From desert trails to dynamic nights, few places offer the contrast that makes Laughlin, Nevada the perfect weekend getaway. Spend the morning climbing rugged desert trails or riding along historic wagon routes. Then enjoy a gourmet dinner followed by a stroll along a lively riverfront filled with music, lights, and starlit desert skies. It’s the kind of day that starts with the silence of the desert and ends with laughter echoing across the Colorado River.
For travelers who like to earn their evening entertainment, Laughlin sits in the middle of a remarkable outdoor playground. Short scenic drives lead to rugged mountain bike and hiking networks, historic wagon roads, deep desert canyons, and sweeping Mojave Desert landscapes. After a day out on the trails, a dinner enjoyed with sweeping views of the river and nightlife that ranges from world class to concerts to top name comedians, feels like a well-deserved reward.
From Desert Trails
East of Laughlin the formidable Black Mountains loom over the Colorado River Valley. The rugged beauty of the Secret Pass area is a backcountry route popular with hikers, off-road explorers, and mountain bikers looking for solitude. The trail winds past a natural arch, and through the Black Mountains where the terrain shifts between sandy washes, rocky ridges, and shaded canyons.
Riders appreciate the rolling elevation changes and wide-open views across the Colorado River Valley. Early morning rides often bring encounters with desert wildlife such as jackrabbits, coyotes, and the occasional bighorn sheep moving through the hills. A stunning sunrise provides added incentive to beat the heat and take to the trails early.
Journey Through Time
About 35 miles from Laughlin near Kingman, Arizona along U.S. 93, the expansive Cerbat Foothills Recreation Area offers more than 40 miles of interconnected trails ideal for hiking, trail running, horseback riding, and mountain biking. This 11,300-acre recreation area climbs through the foothills of the picturesque Cerbat Mountains and provides sweeping views of Kingman with the towering Hualapai Mountains as a backdrop.
There are also desert oasis and historic sites such as Beale Springs and Coyote Springs. Some segments of trails offer opportunities for short wheelchair accessible options.
These trails are highly recommended by outdoor enthusiasts. The crown jewel of the trail system is Monolith Garden Trail that passes through towering rock formations and a valley that has been described as a miniature Monument Valley. The Castle Rock and Rattler Trails are longer routes that climb higher and deeper into the foothills, rewarding hikers with sweeping desert panoramas.
The trail network is best explored between October and April when temperatures are comfortable. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, making early morning outings essential.
Desert Oasis
Also near Kingman is a delightful moderate hike that blends awe inspiring desert scenery with Old West history. The White Cliffs Wagon Road Trail and connected trails present the illusion of being deep within a desert wilderness all while being just a short walk from gourmet coffee at Mudd on 66 or a cold beer in the Sportsman’s Club, a 1906 saloon.
The White Cliffs Wagon Road was built in the late 19th century to connect the railhead in Kingman with the mines in the hills above Stockton, a ghost town in the Cerbat Mountains. Connected trails climb to the tops of mesas with the reward being stunning landscapes that stretch to the distant horizon.
From the primary trail head parking lot, the loop hike that includes the wagon road is roughly 2.4 miles round trip and is moderately challenging. A recommended trail head is the scenic overlook at the end of Fourth Street behind the historic Mohave County Courthouse. The picnic area and scenic overlook is a destination for hikers or Route 66 travelers.
It should be noted that desert landscapes are beautiful but demand respect. A few common-sense precautions will ensure a safe as well as enjoyable adventure.
A Word of Caution
During late spring, and especially during the months of summer, daytime temperatures can climb rapidly. So, begin hikes early in the morning and avoid afternoon heat. Starting early enough to enjoy a sunrise could be a bonus.
Water is available at several trailheads. But there is no drinking water on the trail. Aside from the oasis such as Beale Springs, there is little shade. That makes hydration essential.
So, always carry water. Carry more than you might need. If you don’t need it, you might find someone on the trail that does.
Include a check on the weather when making plans. Sudden storms, especially in the summer, can trigger flash floods in desert washes and canyon trails. Avoid hiking if thunderstorms threaten.
Tell someone your plans. Cell service can be unreliable in remote areas. Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return.
Watch wildlife and be aware. The Mojave Desert, Colorado River Valley, and western Arizona are home to rattlesnakes, desert tortoises, and a diverse array of wildlife. This may make for great photos but stay on the trail and watch where you step.
Many of the best trail systems are well marked. Still, intersecting paths can be confusing in open desert terrain. Don’t just depend on your phone. Have navigation aids and know how to use them.
Dynamic Nights
Regardless of what desert adventure you choose, an evening in Laughlin is the perfect way to wrap up a day spent on desert trails. After a day of hiking ridgelines or mountain biking through a canyon, Laughlin’s riverfront casinos and entertainment venues offer a welcome shift in tempo. The city’s nightlife has relaxed energy, a bit less glitz than Las Vegas but still plenty of fun.
And after a long desert hike, nothing tastes better than a cold drink and a hearty meal. Laughlin’s restaurants range from casual riverfront grills to steakhouses and seafood spots perfect for unwinding after a day outdoors.
After the sun goes down, the evening starts with a stroll along the Laughlin Riverwalk, where restaurants, bars, and casino lights reflect across the Colorado River. Many Laughlin resorts host nightly live music, ranging from classic rock cover bands to country and blues, and comedy shows from acclaimed comedians such as Jay Leno. The entertainment venues along the river are especially popular.
In Laughlin, adventure and entertainment live side by side. Morning might find you riding dusty desert trails beneath wide blue skies. Afternoon might be spent exploring the grooves of a 19th-century wagon road or descending into a canyon toward hidden hot springs.
Then evening arrives, the air cools, and the lights are reflected in the river. That’s when the boots come off, the music starts, and Laughlin’s nightlife takes over. In this desert paradise the memory making days don’t end when the sun goes down.
Written by Jim HInckley’s America where adventures are shared.