Located along the banks of the Colorado River, Bullhead City is a vibrant desert town known for its outdoor recreation, water sports, and proximity to Laughlin, Nevada’s entertainment and casino scene. With its warm climate and stunning riverfront setting, Bullhead City is a favorite destination for boating enthusiasts, anglers, and those seeking adventure in the heart of Mohave County.
Once a simple settlement supporting mining operations, Bullhead City grew with the construction of Davis Dam in the 1950s. Today, it thrives as a recreational hub where visitors can experience everything from jet skiing and paddle boarding to off-roading in the surrounding desert.
The Colorado River is the centerpiece of Bullhead City’s attractions, offering miles of scenic shoreline and endless opportunities for fun on the water. Whether you're looking to relax on the beach at Rotary Park or take a boat out on Lake Mohave, the area provides a perfect mix of relaxation and excitement.
For those interested in history, the Colorado River Museum showcases the region’s past, from Native American heritage to the impact of riverfront development. Meanwhile, nearby Davis Dam offers breathtaking views and a chance to learn about the structure that tamed the river and created Lake Mohave.
Bullhead City also serves as a gateway to Laughlin, where visitors can cross the river and explore lively casinos, enjoy fine dining, or attend concerts and entertainment events. The town hosts annual events like the Bullhead City River Regatta and the Laughlin-Bullhead Airshow, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
Whether you're an outdoor adventurer, a history buff, or just looking to soak up the sun by the river, Bullhead City offers a unique mix of water recreation, desert beauty, and small-town hospitality. Here's a guide to some of the best attractions, activities, and accommodations in Bullhead City, Arizona.
The current site of Bullhead City was the location of a settlement called Hardyville, back in 1864. Here, a ferry service and steamboat landing where the Mojave Road crossed the Colorado River, were established. From 1864 to 1883, steamboats made regular trips up the Colorado River from Port Isabel in Mexico. Eventually Hardyville became a ghost town.
Decades later, Hardyville would be resurrected as Bullhead City with the construction of Davis Dam between 1942 and 1953. The dam was originally called Bullhead Dam after “Bull’s Head Rock”, a well-known rock formation along the Colorado River. Steamboats on the river used the rock as a navigation point. After the construction of the Davis Dam, the water level rose and now almost completely covers the landmark. The community that arose during the construction of Bullhead Dam was nicknamed Bullhead. Bullhead City became the headquarters for the construction project, which was completed in 1953. Thus the name Bullhead City was born.
As the nearby Lake Mohave developed into a major tourism destination, and the casino and resort town of Laughlin, NV sprouted up across the river, Bullhead City grew rapidly.
Bullhead City has a desert climate with several inches of precipitation year-round. The last year with recorded snowfall was 2014, but no snow depth has been recorded. Summers are very hot, with temperatures frequently exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bullhead City has hundreds of acres of city-operated parks, that feature bike trails, ball fields, playgrounds, public swimming pools, and riverfront land.
Bullhead City hosts many annual events, the most notable being a river regatta. Other events take advantage of Bullhead City’s climate in the fall and winter months, in particular sports tournaments.
The stretch of the Colorado River between Hoover Dam and Lake Mohave is mostly tame but offers a few white-water rafting opportunities. If you decide not to hire a guide, permits are required to launch below Hoover Dam and can be obtained through the United States Bureau of Reclamation. Rafting supplies, canoes, kayak rentals and guided kayaking tours are available in Bullhead City.
On Lake Mohave, scuba divers can explore Black Canyon, which has excellent diving conditions. Advanced divers can check out Ringbolt Rapids, where swift water makes for an additional challenge.
Enjoy sandy beaches, picnic areas, and water activities at this popular riverfront park. It's a prime spot for swimming, kayaking, and jet skiing.
Located just north of town, Davis Dam creates Lake Mohave, a hotspot for fishing, boating, and scenic hikes along the shoreline.
Learn about the area's rich history, including its early Native American inhabitants, mining heritage, and the development of the Colorado River.
A short drive from Bullhead City, this hiking area features ancient petroglyphs and stunning desert landscapes.
This scenic wilderness area offers excellent hiking opportunities, with breathtaking views and a chance to see unique desert wildlife.
Summers can be extremely hot, so plan water activities early in the morning or later in the evening.
Whether you're here for the river, the history, or the entertainment, Bullhead City offers a little something for everyone!