SITE MAP
Laughlin Leisure Guide
Visit The Laughlin Leisure Guide Home Page For More Laughlin Information

Laughlin Attractions, Parks & Recreational Areas
Big Bend
American Heros Veterans Museum
Chloride Mining Town
Christmas Tree Pass
Colorado River & Grand Canyon Bottom
Colorado River Museum
Cottonwood Cove
Davis Dam
Don Laughlin's Classic Car Collection
Gold Mine Tour
Grand Canyon National Park
Grapevine Canyon
Katherine Landing
Katherine Mine
Lake Havasu / London Bridge
Lake Mohave
Oatman Ghost Town
Parker Dam
Searchlight Mining Town
Spirit Mountain
Telephone Cove
Willow Beach

American Heros Veteran Museum - THIS VENUE HAS CLOSED
Visit this great museum honoring our American Forces. View a special multi-media presentation on 4 theater-sized screens. Sit in on an American Heros Veteran's Program and learn about their experiences in battle. Stroll through the museum. This is a venue the whole family will appreciate. Veterans enjoy free admission.
Located inside the Ramada Express Hotel at 2121 South Casino Drive
For more information contact: Ramada Express 800-522-4700.


Big Bend Of The Colorado State Recreation Area
This park starts below Laughlin on the shores of the Colorado River. The views of the river and mountains is dramatic. Currently, visitors enjoy picnicking, boating, fishing and swimming. Campgrounds and hiking trails are under construction. Summer temperatures in this park can easily reach 120 degrees.
Located 5 miles south of Laughlin on the Needles Hwy.
For more information contact: Big Bend Of The Colorado Recreation Area, P.O. Box 32850, Laughlin, NV, 89028-2850, 702-298-1859.


Chloride Mining Town
Located just south of the Hoover Dam off US 93 is the charming town of Chloride. Chloride derived its name from the ore in which many miners found caches of silver, gold, lead, zinc, and turquoise. Chloride began its boom in the late 1860's when silver was found on "Silver Hill." The town continued to grow to just over 2,000 residents by 1920. Two transportation lines served Chloride, the Butterfield Stage from 1868 to 1919 and the Santa Fe Railroad from 1898 to 1935. When the cost of mining materials and labor escalated in the mid 1940's, the mines were shut down. The townspeople left and it appeared Chloride would become a ghost town. But visitors to the area fell in love with the climate and the nearby Cerbat Mountains and settled there again. In 1966, Nevada's famous local artist, Roy Purcell, painted murals on the rocks high above the town near the mines. You can still visit these works of art but a 4-wheel drive vehicle or hiking in is suggested. Be sure to stop by the Tennesee Saloon for the finest $3.50 hamburger around. In the back room of the Visitor's Center you'll find a cache of fine old photographs depicting the beginnings of Chloride. The Infamous Gunfighters put on a great old west show on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays during the summer months. Chloride residents get together for All Town Yard Sales, Old Fashioned BBQ's, Auction Day, and Arts & Crafts Fairs during the year. This tiny tourist spot is a great place to see western hospitality.
For more information contact: Chloride Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 268, Chloride, AZ 86431, (520) 565-2204.



Christmas Tree Pass
Said to have been named because various trees along the dirt road were often decorated, this is actually the road into Grapevine Canyon. After several years the decorated trees became raucous and unmanageable, so the practice was banned.
Take State Highway 163 six miles west of Davis Dam. At mile marker 13 turn right onto a dirt road. Two miles up the road is a small parking area. Hike along the wash up into the canyon.


Colorado River & Grand Canyon Bottom
The Colorado River is famous for producing the massive and gorgeous Grand Canyon. But the river itself is a wonder to visit. Starting high in the mountains this long tributary bring waters from winter snowfall and carries it into the desert valleys. The region just below Las Vegas was regularly flooded each spring so it was decided in the 1930's to harbor the water behind the man-made wonder of Hoover Dam. This created the largest man-made recreational lake in the northern hemisphere, Lake Mead. Below the Dam the mighty Colorado River follows quickly yet gently through Black Canyon, know for its steep patined canyon walls and flourish of wildlife. Hidden hot springs and secluded beaches dot the river's edge all the way to Willow Beach. The Colorado also offers a side for the adventurous, white water, rapids, and swift currents may take the explorer on an exhilarating ride. There are only three ways to get to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Start at Hoover Dam or Willow Beach and take a river tour, canoeing or kayaking adventure, book an off-road tour or take the mule trail down. The mule trails are usually booked several years in advance.



Colorado River Museum
Directly across the Colorado River in Laughlin is the Colorado River Museum. A statue of Laughlin's founding father stands proudly by the entrance. This quiant little place includes lots of historical artifacts, photos, maps and other displays from the early settlers. On the other side of the building you'll find a hidden treasure. A train enthusiast has set-up and entire model train display compete with mining, bridges and mountain passes.
Located just north of the Laughlin Bridge on the Arizona side.
For more information contact: Colorado River Museum, 928-754-3399.


Cottonwood Cove
Located on the Nevada side of beautiful Lake Mohave, this is known as a family resort area. This natural desert oasis has been enhanced with beachfront lodging, a restaurant and a small sundries store. Children will enjoy swimming and playing on the beach. Those wishing a longer time in this lovely desert haven can rent a houseboat or deck cruiser. They also offer a National Park Service campground and RV camping area.
For more information contact: Cottonwood Cove, PO Box 1000, Cottonwood Cove, NV, 89046 or 702-297-1464.


Davis Dam
About 90 miles further downstream from Hoover Dam, just before you get to Laughlin, Nevada is Davis Dam. Completed in 1953 to control the frequent flooding on the Colorado river the dam made possible the development and commercialization of Laughlin, NV and Bullhead City, AZ. Self-guided tours have been discontinued at the present time.
For more information contact: Laughlin Visitors Bureau, PO Box 502, Laughlin, NV 89029, 800-452-8445.



Don Laughlin's Classic Car Collection
This museum offer visitors a chance to see the most unique cars ever invented. View over 80 rare, antique and historical automobiles, trucks and motorcycles. From Steve McQueen's battered motorcycle from the famous movie, "The Great Escape", to limousines once owned by famous notorious figures, you'll find something to keep your attention. There's even a classic horseless carriage!
Located inside the Riverside Hotel at 1650 South Casino Drive
For more information contact: Riverside Hotel 800-227-3849


Gold Mine Tour
This guided 45 minute tour takes you deep inside an actual gold mine. Guides are real miners who explain all the details of how this mine operated, how miners spent their days working and many other fascinating gold mining facts. In a tunnel too close to a shaft to quarry, visitors can see a genuine vein of gold running through the rock. An easy walking tour for the whole family. As you exit the mine area, the guides challenge visitors to select a small stone which may contain gold. Stones are examined at the end of the tour, if you pick one with gold, it's yours to keep.
Located 2 1/2 miles north of Oatman on old Route 66.
For more information contact: Gold Mine Tour, 928-768-1600.


Grand Canyon National Park
More than a mile deep, 217 miles long, and 4-18 miles wide, the Grand Canyon is among the most popular camping and hiking destinations and all around must-sees in the Southern Nevada area. Far at the very bottom flows the Colorado River offering whitewater as well as calm rafting. Most visitors prefer to simply visit the upper rim and gaze at the many natural formations and wide colorful vistas. Expect crowds in the more popular public areas most seasons except mid-winter. It's somewhat of a drive from Las Vegas being nearly 300 miles away by land to the nearest rim. You can drive to the public sites yourself, but there are numerous, excellent, affordable, bus, offroad vehicle, helicopter and airplane tours departing Las Vegas every day, to make the visit more informative and overall far more enjoyable, many of which even go to otherwise inaccessable areas by special arrangement.
For more information contact: Grand Canyon Information Center: 520-638-7888.



Grapevine Canyon
This wonderous piece of archeological history is definately worth a visit. Evidence of prehistoric indians who lived in this canyon are easily traced through the hundreds of petroglyphs (rock art drawings) decorating the canyon walls. Ancient ancestors of the Mohave people known as the Amacava built rock shelters here as early as 1100 AD. Southern Paiute people have also been known to camp in this canyon. A fresh water spring flows down the wash bringing Big Horn Sheep and other wildlife down from the mountains to feed on the plants growing in the canyon.
Take State Highway 163 six miles west of Davis Dam. At mile marker 13 turn right onto a dirt road. Two miles up the road is a small parking area. Hike along the wash up into the canyon.


Katherine Landing
This marina is part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. It is located near Davis Dam on the Arizona side of Lake Mohave. From this desert locale you can see spectacular Mohave sunsets and a galaxy of stars every night. The whole family will enjoy the various Ranger-led talks, hikes and other activites offered throughout the year. A bookstore and restrooms are on property. This is a fee entranced park.
Located 5 miles from Laughlin.
For more information contact: Katherine Landing Ranger Station, 928-754-3272.


Katherine Mine
Mining activities began in this area during the 1860's. Approximately 2000 tons of ore was mined from Katherine and was processed at nearby Sheeptrails Mills between 1900 and 1903. The mine was closed in 1904 and sold to Arizona Pyramid Mining Company. They re-opened the mine in 1907 and operated it for two years. When gold was discovered in Oatman in 1915, numerous mine shafts were sunk around the Katherine mine area in hopes of becoming rich. But in 1929 at the onset of the Great Depression, all mines were shut down. When gold price began to soar in 1933, several old mines were again re-opened. The Gold Standard Gold Mining Company purchased the Katherine Mine and worked the mine until April 1943 when it was officially closed by the War Production Board. Over $12,000,000 worth of gold was removed from this mine in the span of 40 years.
Leaving Katherine town site, take the first left past the Katherine Ranger Station. Park across the road from the Telephone Cove marker. Be careful of the deep sand. Hike up the wash to the right of the road through the chalk colored mine tailings. As you approach the mine entrance the path narrows. Warning: Old mines are dangerous and present safety hazards. Don't climb on mine tailings which may be unstable and collapse without warning. Don't enter mine shafts or tunnels around mine tailings. Stay on the trail at all times for your own safety.
For more information contact: Katherine Landing Ranger Station, 928-754-3272.


Lake Havasu / London Bridge
Yes, it's the real mccoy. A genuine London Bridge brought over stone by stone from bonny ol' England and reconstructed in 1971. This famous bridge has formed Lake Havasu's central focus of attraction, a modern "Old English Village" on the shore of the lake. You'll find dozens of gift shops, antique shops and cafes line in the village of this man-made lake north of Parker Dam. The crystal blues waters of this beautiful Mohave Desert lake provide a myriad of activites including boating, fishing, swimming and many other water sports. This is also the well known site of numerous televised water sports tournaments and college spring break activities.
For more information contact: Lake Havasu Tourist Bureau 800-242-8278.


Lake Mohave
At the end of Black Canyon the mighty Colorado River wides and becomes Lake Mohave. This lake regulates flash floods from the side washes below Hoover Dam. It is also a specatular spot for fishing, boating, swimming, camping and water sports. Many beaches are only accessible by water but houseboats, party boats, and waverunner rentals are available at various lakeside locations. For fish enthusiasts, you'll find Trout, Large Mouth and Striped Bass and Stripers. You can purchase a fishing license from either the Nevada or Arizona side of the lake and you'll be able to fish both locations.
For more information contact: Lake Mohave Resort at Katherine Landing 800-752-9669.


Oatman Ghost Town
About 20 miles East of Laughlin lies the ghost town of Oatman, AZ. Once a thriving mining town during the gold rush, wild burros now wander the streets of this popular TV and movie western backdrop. Although they never lived here, the town was named in memory of the Oatman family. Six of the nine family members were massacred by the Apaches near Gila Bend, Arizona. The Oatman Hotel located in the center of town is the oldest two story adobe building in Mojave County. Originally built in 1902, it was called the Durlin Hotel. Clark Gable and Carole Lombard spent their wedding night at the hotel after being married in Kingman, Arizona on March 29, 1939. It is also the home of Oatie the Ghost, Oatie, whose real name was William Ray Flour, came to Oatman from Ireland to work as a gold miner and lived in the hotel. It is told that he sent for his family to join him but neither his wife nor two children survived the trip. He died in 1930 behind the hotel after drinking himself to death. He still walks the halls of the hotel performing harmless pranks on tourists and employees alike. You can even rent out the Gable & Lombard Honeymoon Suite or Oatie's room if you have the nerve. On weekends you can take a trip back to the Old West as you experience free cowboy gunfights and showdowns on main street.
For more information contact: Oatman Chamber of Commerce, Arizona 520-768-3990.



Parker Dam
About 88 miles South of Laughlin and downstream from Davis Dam is Parker Dam. It is known as the worlds "DEEPEST" dam. 65 percent of its structural height is located under the water. This dam's construction made possible Lake Havasu in Arizona.
For more information contact: Parker Chamber of Commerce, 1217 California Ave, Parker, AZ 85344, 760-669-2174.

Searchlight
Just southeast of Las Vegas on your way toward Laughlin, you'll find the little town of Searchlight. G.F. Colton first laid claim to this area when he discovered gold ore here on May 6, 1897. Soon Colton's Duplex mine brought others to the area. In 1900, the Quartette Mining Company was formed and became the mainstay of the Searchlight district. It produced almost half of the entire area's total gold ore output. A 16 mile narrow-guage railroad was constructed to carry the ore from the hillside down to the mill located on the Colorado River. Searchlight began to boom in 1902 and reached its peak in 1907. Gold production reached over $4.5 million by 1940. On March 3, 1907, the 23.22 mile Barnwell and Searchlight Railroad connected the town with the then main Santa Fe Line from Needles to Mojave. But by 1919 trains were operating over the B & S Railroad only twice a week. A severe desert storm washed out the tracks on September 23, 1923. This halted traffic completely and the train service was never restored.


Spirit Mountain
This is the sacred grounds of the Yuman Indian people (Mohave, Hualapai, Yavapai, Havasupai, Quechan, Pai pai and Maricopa tribes). The highest peak in the Newberry Mountain range at 5,639 feet, Spirit Mountain, has played a prominent role in the religious and mythological beliefs of these people.It is believed to be the spiritual birthplace of the tribes. These Native Americans continue to use this area in their tribal ceremonies and cultural traditions. Named as a Traditional Cultural Property, it is also listed on the National Register of Historical Places. Please keep in mind the sacred significance of this beautiful area when visiting, by only taking photographs and not touching or defacing the petroglyphs.
Take State Highway 163 six miles west of Davis Dam. At mile marker 13 turn right onto a dirt road. Two miles up the road is a small parking area. Hike along the wash up into the canyon.


Telephone Cove
Two secluded beaches along a stretch of the Colorado River. Follow the paths away from the big beach to find cozy little private coves and inlets. An ideal spot for camping.
Located 5 miles from Laughlin just north of Katherine Landing.
For more information contact: Katherine Landing Ranger Station, 928-754-3272.


Willow Beach Harbor
Nestled along the banks of the Colorado River in Black Canyon, this little beach area is secluded and quiet. Rich with wildlife such as Geat Blue Herons, Big Horn Sheep and a wide variety of desert lizards, Willow Beach is a great place to spend an afternoon. Rafting excursions from Hoover Dam end their day's journey here. You'll also find a small store, boat rental service, boat gas and a National Park Service boat launch.
For more information contact: Willow Beach, HC-37, Box 12, Willow Beach, AZ 86445 or call 520-767-4747.
Return to Top

Return to Laughlin Leisure Guide Home Page

Created by PCAP;© Copyright 2004-2015
Contents may not be reproduced without express permission.