Free Mohave County Travel Guide & Mobile App

Explore Mohave County with free travel guides. Discover regional history, expert tips, proposed trips, and audio guides on web or mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Mohave County
Mohave County photo 2
Mohave County photo 3
All photos

Explore Mohave County for Route 66 history, Colorado River recreation, desert mountains, Lake Havasu and western Grand Canyon landscapes.

Mohave County occupies the north-western corner of Arizona, a large desert territory shaped by the Colorado River, rugged mountain ranges and the high, open country around Kingman. It borders Nevada and California, and its distances are considerable: Lake Havasu City, Bullhead City, Kingman, the Grand Canyon's western edge and the communities of the Arizona Strip each offer a different experience. The county's landscapes range from river beaches and reservoirs to volcanic hills, Joshua-tree country and pine-scented uplands.
Read more about Mohave County
Kingman is the principal inland hub and one of the region's most evocative stops on historic Route 66. Its museums, restored roadside businesses and railway heritage help explain how the highway transformed travel across the American West. South-west of Kingman, Oatman preserves a former mining-town atmosphere in the Black Mountains, while nearby mountain roads lead into expanses where desert vegetation, silence and distant horizons dominate.
Water is central to Mohave County's identity. Lake Havasu City is known for its boating culture and for the relocated London Bridge, while Bullhead City sits beside a wide, recreation-oriented stretch of the Colorado River opposite Laughlin, Nevada. Farther north, Lake Mead and Lake Mohave create a contrasting landscape of sandstone coves, stark shorelines and access points administered partly through Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Seasonal heat strongly influences life along the river, making early starts and careful planning important.
The county also contains nationally recognised desert and canyon landscapes. Grand Canyon West, on the Hualapai Reservation, provides access to dramatic canyon viewpoints and the Skywalk, while the Grand Canyon Caverns near Peach Springs reveal an underground limestone environment beneath the high desert. Hualapai Mountain Park, south-east of Kingman, offers cooler elevations, woodland scenery and hiking trails, creating a marked contrast with the low desert.
Mohave County's culture is expressed through Native American heritage, mining and ranching history, railway towns, roadside Americana and recreation on the Colorado River. Dining is generally informal, with Mexican-American food, classic diners, barbecue, burgers and waterside restaurants particularly common. A successful itinerary treats the county as a collection of distinct districts rather than a single compact destination, allowing time for long drives, changing elevations and the practical demands of desert travel.

When is the best time to visit Mohave County?

Best: March–April, November · 22–27°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January1410
February1712
March (best)229
April (best)275
May342
June403
July4419
August4221
September3814
October307
November (best)227
December149

Getting to and around Mohave County

How to get there

Most visitors arrive by road, using Interstate 40 through Kingman, US 93 towards Las Vegas and the Hoover Dam area, or US 95 along the Colorado River. Kingman has a small commercial airport with limited service, while Laughlin/Bullhead International Airport is near Bullhead City and serves the lower river area; service patterns can change. Las Vegas is a major external gateway for western Mohave County, and Harry Reid International Airport lies outside Arizona in Nevada. Lake Havasu City has a municipal airport but generally requires a connecting or private flight. Amtrak's Southwest Chief stops at Kingman, subject to the current timetable.

Transportation

A private or hired car is the most flexible way to travel between Mohave County's towns, Route 66 sites, trailheads and remote viewpoints. Local buses operate in some urban areas, including Kingman, Lake Havasu City and Bullhead City, but they are not a dependable way to connect all rural attractions. Distances, heat and limited mobile coverage make a full fuel tank, offline maps and water important on remote drives. Boating and personal watercraft are common on Lake Havasu, Lake Mohave and the Colorado River, while walking and cycling are best planned for cooler hours and developed routes.

Top city travel guides in Mohave County

The cities of Mohave County, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Mohave County

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Mohave County

Mohave County's attractions are spread across several contrasting landscapes. Kingman provides the strongest introduction to Route 66, with museums, historic motoring memorabilia and surviving roadside architecture, while the surrounding high desert leads to Oatman, an old mining settlement in the Black Mountains. South-east of Kingman, Hualapai Mountain Park offers woodland trails, cooler elevations and views across the desert. Lake Havasu City combines reservoir recreation with the London Bridge, beaches, marinas and walking areas, and the Colorado River near Bullhead City is oriented towards boating, fishing and riverside leisure. Grand Canyon West, on the Hualapai Reservation, offers canyon viewpoints and the Skywalk, while Grand Canyon Caverns near Peach Springs presents an underground geological attraction. Lake Mead National Recreation Area covers stark shorelines and mountain scenery around Lake Mead and Lake Mohave, and Havasu National Wildlife Refuge protects wetlands and river habitat near the southern border. Outdoor activities range from hiking and off-road touring to kayaking, birdwatching and stargazing, but heat, water conditions and access restrictions should shape every itinerary.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Mohave County

The London Bridge in Lake Havasu City is Mohave County's most distinctive modern landmark. Built in the nineteenth century in England and reassembled in Arizona in the late 1960s, it spans a channel linking the city to an island in the Colorado River and anchors the surrounding waterfront. Kingman's historic Route 66 streetscape, railway facilities and preserved roadside buildings represent a different kind of landmark: the infrastructure of twentieth-century automobile travel. In Oatman, weathered commercial buildings and the former mining-town setting recall the Black Mountains' mineral history. Grand Canyon West's canyon rim and Skywalk are prominent contemporary visitor landmarks on Hualapai land, while the immense gorge itself provides the defining natural setting. Further south, Davis Dam and the long reservoir landscape of Lake Mohave illustrate how engineering reshaped the Colorado River. Hualapai Mountain's wooded ridges form a striking high-country counterpoint to the low desert. These places are separated by substantial distances, and their character changes markedly with elevation, geology, water and human use.

Show more landmarks

Explore Mohave County on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Mohave County

Dining in Mohave County is generally informal and practical, reflecting its spread-out communities, road culture and river recreation. Kingman has diners, cafés, Mexican-American restaurants, pizza shops, burgers and barbecue, with Route 66 associations often influencing the atmosphere rather than prescribing a single local cuisine. Lake Havasu City and Bullhead City offer waterside dining, casual grills, breakfast restaurants and places suited to visitors arriving from the lake or river. Sonoran-style Mexican food and other borderlands-influenced dishes are widely available, while American comfort food remains prominent in roadside establishments. Supermarkets and independent food shops are useful for remote driving and self-catering, particularly around public-land recreation areas. Farmers' markets and local produce sales may be seasonal, and the county is not defined by one signature dish in the way some American regions are. Expect substantial portions, early breakfast options and a wide variation between small-town diners, family-run restaurants, resort-oriented venues and casual bars.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Mohave County

Evening life in Mohave County is concentrated in Kingman, Lake Havasu City and Bullhead City rather than distributed evenly across the desert. Kingman centres on traditional bars, restaurants, occasional live music and Route 66-themed venues, with a relatively relaxed small-city atmosphere. Lake Havasu City has the broadest recreational nightlife, including casual waterfront bars, breweries, cocktail-led venues and establishments serving visitors after boating or lakeside activities. Bullhead City has bars, restaurants and entertainment connected with the Colorado River and the neighbouring casino resort area of Laughlin, Nevada, which is outside Mohave County. Smaller communities such as Oatman close down much earlier and are better suited to daytime visits. Rural evenings are often quiet, with stargazing, campfires where permitted and meals at local restaurants replacing a formal club scene. Check current arrangements before travelling, since venue status, live performances and seasonal opening patterns can change.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Mohave County

Evening life in Mohave County is concentrated in Kingman, Lake Havasu City and Bullhead City rather than distributed evenly across the desert. Kingman centres on traditional bars, restaurants, occasional live music and Route 66-themed venues, with a relatively relaxed small-city atmosphere. Lake Havasu City has the broadest recreational nightlife, including casual waterfront bars, breweries, cocktail-led venues and establishments serving visitors after boating or lakeside activities. Bullhead City has bars, restaurants and entertainment connected with the Colorado River and the neighbouring casino resort area of Laughlin, Nevada, which is outside Mohave County. Smaller communities such as Oatman close down much earlier and are better suited to daytime visits. Rural evenings are often quiet, with stargazing, campfires where permitted and meals at local restaurants replacing a formal club scene. Check current arrangements before travelling, since venue status, live performances and seasonal opening patterns can change.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Mohave County

Shopping in Mohave County is practical, local and often connected with travel heritage or outdoor recreation. Kingman has independent businesses, antique shops, galleries, western-style goods and Route 66 memorabilia, alongside the everyday retail services expected of the county's main inland centre. Lake Havasu City offers waterfront and town-centre shops, outdoor equipment, resort-oriented clothing, souvenirs and independent gift businesses, while Bullhead City provides larger-scale everyday retail and supplies for river visitors. Oatman is known for small shops selling Western-themed souvenirs, crafts and gifts in its historic main-street setting. Markets and seasonal farm stalls may offer local produce, baked goods or handmade items, but availability varies by community and time of year. Useful regional purchases include road-trip memorabilia, Native American art bought through authorised sellers, desert-themed artwork and provisions for remote excursions. Visitors should distinguish genuine Indigenous-made work from generic souvenirs and respect restrictions on archaeological objects, cultural items and materials taken from public or tribal lands.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Mohave County, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Mohave County essentials

Currency and Payment
Mohave County uses the United States dollar (USD), like the rest of Arizona. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, supermarkets, petrol stations, restaurants and larger attractions, although cash remains useful at small roadside businesses, remote facilities, vending machines and some reservation-based services. Fuel and supplies can be widely spaced outside the principal towns, so do not rely solely on a phone or card payment in isolated areas.
Safety
The main visitor hazards are extreme heat, dehydration, sun exposure, flash flooding, rough terrain and long distances between services. Check weather forecasts before entering washes, canyons or mountain roads, and never attempt a desert hike without adequate water, suitable footwear and a realistic turnaround time. Take care around reservoirs and the Colorado River, where currents, changing water levels, boat traffic and cold water can be dangerous. Secure valuables in vehicles, obey posted recreation rules and use extra caution on dark, remote roads and during dust or monsoon storms.
Emergency Situations
Call 911 throughout Mohave County for police, fire or ambulance assistance. Give your exact location, road number, trail name, mile marker or GPS coordinates, as mobile coverage can be unreliable in canyons and remote desert areas. Search and rescue resources may be needed for wilderness, boating or off-road incidents, so tell someone your itinerary before setting out. For non-immediate emotional crisis support in the United States, call or text 988. Do not enter floodwater or attempt to drive through a flooded road.
Do's and Don'ts
Do obey closure signs, stay on authorised roads and trails, and pack out rubbish in desert and river environments. Do respect tribal sovereignty and follow the Hualapai Nation's access, photography and visitor rules when visiting Grand Canyon West or other reservation areas. Do queue politely, avoid excessive noise near residential areas and follow local boating regulations. Do not remove rocks, plants or archaeological objects, enter abandoned mines, approach wildlife or trespass on private land. Tipping in restaurants and for many service workers is a customary United States practice rather than a Mohave County-specific rule.
Local Tips
Use Kingman as a practical base for inland Route 66 and Hualapai Mountain outings, but allow separate stays for the lower Colorado River and Lake Havasu districts. Sunrise and late afternoon are usually the most comfortable times for desert photography and walking. Oatman is reached by a winding mountain road, so allow extra time and drive cautiously. Reserve or confirm access for major attractions and water activities before travelling, particularly during busy holiday periods. Winter and early spring generally offer more comfortable conditions for exploring outdoor sites than midsummer.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHowdy[hau-dee]
GoodbyeSee ya[see yah]
YesYep[yehp]
NoNah[nah]
Please/You're welcomeNo problem[noh prob-luhm]
Thank youThanks[thangks]
Excuse me/SorrySorry 'bout that[sor-ee bout that]
How are you?How's it going?[houz it go-ing]
Fine. And you?Good. You?[gud. yoo?]
Do you speak English?You speak English?[yoo speek ing-glish?]
I don't understandI don't get it[I dont get it]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu?[kan I see thuh men-yoo?]
I don't eat meatI don't do meat[I dont do meet]
Cheers!Cheers![cheerz]
I would like to pay, pleaseCan I pay, please?[kan I pay pleez?]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![help]
Go away!Leave me alone![leev me uh-lohn]
Call the Police!Call the cops![kal thuh kops]
Call a doctor!Get a doctor![get a dok-ter]
I'm lostI’m lost[I’m lost]
I'm illI’m not feeling well[I’m not feel-ing wel]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I want to buy...[I want to buy...]
I'm just lookingJust browsing[just browzing]
How much is it?What’s the price?[wut's thuh price?]
That's too expensiveThat costs too much[that costs too much]
Can you lower the price?Can you make it cheaper?[kan you make it cheeper?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What time?[wut time?]
It's one o'clockIt's one[it's wun]
Half past (10)Half past ten[haf past ten]
MorningMorning[mor-ning]
AfternoonAfternoon[af-ter-noon]
EveningEvening[eev-ning]
YesterdayYesterday[yes-ter-day]
TodayToday[to-day]
TomorrowTomorrow[to-mor-row]
1One[wun]
2Two[too]
3Three[three]
4Four[for]
5Five[fiv]
6Six[siks]
7Seven[sev-en]
8Eight[ate]
9Nine[nyn]
10Ten[ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where's the...?[where's thuh...?]
What's the address?What’s the address?[wut’s thuh ad-dress?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me on the map?[kan you show me on thuh map?]
When's the next (bus)?When’s the next bus?[wenz thuh next bus?]
A ticket (to ....)A ticket to...[a tik-it to...]

History of Mohave County

Ancient Desert and River Cultures

The Colorado River corridor and surrounding deserts have supported human communities for thousands of years. The Mojave, Hualapai and other Indigenous peoples developed knowledge of seasonal water sources, plants, animals and routes through an demanding landscape. Archaeological evidence across the wider region includes tools, rock art and traces of settlement, while living tribal communities continue to shape Mohave County's cultural identity. The river was not simply a geographical boundary: it was a source of food, movement and social connection.

Spanish and Mexican-Era Exploration

Spanish expeditions entered the lower Colorado region during the eighteenth century, although sustained colonial settlement remained limited by the arid terrain and the difficulty of crossing the river. After Mexican independence, the area formed part of Mexico's northern frontier until the cession of much of present-day Arizona to the United States after the Mexican-American War. Names, travel routes and later borderlands traditions reflect this layered history, even though many of today's towns developed much later.

The Colorado River and American Expansion

During the nineteenth century, military expeditions, surveyors, miners, missionaries and settlers travelled through the region along the Colorado River and across the interior desert. Fort Mohave, established in 1859 near the river, supported United States military operations and communication routes, while steamboats made parts of the Colorado navigable for a time. These developments brought new commercial and military pressures to Indigenous communities and helped integrate the area into the expanding United States.

Mining Towns and the Founding of Kingman

Mining shaped many early non-Indigenous settlements in Mohave County. Gold, silver, copper and other minerals drew prospectors into the Black Mountains and surrounding ranges, contributing to the growth of places such as Oatman. Kingman developed as a railway and administrative centre after the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad reached the area in the late nineteenth century. The town's position between the Colorado River and the interior highlands later made it an important transport and supply point.

Route 66 and Roadside America

US Route 66, established in 1926, passed through Kingman and several communities in western Mohave County on its route between Chicago and Santa Monica. It encouraged service stations, motor courts, cafés and trading posts, linking local economies to the rise of long-distance automobile travel. Although the through-route was replaced by interstate highways, surviving buildings, museums, signs and alignments preserve the county's place in the history of American motoring and roadside culture.

Dams, Reservoirs and River Recreation

Twentieth-century dam building transformed the Colorado River landscape. Hoover Dam, outside Mohave County in neighbouring Nevada, created Lake Mead, while Davis Dam, on the river near Bullhead City, formed Lake Mohave. These projects altered water management, electricity generation, settlement and recreation throughout the lower Colorado region. Lake Havasu City, founded in the 1960s, grew as a planned community centred on the reservoir, boating and tourism; its acquisition of London Bridge became a defining chapter in its modern identity.

Modern Tribal, Tourism and Conservation Landscapes

Contemporary Mohave County combines long-established Indigenous communities with tourism, retirement settlements, water recreation, public-land conservation and transportation services. The Hualapai Tribe has developed visitor access at Grand Canyon West on its reservation, while Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Havasu National Wildlife Refuge and wilderness areas protect important desert and river environments. The county's modern character therefore reflects both continued economic change and growing efforts to manage fragile landscapes under intense heat, drought and visitor pressure.

Mohave County in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Neighbouring regions of Mohave County

The closest regions to Mohave County, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

Arizona
More of the region

Explore more of Arizona

Discover Arizona: From the majestic Grand Canyon and red rocks of Sedona to the vibrant cities of Phoenix and Scottsdale, explore the diverse beauty and culture of the Grand Canyon State.

Explore Arizona
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Mohave County

Discover Mohave County with Evendo, a 100% free travel guide app! Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with ease and convenience.

  • Comprehensive guide to attractions, landmarks, shops, and restaurants
  • Images, descriptions, maps, and local tips for easy planning
  • Booking capabilities for hotels, tours, and experiences
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Evendo is your comprehensive, app-based travel guide to Mohave County, Arizona. Dive into a seamless travel experience with in-depth insights and easy bookings.

  • History of Mohave County and travel essentials
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near me' feature
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Welcome to Mohave County, Arizona, a land of stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. With Evendo, your journey becomes an adventure of discovery, where every corner of this scenic county is at your fingertips. Whether you're planning to stand in awe at the Grand Canyon Skywalk, explore the historic Route 66, or take a peaceful stroll along Lake Havasu, Evendo has you covered.

Our app provides detailed information on all the must-see attractions, landmarks, and hidden gems. Dive into the rich history of the Hoover Dam, or satisfy your taste buds at top-rated restaurants like Black Bear Diner and the Siren's Cafe. Need a place to stay? Easily book hotels and accommodations with just a tap.

But that's not all. Evendo offers curated local tips and travel essentials to ensure you experience Mohave County like a local. Whether you're seeking thrilling activities or relaxing tours, our app simplifies your planning by offering seamless bookings for tours, experiences, and much more.

Let Evendo guide you through Mohave County with ease, allowing you to focus on creating unforgettable memories. Ready to explore? Download Evendo today and embark on your adventure!

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.