Where Colorado River adventures begin and end is dynamic, vibrant Laughlin, Nevada. Kissed by the sun year-round, Laughlin sits poised on the banks of the mighty Colorado River. That makes us a gateway to aquatic adventures that stretch from the cool waters below Davis Dam all the way to the oasis of Lake Havasu near Parker Dam.
This is the kind of place where your day starts with a sunrise over shimmering river waters and ends with a delicious dinner as a fiery desert sunset sets the surrounding mountains ablaze.
Whether you’re a seasoned paddler, angler, swimmer, or family looking to explore the scenic wonders of the Colorado River Valley, Laughlin is more than a resort town. With a laid-back vibe that perfectly complements its stunning desert setting, this corner of Nevada blends world-class gaming, entertainment, and dining with a rugged outdoor playground that draws adventurers from throughout the world.
At the heart of Laughlin’s outdoor charm is the Colorado River. This desert lifeline winds through desert canyons, a picturesque desert valley, and leads to sandy coves as well as accessible recreation spots.
Stroll along the aptly named Riverwalk under a starlit desert sky. This landscaped pathway that threads past casinos and cafes with sweeping river views adds another layer to the charm of Laughlin.
For those ready to feel sand beneath their toes, the shoreline at Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area offers a delightful beach. Just a short river ride or drive from Laughlin, the park’s calm waters, picnic spots, and gentle trails make it a favorite for swimming, boating, hiking, and wildlife watching.
If you’re keen to stretch your legs before pulling up an oar, the Colorado River Heritage Greenway Trail unfurls for miles alongside the river. With David Dam as a backdrop this family-friendly route is perfect for biking, hiking, and catching sight of native waterfowl and desert blooms.
A few miles north of Laughlin, Davis Dam marks the beginning of a broader river story. Built across Pyramid Canyon, the dam creates Lake Mohave, a 67-mile expanse of clear water flanked by desert mountains. The cool, calm waters are ideal for a swim at Katherine Landing or Kennedy Cove, for launching kayaks and paddleboards, and for fishing outings where striped bass are the reward for the patient angler.
This stretch of the Colorado River that transitions from controlled reservoir behind Davis Dam to freer, flowing river is a playground for those who crave both peace and paddling. It’s easy to lose hours exploring the quiet coves or simply watching kayaks drift past.
Continue downstream and the river begins to tell another story. Rugged canyons and ancient landscapes embrace the river south of Topock.
Near the resort at Topock, the river cuts through volcanic rock and red cliffs that seem to rise like sentinels guarding a quieter world. Nearby the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge preserves more than 30 miles of Colorado River shoreline and marshland. The refuge is a haven for birders and wildlife watchers, and the emerald waters that wind through Topock Gorge offer dramatic views and steep canyon walls that make every paddle feel like an expedition.
Ancient Mojave people left petroglyphs amid the dramatic rock formations that have long been waypoints for travelers navigating the lower Colorado’s reaches. Kayakers and boaters regularly launch into this rugged stretch, seeking hidden coves, wildlife such as big horn sheep, and silence that seems impossibly rare in a world still chasing speed.
As the Colorado River widens again and approaches Parker Dam, you’ll encounter Lake Havasu. This is a deep, expansive reservoir that’s become a desert legend. Here the river becomes a hub for water sports, beach picnics, and family fun. Fishing, sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, scuba diving, and jet skiing are all on the menu, and the shores around Lake Havasu buzz with activity from dawn to dusk.
Follow the channel to the unforgettable sight of the historic London Bridge in Lake Havasu City. This quirky, iconic landmark transplanted from England now stretches over shimmering Arizona waters. It’s one of those “only here” sights that feels perfectly natural alongside so many scenic river panoramas.
Downriver toward Parker Dam, scenic overlooks offer glimpses across marshland and river bends where waterbirds nest, fish leap, and the river continues its age-old journey through the desert.
Whether you choose Laughlin as the start, the end, or the destination for your Colorado River pilgrimage, this stretch of river delivers the best kind of adventure. It is the kind that fills your boots with sand, your camera with memories, and your spirit with wonder.
From shaded canyon walls to sun-glittered reservoirs, this is the Colorado River at its most welcoming and wild. So, pack your day bag, set your sights on Laughlin, and let this storied river show you a side of the Southwest that you’ll want to come back to again and again.
Written by Jim Hinckley of Jim Hinckley’s America