Things To Do In Bullhead City, Mohave Valley and Fort Mohave! 

Golf Courses- Whether you are looking for a driving range to shoot a bucket or two or looking for 18 holes on a championship course you'll find plenty here.
 

VACATION ATTRACTIONS
The Colorado River Valley is known across the Southwest as a summer vacation paradise, offering a choice between the cold, fast-flowing Colorado River and warm, smooth waters of Lake Mohave. Both are perfect for water sports such as boating, skiing, personal watercraft and sport fishing throughout the year. 

Regularly scheduled special events such as rodeos, bluegrass festivals, the annual Harley Run, powerboat races, chili cook-offs, and community barbeques provide family-friendly activities, and the climate is perfect for outdoor recreation all year long. A variety of lodging, dining and shopping experiences are offered by the area's many businesses, and the gaming casinos in nearby Laughlin, Nevada, just across the Colorado River, offer twenty-four hour entertainment. 

For a vacation long or short, Bullhead City is the hub for the Colorado River region and for enjoying many interesting activities in the tri-state area. The area's wide selection of accommodations from campgrounds and RV parks to full-service resort hotels makes the Colorado River Valley a great vacation value 

HIKING 

Katherine Mine
John S. Boggs discovered the Katherine Gold Mine in 1900. In 1904 he sold it to the Arizona Pyramid Mining Company. The ore that came out of the mine was respectable in quality but the process of refining it was laborious and costly. The mine was capable of processing 300 tons of ore into 300 ounces of gold in a 24-hour period. During its lifetime, the mine produced $1 million worth of gold. When World War ll was declared, Congress forced the mine to close. Katherine's decaying passages, which once took miners 900 feet below the ground, are now filled with water. 

These short hikes will help you to get away from the winter crowds at Katherine. Hiking boots and a compass are handy but are not essential. Some parts of these hikes may be a little steep but will not be hazardous if you take your time. When temperatures are over 90°F., drink water before you begin and bring some extra with you. Tell a friend where you are going.  

Katherine Mine Hike
Hike or drive along the first left past the Katherine Ranger Station as you drive away from Katherine. Park well clear of traffic across the road from the Telephone Cove marker - beware of deep sand. Proceed up the wash to the right of the road through the chalk colored mine trailing. The path becomes increasingly narrow as you approach the old Katherine Mine site. To your right you will notice the ruins of the once productive gold mine. Over $12,000,000 worth of gold was removed from the mine in the span of 40 years. Beware of broken glass, sudden drop-offs and general decay. 

Grapevine Canyon Hike
To reach Grapevine Canyon by auto, go across the Bullhead City-Laughlin Bridge. Take Nevada Rt. 163 to the west to Mile Marker 13, which is Christmas Tree Pass Rd., turn to your right onto a dirt road. Go about a mile and a half and there is a sign indicating Grapevine Canyon on your right. Turn to the left and go into the parking area. Follow the canyon to your left. You will find Indian Petroglyphics on the canyon walls and an interesting desert walk. During the spring months there are often waterfalls as you hike up into the canyon. Be very careful of slippery areas and wear proper shoes if you are hiking into the canyon. It is a breath-taking sight. 

Fisherman's Hike
Proceed to the Katherine boat launch ramp and follow the road to the left toward the houseboat rental area. Park here if you have a vehicle. Walk around the left side of the houseboat rental building to its backside following the yellow brick wall. Beyond the end of this wall, you will notice a dirt path that skirts a small lagoon. Follow this path through a growth of bushes. Bear to the left as the trail divides. There are several prospects or small caves carved out of the rock where prospectors have searched for valuable ore deposits in this area. Proceed along the trail; it will turn to the south. About 200 feet past the point where you can no longer see the rental building over your shoulder, the trail descends into a gully and appears to end. Due west of the gully, or to your right, the trail can clearly be seen along the side of a small hill, gingerly pick your way around or through the gully to this trail. You will soon have a good view of the harbor from the trail. If you don't see the harbor don't worry, you're not lost, just temporarily disoriented-retrace your steps. A few yards down the hill the trail dissolves into a wide obvious route that follows the lakeshore. Past the impressive sand dune on your right, is Ski Cove. If you walk along the old roadway to the left (used during the construction of Davis Dam) you will come to Davis Cove, appropriately enough. Do you remember the way back? Let this be a lesson! Always keep a lookout over your shoulder while hiking.  

Lake View Hike
Hike to overflow parking lot B which is adjacent to Katherine's trailer village. Park here if you have a vehicle. Proceed to the left corner of the lot facing away from the main road. Follow the nearby paved road, which runs along the left side of the lot to the midpoint of a gradual curve. Through the row of Eucalyptus trees you will notice some low voltage utility lines, follow them up the sand hill to the northwest. You will be passing between two larger sand dunes. Once over this hill you will notice a large pond. This is the Katherine wastewater treatment lagoon. Some interesting water birds can be seen here at times. Proceed due west along the old sand road to the. left of the lagoon. Follow this path as it winds down the sand dune. Cut across country to the Northwest toward the tall jagged hill in front of you. Spirit Mountain can be seen in the distance just to the left of this hill. You will cross a dirt service road in route, approach the hill by way of the obvious flat wash dotted with Creosote Bush. You will be heading due west. Near the end of the wash climb the small smooth hill to your right. Follow the obvious ridgeline to the northwest - a little rocky in places so watch your step. The ridgeline will take you right to the summit of the jagged profile hill. Congratulations! You can now see north to the basin or wide section of Lake Mohave 12 miles distant. Below you is Telephone Cove. Look back to remember your path before descending. If you wish, follow the smooth slope to your left for a good view of the south lakeshore. 

LEISURE ATTRACTIONS 

Colorado River Museum
The museum includes replicas of area landmarks, Native American artifacts and displays of historical items from early settlers to the first slot machines. Located on Highway 95 just north of the Laughlin Bridge at Davis Camp, the museum is operated by the non-profit Colorado River Historical Society. It is open from September through May. For more information call (928) 754-3399. 

Ken Fovargue Park and Community Swimming Pool

Located on Trane Road north of Marina Boulevard near the Bullhead City Administration complex, this park features lighted basketball courts and ball fields, a children's' playground and the Bullhead City Community Swimming Pool (pool is open from April through mid-September each year). For information, call the Bullhead City Parks & Recreation Department at (928) 763-0158. 

Rotary Park  

Located on 300 acres of Colorado Riverfront land in Bullhead City, Rotary Park features a sports complex with soccer fields, Pop Warner football and brand new ball fields, plus lighted basketball courts and a skate park. The giant park offers Colorado River beaches, walking trails, ramadas with barbecues and a Colorado River launch ramp, fishing jetty and fish cleaning station. Admission is free but there is a fee for launch ramp use. The park is located on Riverview Drive about a mile west of Highway 95. For information, call the Bullhead City Parks & Recreation Department at (928) 763-0158. 

American Heroes War Museum  

One of the most popular attractions in Laughlin is the American Heroes Museum at the Ramada Express Hotel Casino. Located in the Pavilion Theater, the Museum is filled with priceless items from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, and the Gulf War. It also includes a glimpse of life on the home front. The American Heroes Museum is a fitting tribute to the men and women who have served our country and showcases some of the finest displays of Veteran memorabilia in the region. 

At select times during museum hours, visitors can also see a moving 15-minute multi-media show on four theater-sized screens saluting our Veterans and the American spirit. Admission is free. The Museum is open daily (certain blackout days apply due to special events). 

Gold Road Mine  

In 1900, a Mexican prospector named Jose Jerez, who was grubstaked by friend Henry Lovin, of Kingman, in the amount of $16, was out searching for his lost burros when he stumbled over a chunk of quartz that glistened brightly in the midday sun. He later discovered it assayed out at 40 ounces of gold to the ton. The mine was purchased for $50,000 months later and then it was in turn sold to investors for $275,000. By the end of 1907, the mine had reportedly milled $2.25 million in gold and has been in productivity on and off every since. The mine has been producing for nearly 100 years and the latest run was for 5 years, ending, at least temporarily, in 1998, when gold prices fell below $300 per ounce. This wonderful Arizona landmark is located on Historic Route 66, just outside of Oatman about 20 miles southwest of Kingman. From the Bullhead Area Chamber of Commerce, take Highway 95 south 13 miles to Boundary Cone Rd. and east 13 miles through Oatman about 2 ˝ miles. Guided tours are conducted daily on the half hour and last about an hour. Call 928-768-1600 for tour information and prices. 

Laughlin, Nevada  

There's twenty-four hour, seven day a week excitement offered by the 11 casino/hotels in Laughlin. This popular playground has enjoyed rapid growth and development. Laughlin is located across the Colorado River from Bullhead City and is accessible by the Laughlin Bridge on the northern edge of the city and also by a bridge located off of Aztec Rd. For further information, contact the Laughlin Chamber of Commerce, 1725 Casino Dr., Laughlin, NV. 89029. 1-800-227-5245 or 702-298-2214. 

SITE SEEING 

Grapevine Canyon  

Native American petroglyphs created by indigenous people an estimated 800 to 1000 years ago adorn the walls of this canyon located near Christmas Tree Pass northwest of Bullhead City, inside the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. There is a two-mile gravel road leading to the trail head off Highway 163, about 10 miles west of the Laughlin Bridge. The canyon was named for the grape plants found in the area. A short and somewhat strenuous walk from the parking lot is required to reach the petroglyphs. The markings are fragile and should not be touched. Ranger-guided hikes are offered regularly. For information, call the Katherine Landing Ranger Station at (928) 754-3272 or (928) 754-3030.
 

Arizona Veterans Memorial 

A Colorado Riverfront park in Bullhead City is the setting for the Arizona Veterans Memorial, which contains a line of giant flagpoles and a curving wall standing 9 feet high and 40 feet wide which displays bronze plaques engraved with the names of more than 3,000 service men and women from the state of Arizona who were killed in all the wars and armed conflicts in the last 100 years. On each side of the memorial wall are giant bronze eagles surrounded by 50 stars representing the 50 United States. The Arizona Veterans Memorial Park also contains a pyramid-shaped stone memorial honoring the U.S.S. Arizona, which was destroyed in the attack on Pearl Harbor that marked America's entry into World War II. The memorial park is open year-round and admission is free. To get there, take Highway 95 to Riverview Drive. Travel west (past Rotary Park) until the road ends at Riviera Boulevard, about two miles. Make a left onto Riviera and continue about a half-mile to its end at a large parking lot. Follow the signs to enter the memorial park area. 

Oatman  

Located in the Black Mountains southeast of Bullhead City on Historic Route 66, Oatman is a Western history buff's dream. See a re-creation of an old Western gunfight and pet a friendly 'wild' burro. The wild burros that roam Oatman' streets and sidewalks are descendants of the burros that miners turned loose when the mine closed and they left town. No doubt these animals are one of the biggest attractions of the town. Each morning they come into town looking for breakfast. Burro pellets are for sale at many of the shops and the burros would eat all day if visitors fed them. Before dusk the burros start to wander out of town and back to the hills. Main Street is one of the last remnants of historical US Hwy 66, the first major highway to cross the United States. This road continues over the Black Mountains for a spectacular scenic drive to Kingman (30 miles).  

Browse in the many curio shops, art galleries and stores, taste the fixin's at one of several eateries or wet your whistle at a saloon. Oatman's roots go back to the late 1800s when gold was discovered in the region; many buildings still exist from that time period, including the Oatman Hotel, built in 1902, and The Glory Hole antique shop, constructed in 1914 as the Oatman Drug Company and Health Club. Nearby Gold Road Mine offers an hour-long walking tour of the labyrinth of tunnels first mined in 1900. Stagecoach rides and off-road tours also are available. The town hosts several events each year including the Annual Bed Races and Gold Camp Days. To reach Oatman from Bullhead City, take Highway 95 south to Boundary Cone Road. Head east on Boundary Cone Road about 14 miles and you're there. For more information call (928) 768-6222. 

Havasu National Wildlife Refuge  

Established in 1941, the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge protects more than 37,000 acres and 30 river miles (300 miles of shoreline) along the Colorado River starting about 15 miles south of Bullhead City at the Topock Marsh and running south to the mouth of Lake Havasu. Topock Marsh is a huge wetlands area that is home to many species of fish and waterfowl. There are several launch ramp and camping facilities and fishing is allowed. Also inside the refuge is the scenic Topock Gorge, where the Colorado River winds for several miles through canyons of towering, ancient volcanic rocks. Boating and fishing are allowed in many areas. The refuge is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and is reached off of Courtwright Road in Mohave Valley or via the Topock exit on I-40. For information, call the Havasu National Refuge Office at (760) 326-3853.  

Colorado River Tours  

Get a front row seat as you explore the Colorado River from Bullhead City all the way to Lake Havasu and back by boat! Daily tours are provided from public docks in Laughlin that wind up in the English Village at the London Bridge and a return trip through Topock Gorge and the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge. Enjoy this 120 mile round trip adventure on board a 40 MPH jet boat through miles of scenic, rugged, breath-taking beauty with ancient rock formations and Indian petroglyphs and then on to London Bridge which was reconstructed in Lake Havasu back in 1971. Individual and group rates are available so call 1-800-327-2386 or 702-298-8363 for information and reservations. 

Hardyville Cemetery
When William Harrison Hardy founded Hardyville in 1864, life in Mohave Valley was difficult and often times dangerous. The need for a cemetery undoubtedly arose soon after founding the town. The Hardyville Cemetery is located one block east of State Highway 95 in the 1700 block of Dorado Drive on a bluff above the Hardyville Mural, which is across from the Safeway Shopping Center. Today, Hardyville Cemetery is registered as a National Historical Landmark and fifteen graves are still distinguishable in the cemetery. Although burial records are difficult to locate, two wooden grave markers, with name information dated 1867 and 1897, have been protected and preserved and are on display in the Colorado River Museum at Davis Camp in Bullhead City. 

WATER RECREATION  

Davis Dam  

Located in Pyramid Canyon at the northern end of Bullhead City, Davis Dam created the 68-mile-long Lake Mohave. Named for then-Director of Reclamation, Arthur Powell Davis the $67-million earth and rock embankment spanning the Colorado River has a concrete spillway, intake structure and power plant. The dam is 200 feet high and was completed in 1953 to control floods and to generate hydroelectric energy. Best viewing of the dam is from Davis Camp in Bullhead City or from River Road in Laughlin. The dam itself is closed to traffic. For more information call (928) 754-3682.
 

Davis Camp  

Davis Camp was the former federal housing area for the government workers who built and maintained Davis Dam. It literally was Bullhead City back in the 1940's. In its heyday, over 100 homes were located at Davis Camp along with a grocery store, gas station, post office, recreation center, swimming pool, two churches, and various service buildings. Davis Camp is located directly north of the Laughlin Bridge and directly south of Davis Dam on the Arizona side of the Colorado River. The entrance to the camp and park area is ˝ mile north of the Bridge.  

Today the Camp boasts of RV park and camp sites, showers and laundry, resort home rentals, RV and boat storage, beachfront camping, boat launch ramp, RV sanitary disposal station and much much more. For information and reservations, call Mohave County Parks Department at 1-877-757-0915 or 928-754-7250. 

Lake Mohave - Kathrine Landing  

Nearly 68 miles from end to end, Lake Mohave offers thousands of miles of shoreline and some of the best fishing in the Southwest, along with sandy beaches and secluded coves perfect for overnight camping. Located just north of Bullhead City and kept in check by Davis Dam, Lake Mohave is part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Just two miles north of Davis Dam is Katherine Landing, the largest marina on the Lake. Visitors will find several launch ramps, hundred of boat slips, a motel, RV park, campground, store, restaurant, boat rentals - including everything from personal watercraft to fishing boats and houseboats - plus a boat repair shop and dry storage area. Like much of the region, Katherine Landing was first settled by gold miners and is named for Katherine Mine, now just ruins north of the improved marina area. For information, call the Katherine Landing Resort at (928) 754-3245. 

From Kingman, take Hwy 68 west toward Davis Dam. From Laughlin, Nevada, or California, cross the Laughlin Bridge and proceed east on Hwy 68 and follow the signs for Katherine Landing. By visiting or calling the Ranger Station at 928-754-3272, you can obtain a listing of upcoming hikes, slide shows or "talks around the campfire". The Ranger Station office is open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Mountain Time. 

Bullhead Community Park  

Located along the Colorado River on the west side of Highway 95 toward Bullhead City's northern end, Bullhead Community Park features a large grassy area with a children's' playground, horseshow pits, ball fields, sand volleyball courts, beachfront ramadas with barbecues and a Colorado River launch ramp. A large covered ramada area and bandstand are available for special events by reservation. Admission is free but there is a fee for launch ramp use. For information, call the Bullhead City Parks & Recreation Department at (928) 763-0158. 

Colorado River Tours  

Get a front row seat as you explore the Colorado River from Bullhead City all the way to Lake Havasu and back by boat! Daily tours are provided from public docks in Laughlin that wind up in the English Village at the London Bridge and a return trip through Topock Gorge and the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge. Enjoy this 120 mile round trip adventure on board a 40 MPH jet boat through miles of scenic, rugged, breath-taking beauty with ancient rock formations and Indian petroglyphs and then on to London Bridge which was reconstructed in Lake Havasu back in 1971. Individual and group rates are available so call 1-800-327-2386 or 702-298-8363 for information and reservations.
 

ref- Bullhead Area Chamber of Commerce.
Photography courtesy -Bullhead Photography 

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