Bullhead City, Arizona Across From Laughlin
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Bullhead City, Arizona is a popular Colorado River destination located across from Laughlin, Nevada and just south of Lake Mohave. Known for boating, fishing, jet skiing, riverfront recreation, casino entertainment nearby, desert scenery, and warm weather vacations, Bullhead City is one of the top Arizona getaway spots along the Colorado River.
Why Visit Bullhead City
Visitors come to Bullhead City for its easy access to Colorado River recreation, nearby Laughlin casinos, Lake Mohave boating, family-friendly outdoor activities, and relaxed desert-river atmosphere. The area is ideal for travelers who enjoy fishing, boating, water skiing, kayaking, off-road exploring, scenic drives, and quick trips to nearby attractions such as Oatman, Kingman, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and Lake Havasu City.
Bullhead City AZ sits on the eastern shores of the Colorado River just across the river from its sister-city of Laughlin, Nevada, a city of bright lights 24-hour entertainment and hot casino gambling action. Bullhead City on the other hand is quieter, laid-back kinda place with small western town charm.
© City of Bullhead CityBoth Laughlin and Bullhead City share something in common....the water recreation wonderland of the Colorado River and nearby Lake Mohave. Whether you choose to lounge on beach shores, jet ski, water ski or fish, there's plenty of water here to satisfy tourists of all ages.
Over five million people every year travel to or through Bullhead City, a city of about 30,000 residents that balloons to thousands and thousands more during the spring and summer vacation months seeking to enjoy this oasis on the river. It's such a great place for outdoor enthusiasts that also find a thrill for casino entertainment and gaming.
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
© City of Bullhead CityOf course, water recreation and great year-round weather are the main attractions in the Bullhead City area. But there is an abundance of outdoor adventure including hiking trails into wilderness areas, four wheeling and even the ghost town of Oatman, Arizona which has been transformed into a tourist attraction only about 28 miles northwest of Bullhead. Bullhead City also has an abundance of recreational spots for children.
- Colorado River Recreation: Enjoy swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing, and riverfront relaxation.
- Visit Laughlin: Cross the river for casinos, restaurants, concerts, nightlife, and entertainment.
- Explore Lake Mohave: Travel north for boating, fishing, beaches, coves, and desert lake scenery.
- Take A Day Trip To Oatman: Visit the historic Route 66 mining town famous for burros and Old West character.
- Enjoy Desert Trails: Explore hiking, off-road routes, and scenic desert viewpoints around western Mohave County.
- Visit Local Parks: Spend time at riverfront parks, picnic areas, beaches, and family recreation areas.
Fishing At Bullhead City
- Colorado River: Popular for striped bass, catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and seasonal fishing action.
- Lake Mohave: Excellent nearby fishing destination known for striped bass, bass, catfish, and scenic desert shoreline.
- Shore Fishing: Riverfront access areas around Bullhead City provide convenient places to fish from shore.
- Boat Fishing: Anglers with boats can explore deeper river channels, coves, and nearby Lake Mohave waters.
- Cooler Season Fishing: Fall, winter, and spring often provide more comfortable weather for longer fishing trips.
Boating At Bullhead City
- Colorado River Boating: Bullhead City offers easy access to river boating, jet skiing, tubing, and water skiing.
- Lake Mohave Boating: Nearby Lake Mohave provides open water, coves, marinas, beaches, and scenic canyon views.
- Personal Watercraft: Jet skis and other personal watercraft are popular during warmer months.
- Boat Rentals: Rental services are available in the Bullhead City and Laughlin area for visitors without their own boats.
- Summer Water Recreation: Hot desert weather makes boating and river activities especially popular from late spring through summer.
Best Time To Visit Bullhead City
- Spring: Warm weather and comfortable river conditions make spring one of the best seasons for outdoor recreation.
- Summer: Very hot temperatures make boating, swimming, jet skiing, and Lake Mohave water activities especially popular.
- Fall: Cooler temperatures create excellent conditions for fishing, boating, hiking, and sightseeing.
- Winter: Mild daytime weather makes winter a good time for snowbirds, sightseeing, fishing, and relaxed desert travel.
Bullhead City History
The town was first brought to life in the 1940s during the construction of Davis Dam. The town formed the headquarters for the dam's builders. With the evolution of Lake Mohave as a tourist destination, Bullhead City grew into the fabulous resort community it is today.
The Bullhead City area also features fun annual events throughout the year including the following:
In Bullhead City
- Bullhead City Gem & Mineral Show
- Rotary Burro Barbecue
- Bullhead City Hardyville Days
In Laughlin
- Laughlin River Run
- Laughlin River Days
- Laughlin River Days
- Laughlin Balloon Fest
In Lake Havasu City
- Dixieland Jazz Festival
- Snowbird Jamboree
- Boat Parade of Lights
Where To Stay: Hotels, RV Parks & Campgrounds
Hotels and motels in Bullhead City are typically less expensive than hotels in Laughlin across the river. The Bullhead City area has 21 RV parks and campgrounds including those at Katherine Landing at Lake Mohave. Camping is permitted on the shores of Lake Mohave and at designated point on unpaved roads.
Directions To Bullhead City AZ
From Phoenix. Take Grand Avenue West (US 60) to Wickenburg AZ. Then take US 93 north through Wikieup AZ to I-40 west through Kingman. In Kingman take the Bullhead City / Las Vegas exit and turn right at the signal at the end of the exit ramp. Continue west and take the Highway 68 ramp toward Bullhead City / Laughlin which is about 30 miles from Kingman. Highway 68 merges into Arizona Highway 95. Follow the signage into Bullhead City. The total distance from Phoenix to Bullhead City is about 250 miles.
More Information
Bullhead Chamber of Commerce
251 State Route 95
Bullhead City, AZ 86429
(928) 754-4121
City of Bullhead City
Laughlin Nevada
Map To Bullhead City, Arizona
Compliments of the City of Bullhead CityBullhead City Services
FAQ
Where is Bullhead City Arizona located?
Bullhead City is located in western Arizona along the Colorado River across from Laughlin, Nevada.
What is Bullhead City known for?
Bullhead City is known for Colorado River recreation, boating, fishing, jet skiing, warm weather, and easy access to Laughlin casinos.
Can you fish in Bullhead City?
Yes, anglers fish the Colorado River near Bullhead City and nearby Lake Mohave for striped bass, catfish, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass.
Is Bullhead City good for boating?
Yes, Bullhead City is a popular boating destination with access to the Colorado River and nearby Lake Mohave.
When is the best time to visit Bullhead City?
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather, while summer is popular for boating, swimming, and water recreation.
How far is Bullhead City from Phoenix?
Bullhead City is about 250 miles northwest of Phoenix by way of Wickenburg and Kingman.
Along The Colorado River
Colorado River Lakes
Lake Powell
Lake Mead
Lake Mohave
Lake Havasu
