8 Best Places To See Along Route 66 in Nevada

Head to Spirit Mountain for tranquillity, stunning scenery and a fantastic hiking trail. Also known as Avi Kwa Ame, this mountain towers over 1700 metres and it’s a sacred place for Yuman-speaking Native Americans. Enjoy the serenity as you hike the rugged trail, surrounded by huge granite boulders and beautiful cacti and yucca plants.

It’s best for experienced hikers, as the climb is steep, with loose rock in places. The breathtaking, panoramic views are well worth the effort though. At Kingman, Arizona, turn off Route 66 and follow Laughlin for easy access to Spirit Mountain but be prepared to drive along a gravel road for several kilometres before you reach the car park.

Nelson Ghost Town will delight those looking for an unusual place to discover along Route 66 in Nevada. Just 30 km south of Boulder City, this abandoned gold mine sits in a remote mountain valley. Stroll along gravel paths full of vintage trucks and explore restored buildings which house memorabilia from Nelson’s prosperous, gold-mining days.

This captivating ghost town features in several movies. You can visit the filming locations and a quaint wedding chapel too. The guided tour of the Techatticup Mine is highly recommended. You’ll learn the fascinating history of this gold mine and the riches it brought to the town. Be sure to take a jumper with you, as it can be cool and breezy inside the mine.

Vegas Off Road Tours will get your heart racing with fast-paced action in the Mojave Desert. Experienced off-roaders can explore the terrain at their own pace. But for family fun, choose a guided tour and you’ll explore the desert scenery in a modern dune buggy, keeping up with the leader’s speed. Hold on tight as you race across vast expanses of golden sand, followed by dune-bashing thrills. Enjoy the pauses to photograph the incredible wildlife you’ll meet, including horses, lizards and jackrabbits.

Tuck into juicy burgers at the Pioneer Saloon whilst enjoying live music, then head back out into the desert for more off-road adventures. Wear comfortable clothes and be prepared to get covered in dust, dirt and sand.

Visiting the Grapevine Canyon Petroglyphs is one of the most fascinating things to do along Route 66. Located in the Nevada desert, less than 10 km from Laughlin, the canyon showcases over 700 petroglyphs. Spot intricate, geometrical designs, as well as carvings of snakes and sheep, on ancient boulders and rock panels throughout the site.

The walk from the car park to the petroglyphs is relatively flat, with a large cluster of rock art at the entrance to the canyon. So, it’s a good alternative for those who want to explore Spirit Mountain without undertaking the difficult hiking trail. Be sure to wear shoes with closed toes, as the path is sandy and you may come across desert wildlife.

Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area is a beautiful beach and park, just a short drive from Laughlin. Golden sand stretches over 3 km along the shoreline of the Colorado River, and kids will love splashing and swimming in the cool, clear water on a hot summer’s day. Locals head to this wonderful park for quiet moments of fishing and spotting hummingbirds and herons. But you can also hike and rent jet skis for more energetic fun.

Between May and September, you’ll need to reserve online if you’re planning to spend the day in the park. It’s a very popular spot, so it’s a good idea to book a parking spot and a picnic table too.

The sheer size of the Hoover Dam will leave you awestruck. Dating back to the Great Depression era, this magnificent arch-gravity dam also functions as a hydroelectric power plant. Leave Route 66 at Kingman, Arizona and follow Highway 93 towards Boulder City to visit the plant. You’ll learn how it works and the extraordinary feat of engineering required to construct the dam.

Take a guided tour and enjoy amazing views over Lake Mead and the surrounding desert landscape. The tour takes you up to the top of the dam, so you can snap Instagram-worthy selfies with this immense, concrete structure. Be sure to take a hat and water with you though, especially if you’re visiting around midday.

Head to Seven Magic Mountains for a vibrant art installation in the Ivanpah Valley. Located off Highway 15, around 40 km south of Las Vegas, this striking arrangement of boulders will impress you with its size and beauty. Each of the 7 boulder totems towers over 9 m high and you’ll love the vivid shades of yellow, orange, green and blue. Gaze in awe at the delicate balancing act these huge rocks perform.

You’ll see crowds gathering around this free attraction at sunset. But if you’re an early riser, the best time to visit is at sunrise. Watch the colours grow brighter with the dawn light, against a spectacular mountain backdrop and enjoy the tranquillity of this beautiful spot.

Las Vegas is approximately 2 hours’ drive from Route 66, but this high-octane city is well worth the detour. Foodies will love the huge variety of diners and restaurants serving local and international dishes, and you can feast on everything from gourmet burgers and sushi to pizzas and steak. Indulge in a spot of luxury shopping for handbags and designer clothing or visit museums which showcase burlesque, natural history and punk rock.

Check out the bustling nightlife on the legendary Las Vegas Strip and try your luck in a casino. Or take in a concert by a world-famous artist. Plan on spending at least a weekend in this non-stop city to fully appreciate the energetic vibe.