Mohave County, Arizona
Arizona's northwestern county featuring dramatic desert landscapes, the Colorado River, Lake Havasu, and portions of the Grand Canyon.
Mohave County, established in 1864, is Arizona's second-largest county by land area and is situated in the northwestern corner of the state. Spanning 13,470 square miles, the county is larger than nine U.S. states and forms the heart of what is known as Arizona's West Coast. The county is bordered by Nevada to the west, California to the southwest, and Utah to the north, with the Colorado River forming much of its western boundary.
The landscape of Mohave County is characterized by dramatic contrasts, from the pine-covered Hualapai Mountains in the south to the stark beauty of the Mojave Desert in the west and the deep canyons of the Colorado River. The county contains portions of Grand Canyon National Park, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, and is home to the famous London Bridge in Lake Havasu City. With its unique blend of rugged wilderness, water recreation opportunities, and historic Route 66 heritage, Mohave County offers visitors a diverse array of experiences that showcase the beauty and history of the American Southwest.
County Information
Demographics & Economy
Photos
Major Attractions
Lake Havasu and London Bridge
Lake Havasu City is renowned for its famous London Bridge, which was purchased from the City of London by Robert P. McCulloch in 1968, dismantled, shipped to Arizona, and reassembled over a channel that leads from Lake Havasu to Thompson Bay. Today, the London Bridge is Arizona's second-largest tourist attraction after the Grand Canyon. The surrounding area has been developed into an English village-themed shopping and dining district. Lake Havasu itself offers excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, and other water sports, with over 400 miles of coastline and consistent warm weather making it a popular destination for winter visitors.
Location: Lake Havasu City
Features: Historic London Bridge, lake activities, beaches, dining, shopping, events
Grand Canyon West and Skywalk
Located on the Hualapai Reservation in Mohave County, Grand Canyon West offers stunning views of the western portion of the Grand Canyon. Its most notable feature is the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a horseshoe-shaped glass bridge that extends 70 feet over the rim of the canyon, allowing visitors to stand 4,000 feet above the canyon floor with a clear view straight down. Grand Canyon West also offers helicopter tours, boat rides on the Colorado River, Native American performances, and overnight accommodations.
Location: Hualapai Reservation
Features: Skywalk glass bridge, helicopter tours, cultural performances, viewpoints, Colorado River access
Historic Route 66
Mohave County contains the longest remaining continuous stretch of Historic Route 66 in the United States. The former "Main Street of America" passes through Kingman, the county seat, which serves as a hub for Route 66 enthusiasts. The Arizona Route 66 Museum in Kingman's historic Powerhouse Building chronicles the history of "America's Highway" and the impact it had on the region. Along the route, visitors can find classic diners, vintage motels, quirky roadside attractions, and stunning desert vistas that harken back to the golden age of American road trips.
Location: Kingman and stretching east and west
Features: Historic highway, Route 66 Museum, vintage roadside attractions, classic diners, scenic desert drives
Colorado River and Laughlin
The Colorado River forms the western boundary of Mohave County, offering numerous recreational opportunities. Bullhead City sits directly across the river from Laughlin, Nevada, a popular casino and resort destination. The area is known for water sports, fishing, and desert adventures. Visitors can enjoy casino gaming across the river in Laughlin, explore the river by boat, or take advantage of the numerous outdoor activities available in the surrounding desert. The Colorado River also provides important habitat for wildlife and supports the agriculture of the region.
Location: Western boundary of the county
Features: River recreation, water sports, fishing, proximity to Nevada casinos, desert adventures
Hualapai Mountain Park
Rising from the desert floor southeast of Kingman, the Hualapai Mountains offer a cool retreat from the heat of the surrounding desert. Hualapai Mountain Park encompasses 2,300 acres with elevations ranging from 5,000 to 8,400 feet. The park features pine forests, diverse wildlife, and over 10 miles of hiking trails. Facilities include cabins, RV and tent camping areas, picnic grounds, and a visitor center. The mountains provide habitat for elk, deer, and over 120 species of birds. On clear days, visitors to the higher elevations can see the Grand Canyon to the east and California to the west.
Location: Near Kingman
Features: Hiking trails, camping, cabins, wildlife viewing, cooler mountain climate, panoramic views
Frequently Asked Questions
Mohave County is known for several distinctive features:
- Being Arizona's second-largest county by area and home to the state's western "coast" along the Colorado River
- Lake Havasu City's London Bridge, which was purchased from London, England, and reconstructed in Arizona
- Historic Route 66, with the county containing the longest continuous stretch of the iconic highway
- Grand Canyon West and the Grand Canyon Skywalk glass bridge on the Hualapai Reservation
- Colorado River recreation, including boating, fishing, and water sports
- Contrasting landscapes ranging from the Mojave Desert to pine-covered mountains
- Mining history, particularly around Kingman and Chloride
- Kingman, a historic railroad town and the county seat
- Winter visitor populations, especially in Lake Havasu City and Bullhead City
- Proximity to Las Vegas, Nevada, and Laughlin's casino resorts
Mohave County is accessible via several transportation routes:
- By Air: The county has several airports including Kingman Airport, Lake Havasu City Airport, and Laughlin/Bullhead International Airport, which offer limited commercial service. Most visitors fly into larger airports in Las Vegas, Nevada (approximately 1.5-2 hours from most parts of Mohave County) or Phoenix, Arizona (approximately 3-4 hours away).
- By Car: Several major highways provide access to Mohave County:
- Interstate 40 runs east-west through the central part of the county, passing through Kingman
- U.S. Route 93 runs north-south, connecting to Las Vegas in the north and Phoenix to the southeast
- Historic Route 66 parallels I-40 in many places
- State Route 95 runs along the western edge of the county, connecting Lake Havasu City to Bullhead City
- State Route 68 connects Kingman to Bullhead City
- By Train: Amtrak's Southwest Chief stops in Kingman on its Chicago to Los Angeles route.
- By Bus: Greyhound and FlixBus offer service to Kingman, with connections to major cities.
- By Boat: Parts of Mohave County along the Colorado River can be accessed by boat from Nevada or California.
Once in Mohave County, a vehicle is essential for getting around as public transportation options are limited.
The best time to visit Mohave County depends on your activities and temperature preferences:
- Fall (October-November): Many consider this an ideal time to visit, with warm but not excessive daytime temperatures typically ranging from 70°F to 85°F (21-29°C) and cool evenings. The summer crowds have diminished, and water temperatures in Lake Havasu and the Colorado River are still pleasant for swimming and water sports.
- Winter (December-February): This is high season for the county's river communities, particularly Lake Havasu City and Bullhead City, which become popular destinations for "snowbirds" escaping colder northern climates. Daytime temperatures typically range from 60°F to 70°F (15-21°C), perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, golfing, and fishing. However, in the higher elevations of the Hualapai Mountains, winter can bring snow.
- Spring (March-April): Spring is another excellent time to visit, with mild temperatures similar to fall. Lake Havasu City hosts several major events during this time, including the Havasu Balloon Festival and the International World Championship Jet Ski Races. Spring break brings college crowds to the lake areas.
- Summer (May-September): Summers in Mohave County are extremely hot, with daytime temperatures regularly exceeding 105°F (40°C) and sometimes reaching 115°F (46°C) or higher in July and August. Despite the heat, this is peak season for water recreation on Lake Havasu and the Colorado River. Early mornings and evenings are the best times for land-based activities. The higher elevations of the Hualapai Mountains offer respite from the heat with temperatures 15-20 degrees cooler than the valleys.
For most visitors seeking a balance of comfortable temperatures and access to various activities, late fall (October-November) and early spring (March-April) offer the most pleasant conditions. However, winter is ideal for hiking and desert exploration, while summer is prime time for water recreation despite the extreme heat.
Mohave County offers a wide variety of outdoor activities across its diverse landscapes:
- Water Recreation:
- Boating, jet skiing, and sailing on Lake Havasu, Lake Mohave, and the Colorado River
- Fishing for bass, catfish, trout, and other species
- Swimming at designated beaches
- Paddleboarding and kayaking
- River rafting and floating
- Scuba diving at underwater attractions in Lake Havasu
- Desert & Mountain Activities:
- Hiking in the Hualapai Mountains, Mohave Mountains, and Black Mountains
- Off-road driving on designated trails and in back country areas
- Rock hounding and prospecting
- Mountain biking
- Wildlife viewing and birdwatching
- Photography of desert landscapes
- Stargazing in areas with minimal light pollution
- Scenic Tours:
- Helicopter tours of the Grand Canyon and Colorado River
- Boat tours of Lake Havasu and the Colorado River
- Driving Historic Route 66
- Guided off-road desert excursions
- Hot air balloon rides over Lake Havasu
- Parks & Public Lands:
- Exploring Grand Canyon West
- Camping in Hualapai Mountain Park, Lake Havasu State Park, and BLM lands
- Visiting Lake Mead National Recreation Area
- Exploring the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge
- Sports & Recreation:
- Golfing at numerous courses throughout the county
- Skydiving over Lake Havasu
- Disc golf at parks and courses
- Target shooting at designated ranges
- Rock climbing in select areas
When planning outdoor activities in Mohave County, always consider the temperature and weather conditions, particularly during summer months. Bring plenty of water, wear sun protection, and be prepared for remote areas with limited services. During summer, plan water activities for midday and land-based activities for early morning or evening.
Major Communities
Kingman
County seat, population ~32,000, Historic Route 66 hub
Lake Havasu City
Population ~57,000, home to London Bridge and lake recreation
Bullhead City
Population ~41,000, across from Laughlin, Nevada, on Colorado River
Colorado City
Population ~5,000, northern border town near Utah
Golden Valley
Population ~9,000, rural community between Kingman and Las Vegas
Fort Mohave
Population ~14,000, Colorado River community south of Bullhead City
Dolan Springs
Population ~2,000, rural community north of Kingman
Chloride
Population ~300, historic mining town and artist community
Mohave Valley
Population ~13,000, agricultural community along Colorado River