Bullhead City, Arizona: 10 Best Short Day Trips Nearby
10 Easy Road Trips from Bullhead City, Arizona for a Fun Day Out
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| Cruise from Bullhead City into Route 66 charm, desert canyons, riverfront stops, and landmark views like Lake Havasu’s London Bridge and beyond. |
Need a quick escape from Bullhead City, Arizona? You’re in a great spot for it. Since Bullhead City sits near state lines and wide-open desert highways, it makes a smart home base for day trips, scenic drives, and simple weekend adventures. In just a couple of hours, you can trade the Colorado River views for red rocks, historic towns, quiet lakes, and even a stretch of Route 66 charm.
This guide shares 10 short out-of-county road trips near Bullhead City, AZ, all outside Mohave County. So if you’re looking for things to do near Bullhead City without staying local, these nearby getaways are a great place to start.
1) Oatman Highway and Needles, California
If you love old-road vibes, this is a fun one. Head into San Bernardino County, California and spend the day around Needles and the nearby historic Route 66 stretches. The drive feels like stepping into a roadside postcard.
Needles has that dry desert beauty that somehow feels both quiet and dramatic. And if you enjoy quirky Americana, this nearby getaway checks the box. Think old signs, mountain backdrops, and lots of photo stops.
- Why go: Classic Route 66 feel and easy desert scenery
- Drive time: About 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your route
- Best for: Casual road trippers, photographers, and history fans
I always think trips like this feel like opening a dusty time capsule—in the best way.
2) Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona
For a peaceful nature break, head south into La Paz County, Arizona to visit parts of the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge. This is a nice choice when you want something slower and less crowded.
You’ll find wetlands, desert views, and birdwatching spots. It’s a good reminder that the Southwest is not just rocks and cactus. In some places, it suddenly opens into lush patches that feel almost unexpected.
- Why go: Wildlife viewing, scenic drives, and quiet outdoor time
- Drive time: Around 1 to 1.5 hours
- Best for: Nature lovers and anyone needing a calm day trip
Bring binoculars if you have them. Even if you’re not a serious birdwatcher, it’s fun to spot something you didn’t expect.
3) Lake Havasu City’s London Bridge Area, Arizona
Yes, it’s a well-known stop, but it’s iconic for a reason. In La Paz County, the London Bridge area in Lake Havasu City makes a simple and popular road trip from Bullhead City, AZ.
The bridge itself is a fun sight, and the waterfront area is great for walking, grabbing lunch, and stretching your legs. If you’re traveling with family or friends, this one tends to work for everyone.
- Why go: Famous landmark, waterfront walks, and easy dining options
- Drive time: Around 1.5 hours
- Best for: Families, couples, and first-time visitors
It’s one of those places that sounds a little odd on paper—an English bridge in Arizona?—but once you see it, it just works.
4) Jerome, Arizona
If you want a mountain-town change of pace, drive to Jerome in Yavapai County. This old mining town is packed with character. The streets are steep, the views are wide, and the buildings seem to cling to the hillside.
Jerome feels a bit like a movie set, only real. You can browse shops, stop for lunch, and enjoy the artsy, slightly haunted feel the town is known for.
- Why go: Historic charm, mountain views, and unique local shops
- Drive time: Around 3 hours
- Best for: A longer day trip or easy weekend trip
If desert towns and creative energy had a child, it might look a lot like Jerome.
5) Sedona, Arizona
Few day trips near Bullhead City feel as rewarding as a drive to Sedona in Yavapai County. The red rocks are the main event, and they really do live up to the hype.
Even if you only have a few hours, a scenic drive through the area is worth it. You can add a short trail, browse local shops, or relax over lunch with a view. It’s a solid pick when you want a trip that feels different from your usual desert scenery.
- Why go: Red rock views, scenic drives, and easy hiking options
- Drive time: Roughly 3 to 3.5 hours
- Best for: Couples, hikers, and anyone craving beautiful scenery
Have you ever been somewhere that makes you slow down as soon as you arrive? Sedona does that.
6) Grand Canyon National Park South Rim, Arizona
This one is a longer day, but still doable if you start early. In Coconino County, Arizona, the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic trips you can take from Bullhead City.
It’s hard to explain the canyon until you see it. Photos help, sure, but standing at the rim is different. It feels huge in a way that makes everything else go quiet for a second.
- Why go: World-famous views and unforgettable scenery
- Drive time: About 4 hours each way
- Best for: Bucket-list travelers and a long but memorable road trip
Pack snacks, charge your phone, and give yourself time. This is not the trip to rush.
7) Las Vegas Strip and Downtown, Nevada
Looking for high energy instead of hiking trails? Head to Clark County, Nevada for a quick getaway to Las Vegas. You don’t need to stay overnight to enjoy it, either.
You can walk parts of the Strip, explore Fremont Street, have a great meal, or catch a show if timing works out. It’s flashy, loud, and the total opposite of a quiet desert back road—which is sometimes exactly the point.
- Why go: Entertainment, dining, people-watching, and big city fun
- Drive time: Around 2 hours
- Best for: Friends, couples, and spontaneous weekend trip plans
Sometimes the best nearby getaway is simply a change of pace, and Vegas definitely delivers that.
8) Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
Also in Clark County, Valley of Fire State Park is an excellent choice if you want amazing scenery without a very long drive. The red sandstone formations here almost look painted, especially in morning or late-day light.
This is one of those places where even a short walk feels rewarding. The landscape is bold and colorful, and the drive through the park is part of the fun.
- Why go: Stunning rock formations and easy scenic stops
- Drive time: About 2.5 to 3 hours
- Best for: Hikers, photographers, and nature fans
If you like dramatic desert scenery, this spot punches way above its distance.
9) Cathedral Gorge State Park, Nevada
For something a little less talked about, head to Lincoln County, Nevada and explore Cathedral Gorge State Park. This place has narrow clay canyons and jagged formations that feel almost otherworldly.
It’s the kind of stop that surprises people. You may not hear about it as often as bigger parks, but that’s part of its charm. It feels like finding a secret tucked along the desert.
- Why go: Unique landscapes and quieter trails
- Drive time: Around 3.5 hours
- Best for: Adventurous travelers and repeat visitors looking for something new
Trips like this are great when you want to say, “Wow, why don’t more people talk about this place?”
10) Zion National Park, Utah
If you’re up for a longer but unforgettable outing, point the car toward Washington County, Utah and visit Zion National Park. This is one of the most famous parks in the Southwest, and for good reason.
The cliffs, canyon walls, and scenic shuttle route create a day that feels big from start to finish. It’s a strong pick for a weekend trip, but many travelers also make it a long day trip from Bullhead City.
- Why go: Iconic canyon scenery and memorable hikes
- Drive time: About 3.5 to 4 hours
- Best for: Outdoor lovers and bucket-list travelers
There’s something about Zion that makes you want to stay just a little longer, even after the sun starts to drop.
Tips for Planning Day Trips from Bullhead City, AZ
Before you head out, a little planning goes a long way. Desert drives can be easy and beautiful, but they can also be hot and remote.
- Bring extra water, especially from late spring through early fall
- Check park hours and shuttle rules before leaving
- Fill up your gas tank early in case services are limited
- Wear layers because mornings and evenings can feel cooler
- Download maps ahead of time in case cell service drops
A good road trip is a lot like a good playlist. When it’s planned just enough, the whole day runs smoother.
Final Thoughts on Nearby Getaways from Bullhead City, Arizona
One of the best things about Bullhead City, AZ is how many easy escapes sit within driving distance. You can go for bright city lights, red rock landscapes, old western charm, or peaceful wildlife areas without crossing half the country.
Whether you want a quick day trip, a scenic road trip, or a relaxed weekend trip, these options give you plenty of ways to explore beyond Mohave County.
If this list helped you plan your next adventure, share it with a friend or send it to your usual travel buddy. And if you’ve already taken one of these trips, leave a comment and share your favorite stop. I’d love to hear which nearby getaway from Bullhead City you liked best.
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