Bullhead City, Arizona Across From Laughlin
Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on .
Bullhead City, Arizona is a Colorado River destination known for boating, fishing, beaches, water sports and easy access to nearby Lake Mohave. Located directly across the river from Laughlin, Nevada, Bullhead City combines outdoor recreation with nearby casino entertainment, desert scenery, parks and convenient day trips throughout western Arizona. Whether you are planning a summer river vacation, a fishing trip or a warm-weather winter getaway, Bullhead City provides a convenient base for exploring the Colorado River region.
Why Visit Bullhead City
© City of Bullhead CityBullhead City's location along the Colorado River gives visitors immediate access to boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, fishing and riverfront parks. Just north of the city, Lake Mohave expands the recreational options with beaches, coves, marinas and open water surrounded by desert scenery. Across the river, Laughlin offers casinos, restaurants, entertainment and additional visitor services.
The surrounding region also makes Bullhead City a convenient starting point for road trips to historic Oatman, Kingman, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and Lake Havasu City. Desert trails, off-road routes, golf courses and family recreation provide additional activities away from the water.
Bullhead City is not only a great vacation spot, it's also a great place to live that provides an ideal quality of family life. Bullhead is also a haven for retirement living. It is the economic hub for western Mohave County and has easy access to Kingman, Arizona (30 miles), Las Vegas (87 miles), Lake Havasu City (50 miles) and is about 250 miles northwest of Phoenix via Kingman. Bullhead City is also about 20 miles south of Lake Mohave and about 70 miles for the Lake Mead National Recreation Area which includes Hoover Dam and Lake Mead.
Things To Do In Bullhead City
- Colorado River Recreation: Enjoy boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, jet skiing and relaxing at riverfront beaches.
- Explore Lake Mohave: Visit nearby Lake Mohave for boating, fishing, beaches, coves and desert lake scenery.
- Visit Laughlin: Cross the Colorado River for casinos, restaurants, concerts, nightlife and entertainment.
- Explore Local Parks: Bullhead City's parks offer beaches, picnic areas, sports facilities, walking areas and family recreation.
- Take A Day Trip To Oatman: Explore the historic Route 66 mining town known for its Old West character and roaming burros.
- Enjoy Desert Trails: Discover hiking, ATV and off-road routes throughout the surrounding desert landscape.
Colorado River Recreation
© City of Bullhead CityThe Colorado River is the centerpiece of outdoor recreation in Bullhead City. Water released from Davis Dam flows through the city from Lake Mohave, creating opportunities for boating, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming and other water sports. Riverfront parks and beaches provide additional places to relax, picnic and enjoy the desert scenery without launching a boat.
Fishing In Bullhead City
Anglers can fish both the Colorado River and nearby Lake Mohave. Depending on location and season, popular game fish include striped bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and catfish. Shore-access areas provide opportunities for anglers without boats, while boaters can explore deeper river channels, coves and the broader waters of Lake Mohave. Cooler fall, winter and spring weather can make longer fishing trips more comfortable.
Boating In Bullhead City
Bullhead City provides convenient access to boating on the Colorado River, while nearby Lake Mohave offers larger expanses of open water, sheltered coves and scenic desert shoreline. Katherine Landing, located on Lake Mohave within Lake Mead National Recreation Area, offers launch ramps, fuel, boat rentals, slips, storage and other boating services. Personal watercraft, tubing and water skiing are especially popular during the warmer months.
Best Time To Visit Bullhead City
Spring: Warm days and comfortable mornings make spring an excellent season for boating, fishing, sightseeing and desert recreation.
Summer: Very hot temperatures make the Colorado River and Lake Mohave especially popular for swimming, boating and other water activities.
Fall: Cooling temperatures create pleasant conditions for fishing, boating, hiking and day trips throughout the region.
Winter: Mild daytime weather attracts seasonal visitors and provides comfortable conditions for golf, fishing, sightseeing and desert exploration.
See our Bullhead City weather and climate guide for average temperatures, rainfall and seasonal travel information.
Bullhead City History
Bullhead City's modern development began during construction of Davis Dam in the 1940s, when a community formed to house workers and their families. Many residents remained after the dam was completed, and the settlement gradually developed into a permanent Colorado River community. Bullhead City was officially incorporated in 1984. The city's name comes from a distinctive rock formation once described as resembling a bull's head that is now submerged beneath Lake Mohave.
Bullhead City Events
Bullhead City hosts festivals, river activities, family events, concerts and seasonal celebrations throughout the year. Event schedules and dates change annually, so visitors should check the official Bullhead City tourism calendar before planning a trip around a specific festival or special event.
View Current Bullhead City Events
Where To Stay: Hotels, RV Parks & Campgrounds
Bullhead City offers hotels, motels, vacation accommodations, RV parks and campgrounds, with additional lodging available across the Colorado River in Laughlin. Visitors who want to stay close to Lake Mohave can also consider Katherine Landing, which offers a lodge, RV sites and campground facilities inside Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
Directions To Bullhead City Arizona
Bullhead City is located in western Arizona along the Colorado River directly across from Laughlin, Nevada. From Phoenix, the most common driving route travels northwest through Wickenburg and Kingman before continuing west toward Bullhead City on Arizona State Route 68. Bullhead City is also approximately 90 miles south of Las Vegas, making it accessible for visitors combining Arizona and southern Nevada destinations. Check current road conditions and navigation before beginning your trip.
More Bullhead City Information
Bullhead Area Chamber of Commerce
1251 Highway 95
Bullhead City, AZ 86429
(928) 754-4121
Bullhead Area Chamber of Commerce
Official Bullhead City Tourism Website
Laughlin Nevada
Bullhead City Arizona Map
Compliments of the City of Bullhead CityBullhead City Services
Bullhead City Arizona FAQ
Where is Bullhead City Arizona located?
Bullhead City is located in western Arizona along the Colorado River directly across from Laughlin, Nevada, and just south of Lake Mohave.
What is Bullhead City known for?
Bullhead City is best known for Colorado River recreation, boating, fishing, beaches, water sports, warm desert weather and convenient access to Laughlin and Lake Mohave.
Can you fish in Bullhead City?
Yes. Anglers fish the Colorado River near Bullhead City and nearby Lake Mohave for species including striped bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and catfish.
Is Bullhead City good for boating?
Yes. The Colorado River provides convenient boating access in town, while nearby Lake Mohave offers open water, coves, beaches, marinas and additional boating facilities.
When is the best time to visit Bullhead City?
Fall through spring generally provides the most comfortable weather for sightseeing, fishing and desert recreation. Summer is very hot but remains popular for boating, swimming and other water activities.
How far is Bullhead City from Las Vegas?
Bullhead City is approximately 90 miles south of Las Vegas, making it a convenient destination for travelers visiting both the Colorado River region and southern Nevada.
Along The Colorado River
Colorado River Lakes
Lake Powell
Lake Mead
Lake Mohave
Lake Havasu
