48 Hours in Laughlin, Nevada: Desert Adventures and Riverside Escapes Beyond the Casinos
Don Laughlin transformed a remote miner's outpost into Laughlin in the mid-1960s. What began as six acres along the Colorado River at Nevada's southern tip has evolved into a vibrant riverside destination with nine casinos and thousands of hotel rooms.
This ghost town turned boomtown captivated me with its history and affordable rates. But I was drawn to its role as a gateway to year-round desert adventures. Here's my firsthand account of an unforgettable 48-hour weekend—and how you can recreate it.
Day One
Start with Petroglyphs at Grapevine Canyon
Before dawn, I headed to Grapevine Canyon, a short drive from town featuring ancient rock art and a desert spring. My Jeep navigated sand dunes and sagebrush as sunlight illuminated Spirit Mountain, sacred to indigenous peoples for millennia.
Petroglyphs depict bighorn sheep ancestors and enigmatic figures. Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, the site boasts petroglyph-covered boulders. Ambitious hikers can tackle the 3.6-mile trail to more art and a waterfall. Refreshed, I returned to Laughlin for river thrills.
Colorado River Adventure
At the Riverwalk dock, my Rocky River Tours Adventure Center instructor briefed me on WaveRunner handling before I explored the Colorado River, showcasing Laughlin's iconic Casino Row skyline.
Experienced riders dodge swimmers and anglers amid crystal-clear waters. Beginners benefit from mandatory instruction. Alternatives include kayaking, speedboating, or tubing. After racing past Harrah’s private beach, I sought relaxation.
Afternoon at Aquarius Casino Resort
Laughlin's largest gaming resort, the Aquarius Casino Resort, features a 34,000-square-foot pool oasis with 100 chaise lounges, nine cabanas, two hot tubs, and river views. Enjoy poolside food, cocktails, and cabana perks like fridges and fans—perfect post-adventure.
Evening: Riverwalk and Dining
The three-mile Riverwalk links casinos to Davis Dam, ideal at sunset. From my midpoint hotel, I strolled to the neon River Rick at Pioneer Hotel & Gambling Hall, then dined at Bubba Gump.
As mountains glowed in copper, mauve, and plum hues, I savored Shrimper’s Heaven: coconut, grilled, crispy, and tempura shrimp with assorted sauces. For dessert, Brew Brothers Tap House at Tropicana offered award-winning beers and indulgent milkshakes.
Day Two
Morning Road Trip and Pontoon Tour
A 45-minute drive to Topock, Arizona, led to my Topock Jet Ski and Boat Rentals pontoon for a three-hour Topock Gorge tour. Steep cliffs hide petroglyphs, bighorn sheep, and 300 bird species.
Explore Oatman
Route 66's 21-mile stretch reaches Oatman, a historic mining town with false-front shops, saloons, and friendly burros descended from mine workers.
The dusty streets evoke the Old West amid a population under 200.
Afternoon Spa Retreat
Back in Laughlin, Jean Jeffrey The Salon & Day Spa at Riverside Resort offered serene luxury. My Therapeutic Massage and Active Ampoule Infusion Express Facial delivered deep hydration, radiance, and tranquility.
Grand Finale Dinner
At Guy Fieri’s El Burro Borracho in Harrah’s Laughlin, under vibrant murals, I indulged in Trash Can Nachos (19-step masterpiece), bacon-marinated pork shoulder, oversized churros, and more.
This feast mirrored Laughlin: bold, memorable, leaving you craving more.
