Kingman is a hub, and three of the region's best day trips fan out from it: Oatman and the Black Mountains, Lake Havasu City and Laughlin on the Colorado River. Each has a different character, and each can be combined with Route 66 sights. This guide helps you pick and plan.
Oatman: the burro town
About forty minutes southwest of Kingman, Oatman is a former gold camp with wooden boardwalks, shops and wild burros. The route over Sitgreaves Pass is winding, with tight curves and steep drops, and many visitors prefer a tour. Guided options run from Laughlin and Lake Havasu City, and a small-group tour from Las Vegas links Oatman with Kingman and the ghost town of Nelson. Arrive early, feed them only the approved hay cubes sold in town, and keep a respectful distance from the animals.
Lake Havasu City: the bridge and the beach
About an hour south of Kingman, Lake Havasu City offers the London Bridge, an English Village and miles of shoreline. You can walk the bridge, take a sunset paddle wheeler cruise, enjoy afternoon tea or try the scavenger hunt. The state park has beaches, kayaking and camping. A day trip from Kingman is possible, but an overnight stay lets you enjoy the evening light and a more relaxed pace.
Laughlin: the river town
About an hour from Kingman, Laughlin sits on the Colorado River and offers a promenade, casino resorts and boat rides. It is the gateway to Oatman from the west, and a relaxing contrast to the dry roads. A day trip from Las Vegas is a popular way to see the river without driving.
Hualapai Mountain Park: the cool escape
Closer to Kingman, this mountain park offers hiking, picnicking and cooler air. It is an easy half-day trip and a good addition to a day in town.
Joshua tree forests: the horseback option
East of Kingman, the Joshua tree forests offer a landscape found only in the Mojave. A guided horseback ride with a buffalo lunch turns the scenery into an experience, and it fits neatly into a half day.
Combining the trips
If you have two days, do Oatman on the first and Lake Havasu on the second, returning via Kingman or continuing to Laughlin. If you have one day, Oatman and Kingman fit together well, with the Route 66 Museum and diner as bookends. A three-day loop can link Kingman, Oatman, Laughlin and Lake Havasu City, ending with a night at the lake.
Tours versus driving
Guided tours remove the driving and add commentary. Self-drive offers flexibility. The Oatman road is the one place where a tour is especially tempting, because the curves can be stressful for nervous drivers. In either case, check the vehicle, fuel and weather before you go.
Timing and heat
Summer afternoons at Oatman and Laughlin are brutally hot, so start early. In winter, mornings can be cold, but days are pleasant. Spring and fall are ideal for all three trips.
What to bring
Carry water, sunscreen, hats, cash for small shops and a light jacket. A swimsuit and towel are useful at the lake, and a camera is essential everywhere.
Respect and safety
Burros are wild animals, so keep your distance. Lakes and rivers have currents and boat traffic, so use life jackets. Mountain roads need patience. Pack out trash and respect private property along the way.
Sample one-day plans
For a burro day, leave Kingman after breakfast, reach Oatman by mid-morning, walk the main street and have lunch in town, then drive back via the Mohave Museum or Hualapai Mountain Park. For a lake day, leave early for Lake Havasu City, walk the bridge in cool light, picnic at the state park, take tea or a nap in the afternoon heat and board the sunset cruise. For a river day, head to Laughlin, stroll the riverwalk, book a boat ride and have dinner overlooking the water. Each plan works with a flexible schedule, and you can swap in a guided tour on any of them if you prefer.
A few cautions
Mountain roads, river currents and desert heat deserve respect. Check your vehicle, watch the forecast and carry enough water for every person in the car. Do not rely on mobile coverage, and keep a printed itinerary somewhere safe. If you are unsure about the Oatman road, choose a guided tour and enjoy the scenery.
The bottom line
Oatman for personality, Lake Havasu for water and Laughlin for relaxation. Pick one or link them, and let the road set the pace.