Grand Canyon Caverns (Peach Springs, AZ)
Located about 85 miles east of Laughlin, these caverns and the resort complex located on Route 66 were once the second most visited attraction in Arizona. These caverns are among the largest “dry” caverns in the U.S. Visitors can take guided tours of the cavern and even enjoy lunch more than 200 feet under the cedar and juniper studded hills in the Crystal Restaurant. Above ground the renovated 1960s restaurant and souvenir shop are a time capsule. As a bonus you can drive 60 scenic miles along iconic Route 66 from Kingman to the caverns. Recommend leaving early for a few stops along Route 66, touring the cavern, grabbing lunch locally, and then heading back to Laughlin in time for dinner or evening activities.
Grand Canyon West (Hualapai Tribal Land, AZ)
At approximately 120 miles from Laughlin, this destination demands a full-day commitment but offers significant payoff. This day trip is more than a stunning scenic drive. Enjoy one-of-a-kind views from the world-famous glass-bottom “Skywalk,” and or a journey into the depths of the awe-inspiring canyon on a thrilling helicopter ride. More thrills can be found with the 2,100 feet zip line that is suspended more than 700 feet above the floor of a multicolored side canyon. A trading post, walking trails, and Hulapai cultural ambassadors add to the memory making adventure. Recommend departing Laughlin at sunrise, driving to Kingman, and continuing north across the Hualapai Valley on Stockton Hill Road, spending midday on the rim with picture stops and lunch, and returning in the late afternoon or early evening.
White Cliffs Wagon Road Trail (Kingman, AZ)
About 35 miles from Laughlin, this trail system is located a from the historic business district in Kingman, Arizona, centers on a 19th century wagon road used to haul ore from Stockton Hill to the railroad. Deep wagon ruts worn in the rock in the shadow of towering cliffs, trails that wind to the top of mesas provide spectacular views of Kingman and the Cerbat mountain foothills. Trails range from moderate to hard. There are several trail heads including a scenic overlook park at the end of Fourth Street in Kingman that is perfect for a picnic. This adventure is ideally suited as a day trip for visitors overnighting in Laughlin who want a morning or afternoon escape. Add a lunch at one of the historic districts great restaurants followed by a dessert of gourmet ice cream at Scoops on 66 in historic downtown Kingman to ensure a memory making outing.
Cerbat Foothills Recreation Area (Kingman, AZ)
About 35 miles from Laughlin this expansive recreation zone features over 40 miles of multi-use trails for hiking or mountain biking. A highlight of the area is Monolith Gardens, stunning rock formations that have been described as a “miniature Monument Valley.” Historic trails such as the mid 19thcentury Mohave Prescott Road incorporated into the trail system enhance the outing. A short wheelchair accessible trail that connects the Beale Springs parking lot with the site of an 1870s military outpost is an example of the diversity found within this recreation area. Ideal for a picnic is the desert oasis that is Beale Springs. Recommend an early morning departure and a day of hiking with a picnic lunch before returning to Laughlin for dinner.
Hualapai Mountain Park (AZ – near Kingman)
Located about 45 miles from Laughlin, this pine forested island is in stark contrast to the harsh desert of the Colorado River Valley. The 12-mile drive from Kingman provides stunning views as the road climbs to higher elevations. Miles of shade dappled trails that lead to scenic overlooks and historic sites make this park ideal for a summer outing. And in the months of winter, driving from the desert into the mountains to play in the snow makes for quite a contrast. The park is well suited for a picnic and Hulapai Mountain Resort is ideal for a delicious lunch enjoyed with stunning views of deer, elk, and the towering mountains. Recommend a morning drive from Laughlin with stops to enjoy the views, a few short hikes, and a wonderful lunch at Hualapai Mountain Resort.
Oatman, Arizona
Located about 35 miles from Laughlin, the old mining town of Oatman nestled against the rugged Black Mountains, is fun for all ages. Located on historic Route 66, this is one of the liveliest ghost towns in Arizona. Discovery of a major gold deposit in the area at the dawn of the 20th century sparked Arizona’s last gold rush. Oatman is a tangible link to this territorial era history that is embraced with staged gunfights, and the semi wild burros that wander freely through town. An eclectic array of shops, and the historic Oatman hotel with restaurant and saloon make this a fun morning or afternoon adventure.
London Bridge & English Village (Lake Havasu City, AZ)
Located 75 miles from Laughlin, this day trip offers a fun road trip, some quirky history, and a bit of cultural exchange. A charming English styled village of shops and restaurants, and the original London Bridge on the shore of Lake Havasu ensure a day spent in Lake Havasu City will be memorable. It’s a unique atmosphere, a desert oasis with waterfront dining and boutique shops. This outing can easily fill a day but as the sun starts sinking in the west, hit the road so you can savor a stunning sunset from the shores of the Colorado River on the drive back to Laughlin for a dinner and show.
Route 66 between Topock & Seligman, AZ
As this drive is about 180 miles each way, you might want to break it up. On day one drive down the river to Topock and then follow Route 66 through the Black Mountains to Kingman before returning to Laughlin. The second day drive to Kingman, follow Route to Seligman, and follow I40 back to Topock before returning to Laughlin with a drive along the Colorado River. The drive from Topock to Seligman is over the longest remaining uninterrupted segment of Route 66. And the old highway through the Black Mountains is recognized as the most scenic portion of the old highway anywhere between Chicago and Santa Monica. Aside from scenic wonders there are an array of attractions including the old mining town of Oatman, Cool Springs station with its stunning views, the Powerhouse Visitor Center in Kingman, Giganticus Headicus, the historic Hackberry General Store, Keepers of the Wild wildlife sanctuary and nature park, Hulapai Lodge restaurant and gift shop, and Grand Canyon Caverns. Photo ops, one-of-a-kind dining options, quirky museums, and stunning views are counted among the highlights of this adventure.
Diamond Creek near Peach Springs, AZ
From Laughlin this is a drive of about 105 miles each way, some of which is over iconic Route 66. The last 20 miles is over a graded gravel road that can be rough in spots and is not recommended after rain. Diamond Creek Road provides the only vehicular access to the Colorado River in the entire 277-mile Grand Canyon. As might be expected, this is a stunning backcountry adventure. As this is Hualapai tribal land a permit is required and that can be acquired from the tribal office in Peach Springs. Four wheel drive is not needed but a high clearance vehicle is recommended. It is also recommended that before making the drive down Diamond Creek Road you ensure your vehicle is in good repair, that you carry water, and that you let people know when to expect your return. As this is a day trip with a back country experience an early morning start is best.
El Garces (Needles, California)
Needles, California is a historic dusty desert crossroads about thirty miles south of Laughlin that makes for a delightful morning, afternoon, or day trip. You can magnify the sense of adventure by driving south on the Nevada side of the river and returning to Laughlin for dinner and evening of entertainment with a drive on the Arizona side. Your first stop should be at the Needles Regional Museum on the original alignment of Route 66. At the museum you can arrange for a tour of the historic El Garces hotel/train-station complex that was also a Harvey House. A hearty lunch at Smashed Burger, a favorite for locals and travelers, can set the mood for a photo expedition. There are several picturesque old auto courts that date to the infancy of Route 66. Carty’s camp that appeared in the 1940 film adaptation of The Grapes of Wrath, and the iconic “Welcome Wagon” a 19th century freight wagon in a park that also has a National Old Trails Road marker from the early 1920s are other points of interest. Adding an event such as the annual Route 66 Info Fair scheduled for mid-February 2026 will enhance your visit to Needles.
Mojave Desert Heritage & Cultural Association (Goffs, California)
Located nearly 60 miles from Laughlin in the ghost town of Goffs is the Mojave Desert Heritage that is headquartered in a renovated 1914 mission style schoolhouse that also serves as a museum. Goffs has the distinction of being one of the first communities bypassed resultant of realignment of Route 66. In addition to exhibits that chronicle the history of Route 66 in the Mojave Desert, there are displays pertaining to Native American trade routes, the mid-19th century Mojave Road, regional mining and ranching, and the Arrowhead Highway and National Old Trails Road. An outdoor museum at the complex includes a 120-year-old functional ten stamp mill, vehicles, historic signage, and other relics. Goffs is a perfect place for train watchers. It should be noted that there are no services available so top off the tank before leaving Laughlin.
Mitchell Caverns State Park (California)
The crown jewel of Providence Mountains State Recreation Area about 85 miles from Laughlin is Mitchell Caverns. The caverns owned and operated by the state of California are named after Jack and Ida Mitchell that owned and operated the caves from 1934 to 1954 as a tourist attraction for travelers on nearby U.S. Route 66. The area became a state park in 1956. And the surrounding desert became a part of the National Park Service Mojave National Preserve in 1994. There are three caves but only “Tecopa” and “El Pakiva” are open to the public. These caves are the only limestone caves in the California State Park system. Connected by a man-made tunnel there are guided tours led by California State Park rangers.
Chloride, Arizona
Located 40 miles from Laughlin, the sleepy village of Chloride is the oldest continuously inhabited mining town in Arizona. Quirky charm, photo op relics such as the old Arizona & Utah Railroad Depot, and mining relics at Yesterday’s restaurant, and the stunning backdrop of the Cerbat Mountains make Chloride a fun day trip destination. The most popular attraction is The Journey, murals created by acclaimed artist Roy Purcell in 1966. The murals were painted on a towering rock outcrop in the foothills of the Cerbat Mountains about a mile from Chloride. In 2005, with assistance from family and friends, Purcell repainted, and added new images, to the famous mural. The historic cemetery is also a popular attraction.
Nelson, Nevada/El Dorado Canyon
Located 75 miles north of Laughlin is the faded old town of Nelson nestled in picturesque El Dorado Canyon. The first mining camp was established before the American Civil War, and it soon became a boom town as well as important river boat landing on the Colorado River. But this little desert village of less than forty people have an interesting Hollywood connection as the weathered buildings, relics, and stunning landscapes makes it a popular location for the filming of movies as well as music videos. A partial list of movies filmed in Nelson include Breakdown (1997), 3000 Miles to Graceland (2001), and Night of the Tommyknockers (2022). Journey and Beyoncé filmed music videos in Nelson. A highlight of a visit to Nelson is the Techatticup Mine tour.
Kingman Tours (Kingman, AZ) –
About 35 miles from Laughlin, this self-guided, narrated walking tour along the Route 66 corridor and through the historic business district is a great way to learn about Kingman’s colorful characters, the stories behind a diverse array of public art, and a surprising Hollywood and sports history. It also is an opportunity to explore territorial era saloons, eclectic shops, art galleries, and enjoy a wonderful lunch at one of the many restaurants. The tour developed by Talisman Magic Marketing for Kingman Main Street is an educational resource for learning more about Kingman and Route 66, and a planning tool as the corresponding website features an expansive events calendar for the Kingman area. The tour is narrated by author, humorist, and historian Jim Hinckley, developer of the Jim Hinckley’s America network.
Grapevine Canyon
Located about 15 miles north of Laughlin, Grapevine Canyon is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) as part of the Spirit Mountain Wilderness and Lake Mead National Recreation Area in a significant petroglyph site. It features hundreds of ancient petroglyphs and is an area sacred for the Mohave people. The road to the Grapevine Canyon trailhead is about two miles on a dirt road and is best suited for high-clearance or 4WD vehicles. A moderate, 3.3-mile out-and-back trail continues further into the canyon beyond the initial petroglyph area.
Day trips provided by Jim Hinckley’s America