Mohave County is a region of northwestern Arizona known for its gold mines, rocky mountains, lakes and waterways. During the 1860s, hundreds of miners came to this area to find their fortunes and many cities were formed.
The county consists of two sections, divided by the Grand Canyon. The northern section is smaller and less populated. The larger southern section borders Nevada and California across the Colorado River.
Western Arizona, and especially Mohave County, is sometimes referred to as the “West Coast” despite the fact that there isn’t even a coast, and it doesn’t border an ocean. It earned this reputation by due to the dynamic river sections and tranquil lakes between dams.
The history and culture of Western Arizona is rich and varied, and closely intertwined with the various Colorado River Indian Tribes. The area first saw human habitation around 900 AD when Patayan Indians settled in the region. These people were less developed than the Anasazi tribes to the north and lived in brush shelters. Mohave County was one of the original four counties created by the First Territorial Legislature in 1864. The northern portion (37 degrees north latitude) was renamed Pah-Ute County, and most of that county west of the Colorado River and 114 degrees west longitude was transferred to Nevada in May 1866.
Early explorers such as Don Juan de Onate, Fray Francisco Garces and others crossed the Bill Williams River to the Colorado River. They found Indians living in the areas near Mohave City and Hardyville. We recommend a visit to the Indian Tribes Museum and the Mohave Museum of History and Arts. Ancient ruins from Arizona’s earliest inhabitants have been well preserved and there are fantastic displays of local artifacts, traditional crafts, and paintings from local vendors.
Those seeking adventure at the Colorado River will not be dissapointed. In addition to mild to wild watersports and scenic hiking and off-roading, this corner of the state also features cities with a myriad of attractions that you could only find in this area of Arizona. There are petroglyphs, old ruins, ghost towns, scenic canyons, natural arches, the grand canyon, and much more. there’s no shortage of historical sites to explore. Old country adventure characterizes Western Arizona, a region dominated by the Colorado “River” which is scattered with fun towns.
Lake Havasu City is immensely popular due to the expansive lake, London Bridge, Casino, and a heavy event schedule. Off-roading availability is extensive and the Bunker Bar is a favorite destination.
Bullhead City is also popular as it is a gateway to Laughlin, NV and casinos there. Watersports locations include Lake Mojave via Katherine’s Landing and the Colorado River.
Nestled in Arizona’s rugged and remote wilderness near the California border north of Interstate 40, this tiny town’s rich Wild West history comes to life with staged shootouts, wooden sidewalks and a burros that roam freely.
The world-famous Oatman burros
Oatman is best known for its world famous burros. Burros are small donkeys which were used by miners’ as beasts of burden. At first glance, the wild burros of Oatman seem to steal the show but dig a bit deeper and you’ll discover the town’s raucous mining history and a vibrant main street that plays host to various events throughout the year.
The town is home to more burros than people, and it’s not unusual to see dozens of donkeys in Oatman wandering the main drag, sticking their heads through the rails along the wood-plank sidewalks, nudging people for treats and otherwise delighting visitors. The burro has become such an integral part of Oatman’s identity that the town now plays host to an annual Burro Biscuit Toss, where residents and visitors alike compete to see who can throw a dried-out, gold-painted burro dropping the farthest
Between Lake Havasu City and the Town of Parker lies the “Parker Strip”. The area is peppered with vacation homes and rentals, RV camping, and boating with excellent scenery up and down the river. Off-roading access to the Desert Bar is also available from two primary entrances.
Between Oatman and Lake Havasu City lies Topock. Topock is most famous for the beautiful Topock Gorge which must be passed through between the two areas. It is a beautiful boat ride, and highly recommended.
Mohave county offers a wide variety of attractions to explore. From historic sites to outdoor sports, the region has something for everyone!
One of the most popular tourist spots in the county is Spirit Mountain. This peak stands 5,600 feet above the desert floor and is a popular destination for local Mojave Indians, who consider it to be the birthplace of their gods.
Other interesting things to do in the area include visiting Lake Mohave, a 67-mile artificial lake on the Colorado River between Hoover and Davis Dams. It offers a variety of water activities including fishing, jet skiing and kayaking.
Bullhead City, Kingman and Lake Havasu City are the main shopping hubs of Western Mohave County. The cities are teaming up to encourage shoppers to shop local.
Target is set to open its new store at Mohave Crossroads on June 8, developer Josh Utterback told Bullhead City residents during a monthly meeting. The retail complex will also include a Kohl’s and two mini-major stores, Utterback said.
It’s not hard to find a good meal. Due to tourist and local demand, Mohave County has a wealth of food and drink options in the largest cities, on down to the smallest towns. Whether you’re looking for a taste of the past for breakfast, or a culinary adventure dinner for the whole family, there’s something for everyone.
In general, our many local restaurants meet a high standard for food quality due to the competition for both local and tourist business. These establishments offer the most innovative dishes, and are often the only places you’ll find locally grown produce. The best dining experiences are to be had at the “hole-in-the-wall” non-chain restaurants. They also have the best of the best drink concoctions, and are usually located in areas that are easily accessible. A wide variety of restaurants and cafes offer food delivery. Browse the menus on Uber Eats or Door Dash, and order food delivered straight to your door.
The nightlife in Mohave County is vibrant and exciting. Whether you’re seeking an intimate atmosphere with your spouse or loved ones, or a party with friends, there is something for everyone in the area. You can find a wide selection of bars & clubs from the smallest pub to the largest tavern. Some are open 24 hours a day, while others operate exclusively at night. Some are gay-owned & some are not, but all are welcoming to members from all walks of life.
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