Laughlin is more than a place for live entertainment and riverfront relaxation. It’s also an incredible destination for outdoor adventure. Within a short drive, you’ll find trails that wind through colorful canyons, meander past ancient rock art and make you feel more connected to nature.
1. Colorado River Heritage Greenway Park & Trails
This intricate trail system consists of several trails woven into one. It follows the Colorado River and offers both paved and natural-surface paths, making it perfect for both casual walkers and hikers.
Four trailheads stretch through the park to help you access the trail system: the Bridge Trailhead, North Reach Trailhead, Equestrian Trailhead and Pyramid Canyon Trailhead. They lead to four established trails of varying lengths and surfaces.
The Riverfront Trail is 1.7 miles on a relatively flat surface, so it’s easy for anyone to navigate, and it provides stunning views of the Colorado River. The Horseshoe Trail is a little more challenging at 2.7 miles, made of native soil, leading to the Dam Overlook trail, which is a little less than a mile, but worth the trip thanks to its views of Davis Dam and the surrounding landscape. Finally, the 2.8-mile Desert Trail is an easy stroll for hikers, where you may come across bighorn sheep, water birds or other wildlife. Bridges, picnic spots, and interpretive signs are available throughout the park.
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Distance: Up to 9 total miles of interconnected trails
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Difficulty: Easy to moderate
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Great for: Families, strollers, scenic river photography, sunset walks
2. Grapevine Canyon
Less than 10 miles from Laughlin near Spirit Mountain Wilderness is Grapevine Canyon, home to one of the earliest and largest collections of petroglyphs in the Southwest. These drawings are thousands of years old and can be found near the canyon entrance. You can also hike into the narrow canyon that’s lined with towering rock walls.
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Distance: About 2-3 miles round-trip
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Difficulty: Easy to moderate (some sand and uneven terrain)
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Great for: Petroglyph viewing, history buffs, canyon photography
3. Christmas Tree Pass
Practically adjacent to Grapevine Canyon, Christmas Tree Pass is ideal for both a scenic drive and a day of hiking. The graded dirt roads have spots where you can stop and hike through side trails. You’ll be surrounded by juniper and pinyon pine trees as you move through the Newberry Mountains, with sweeping views of the desert landscape as a backdrop.
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Distance: Hiking distances vary from short strolls to longer rambles
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Difficulty: Easy to moderate
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Great for: Scenic overlooks, desert wildlife, unique photo ops
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Pro Tip! Road conditions can vary. Check before driving the pass.
4. Laughlin Labyrinths
For a relaxing stroll that wanders through intricate mazes, you only need to travel about a mile from the resort corridor. Wind your way through the Laughlin Labyrinths, eight masterfully made paths of various shapes and sizes. Ranging from 24 feet to more than 60 feet in diameter, each labyrinth was built with a specific trait. Echo, for example, allows you to hear your own voice echoing while walking through it, while Triangle was designed to emphasize prosperity for those who walk it. It’s free to walk through them, but please don’t touch the rock formations.
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Distance: Short walks around the labyrinths
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Difficulty: Easy
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Great for: Mindful walks, reflection, unique photos
5. Big Bend of Colorado State Recreation Area
Hiking is just part of the adventure at Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area, where you can also enjoy picnicking, boating, fishing and swimming along the riverfront. Just five miles south of Laughlin at the very southern tip of Nevada, you’ll find sandy beaches, shaded picnic areas, and opportunities to spot birds and other wildlife. An RV campground with full utility hookups is also available.
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Distance: 2-4 miles of trail options
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Difficulty: Easy
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Great for: Bird-watching, riverside walks, relaxing nature escapes
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Pro Tip! Pair your hike with a day of kayaking, boating or a riverside picnic.
With lots of sunshine, river breezes, and easy access to some of the Southwest’s most scenic landscapes, these trails will create memorable outdoor exploring experiences. Take advantage of great packages and deals and explore all the exciting things to do while visiting Laughlin!