Several miles of Laughlin’s northern Colorado River front are transformed into a recreational paradise known as the North Reach Trails. A trails system offering a variety of walks and hikes, practical fishing nodes and a fully appointed day-use park, with Davis Dam as its backdrop, are main features. The project, including three developed trailheads and a signature pedestrian overpass, enhances Laughlin’s unique quality of life and its “soft adventure-appeal” while protecting natural and cultural resources on US Bureau of Reclamation lands in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

The Colorado River Heritage Greenway Park and Trails project, also known as Northreach, was dedicated on July 27, 2012 The project consists of 9 miles of trails in the Laughlin area for bicyclists, pedestrians and equestrian riders, and includes expansion of the Laughlin Riverwalk, fully developed restrooms and trailheads, picnic sites, shade shelters, fishing piers, and a highway pedestrian bridge overpass and underpass providing access to the Colorado River. Visitors of all abilities can enjoy the trails and accessible fishing areas.

Hit the casinos, watch big-name entertainment and stay at a themed hotel. Las Vegas? No, but this small gambling town on the banks of the Colorado River offers a taste of Vegas minus the glitz, traffic and high costs. Plus, there’s much to do here besides gambling.

Not only does Laughlin have the Colorado River for boating, swimming, fishing, waterskiing and other sports, but it also has gorgeous Lake Mohave offering much of the same on a grander scale. Golfers will enjoy beautiful courses where reasonable green fees stretch their dollars.

For a taste of the Wild West, head to nearby 100-year-old Oatman, where you can catch a mock gunfight and guzzle beer in an old-time saloon.

Hiking, anyone? Grapevine Canyon awaits you, famous for the Indian markings – some 800 years old – carved into its boulders. If the slots are calling, you’ll find plenty of gaming houses, with water shuttles running between them 24/7. What Laughlin lacks in Vegas glamour, it makes up for in affordability, scenic beauty and aquatic fun.