The best day trips from Lake Havasu City
About Lake Havasu City
Lake Havasu City is Arizona’s top destination for those who are looking for outdoor adventures and fun activities. A variety of affordable relaxation options makes Lake Havasu City a perfect home base for day trips in Arizona’s west. In this article, we will share top day trip ideas around Lake Havasu City that you won’t find anywhere else in the country.
#1: Mojave National Preserve
Located 73 miles from Lake Havasu City, Mojave National Preserve attracts visitors with its water-sculpted canyons, impressive sand dunes, volcanic formations, and carpets of spring wildflowers. This 1.6-million-acre preserve is home to amazing landscapes reaching to a desert horizon that allow travelers to take some great shots.
Grab a bottle of water and go on a hike to the panoramic Teutonia Peak. Or enjoy the sunset spot near Kelso Dunes together with your loved ones. In any case, be sure to plan your visit in advance to explore all the preserve’s highlights during your trip. Admission is free of charge, which is particularly enjoyable if you are traveling on a budget.
#2: Oatman
Each year, over 500,000 visitors come to the old town of Oatman to explore the gold mine history of the place. Oatman prides itself on preserving the feel of Wild West, with wooden sidewalks, old saloons, and rusted mine carts. A highlight of Oatman is wild burros (donkeys) that roam in and out of town: they are descendants of the burros brought here by miners a hundred years ago.
Before you leave Oatman, don’t forget to visit a few souvenir stores and enjoy a couple of drinks at a local salon. You won’t be disappointed!
#3: Hualapai Mountain Park
Regardless if you are traveling in summer or winter time, you will love this 2300-acre park located a 90-minute drive north of Lake Havasu City. Enjoy the beauty of the mountains, go on a long hike, or have a barbeque in the forest. There are numerous camping grounds, cabins for rent, and restaurants, where you can watch mule deer and elk right from the window.
You can stay in a campsite (there are over 70 to choose from) or opt for a comfortable lodge that can house up to 10 people. Picnic tables and grills are widely available.
#4: Laughlin
If you are up for some gaming but do not want to drive all the way to Las Vegas, Laughlin is your perfect choice! Located about 70 miles north of Lake Havasu City, this place is called mini-Vegas with Nevada-style gaming. Test your luck in one of Laughlin’s casinos, enjoy spectacular live entertainment, and grab a dinner at a nice restaurant with a breathtaking view. Relaxed small-town atmosphere, together with plenty opportunities for entertainment for all age groups make Laughlin a great destination for those who are looking for a weekend getaway from Lake Havasu City!