the river into Arizona and climb into the Black Mountains to Oatman, a former gold camp on old Route 66 where wild burros wander the main street. It's a classic day trip from Laughlin, and it's easy to combine with a drive over the old highway. Read the Oatman guide and the burros guide.

Good for: history, photos, families, a half day.

Christmas Tree Pass

A graded dirt road over the Newberry Mountains west of town, through boulder fields and junipers, with wide desert views. Check road conditions first; storms can wash out sections. See the Christmas Tree Pass guide.

Good for: scenery, quiet, cooler months.

Grapevine Canyon petroglyphs

Near the southern end of Christmas Tree Pass, a short walk leads to ancient petroglyphs on dark basalt near the canyon's mouth. It's a moving place; visit respectfully, stay on the path and never touch the rock art.

Good for: a short walk, cultural history, combining with the pass.

Davis Dam and the riverside trails

Just north of town, Davis Dam spans the river between Nevada and Arizona. It was completed in 1951 and isn't open for public visits inside, but you can see it from the riverside trails of the Colorado River Heritage Greenway, which has about nine miles of paths, picnic shelters and fishing piers.

Good for: an easy morning walk, a picnic, a view of the dam.

Lake Mohave

Behind Davis Dam, Lake Mohave stretches north between rugged desert mountains. It's part of Lake Mead National Recreation Area, with places to launch a boat, swim, paddle and fish. The coves are lovely in the cooler months.

Good for: water time, paddling, a slower day.

Old Route 66 over Sitgreaves Pass

Beyond Oatman, the old highway climbs to Sitgreaves Pass, at about 3,586 feet, with hairpin curves and wide views, as part of the Route 66 Historic Back Country Byway. It's a memorable drive for confident drivers. Take it slowly and pull over only where it's safe.

Good for: road-trippers, photographers, Route 66 fans.

Combining trips

Oatman and Christmas Tree Pass sit on opposite sides of the river, so doing both in one day means a fair amount of driving. A good rhythm: Oatman in the morning while it's cooler and calmer, a break for lunch, then the pass in the softer afternoon light, finishing with daylight to spare. Or let us do the driving with a guided trip.

Picking the season

Fall through spring is the most comfortable time for desert day trips. In summer, plan early starts, carry extra water and keep outdoor stops short. Check our what to bring list before you head out.

Questions