Canoeing at Lake Mojave – Laughlin and Las Vegas
Canoeing at Lake Mojave – Laughlin and Las Vegas
Canoeing at Lake Mojave, located near Laughlin and accessible from Las Vegas, offers a serene escape into the rugged beauty of Nevada’s desert landscapes. With its calm waters, stunning desert cliffs, and diverse wildlife, Lake Mojave is a prime destination for paddling enthusiasts. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful day on the water or a journey to explore hidden coves, Lake Mojave delivers a memorable experience for locals and visitors alike.
Adventure Guide to Canoeing at Lake Mojave – Laughlin
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Willow Beach to Arizona Hot Springs
- Start your canoeing adventure from Willow Beach Marina, located about an hour from Las Vegas. Paddle along the Colorado River to Arizona Hot Springs, a secluded spot where warm waters flow into natural pools. The route offers stunning views of desert cliffs and opportunities to spot bighorn sheep and bald eagles. Be sure to bring your bathing suit to enjoy the hot springs!
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Cottonwood Cove
- Cottonwood Cove, located on the western side of Lake Mojave, is an excellent launch point for a peaceful canoeing experience. The cove provides access to calm waters ideal for beginners, as well as small beaches perfect for a break or a picnic. Rentals are available at the nearby marina, and the area boasts picturesque views of the desert terrain surrounding the lake.
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Katherine Landing
- Situated near Laughlin, Katherine Landing is another must-visit spot for canoeing. This area is known for its clean waters and scenic coves, perfect for a full day of exploration. You can also paddle to the nearby marina, where amenities like restrooms, a restaurant, and gear rentals are available.
Local Insights
- Historical Significance: Lake Mojave is part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area and was formed by the construction of the Davis Dam. The area was historically significant for Native American tribes who relied on the Colorado River for sustenance.
- Wildlife: Keep your eyes peeled for herons, ospreys, and even the occasional road runner while paddling.
Visitor Tips
- Best Times to Visit: Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) are ideal for mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer can be extremely hot.
- What to Bring:
- Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses.
- Water shoes and plenty of water.
- Dry bag for valuables.
- Driving Directions: From Las Vegas, drive south on US-95 to reach Willow Beach (approximately 1 hour) or Katherine Landing (roughly 1.5 hours).
Adventure Map
Reviews
Jack & Angelique Stokes2 months ago
There are places to rent boats if you don’t have one. The lake seems huge. There are swim areas. We have not fully explored the lake yet but we’re working on it.
Jerry Cross2 years ago
This is such a beautiful lake! I keep my boat nearby and go there often with friends and family. The water temperature is very comfortable for swimming right now and the air temperature is around 115° during the day. The trick is to wear a cotton t-shirt and go in the water often with the shirt on and use it as a cooling device
J Ryana year ago
Always a fun place to get some sun, relax with a few beers and do some swimming or boating. It was a perfect combo of 100° heat, a cool breeze and really cold water where it felt great while being in the water but nice on the beach as well. I come out here usually twice a year and enjoy it everytime.
Michaela year ago
Lake Mohave is the ultimate summer paradise in the middle of the desolate American southwest! This reservoir, almost 70 miles long, is accessible via multiple public marinas and is an amazing place to boat, jet ski, kayak, swim, and explore the waters! When we visited, we rented a boat and jet ski out of Katherine’s Landing on the Arizona side, and we boated all around all day - it was so much fun! It was the peak of summer and about 120 degrees - it gets HOT here, so be sure to bring plenty of water and use sunscreen!!
On hot summer days you can expect this lake to be packed with boaters and jet skiers everywhere. You have to be observant when driving because some jet skiers like to get really close to boats and accidents can happen. This is why we sought out a quiet part of the lake away from everyone else where we could enjoy it in all its glory! Not too far from Katherine’s Landing, on the western side of the side, we found some awesome coves that had no people. If you search “Roman Cove” on Google Maps Satellite view, and look at the small cove directly south of it, that’s the one we went to and were there for over 2 hours with no signs of any other people. I am sure there could be better spots on the lake, but this was a great location! No waves, quiet, and a perfect place to bring your family!
The water is extremely warm in the summer months, but still quite refreshing when it’s well over 100 degrees. Again, remember, bring water and sunscreen (and food so you don’t have to go back to a marina to eat). I highly recommend coming to the lake if you’re in the area because nothing compares to it! Go to a place like Katherine’s Landing, rent a boat or jet ski, and have fun!!
Jorge De La Torrea year ago
I go to Lake Mohave quite often. Most of the time to fish. It's a great place to take the family and spend the day cruising around in the boat, jet skiing or just lounging in one of the many nice coves or beaches. The water is colder than the lake but nice and clean and crystal clear.
