Mohave National Water Trail

In 2020, the Secretary of Interior designated this portion of the Colorado River as a National Water Trail. The Mohave National Water Trail begins at Eldorado Canyon and extends 76 miles along the Colorado River south to the Laughlin Bridge beyond the Davis Dam. It provides access to 190 miles of shoreline in Arizona and Nevada and around 190 coves, along with sandy beaches, scenic areas and cultural and historic resources.

Visitors can access the water trail from multiple locations in Nevada and Arizona. There are a wide variety of services available for users on the trail, including developed areas with marinas, lodging, boat rentals, fishing piers and restaurants. Additionally, there are permitted outfitters who rent paddle craft, lead guided tours, provide scuba instruction and offer fishing guide services.

 

 

Mohave Water Trail Map - North (JPEG)

Mohave Water Trail Map - South (JPEG)

 

Access Points from Nevada

 

Colorado River flowing past Eldorado Canyon

Andrew Cattoir Photo

Eldorado Canyon

This is the starting point for the Mohave Water Trail and the finishing point for the Black Canyon National Water Trail. Eldorado Canyon is south of Boulder City and is accessed via U.S. Highway 95 and Nevada Route 165. The turnoff to Nevada 165 (Eldorado Canyon Road) off U.S. Highway 95 is about 10 miles south of Railroad Pass. The road is paved all the way to Eldorado Canyon except for a quarter mile section on Lake Mead Road #47 to get to the informal paddle craft launching and take-out area. The Eldorado Canyon Area has a fascinating history and is very scenic with views into both the Eldorado and Ireteba Peaks Wilderness Areas. It is a region of colorful landscapes, dramatic geologic formations and scenic vistas of Lake Mohave. This rugged area consists of jagged volcanic peaks cut by wide washes and narrow canyons. Elevations vary from 650 on Lake Mohave to 5,060 feet on the highest volcanic peaks.

 

Calm waters in Placer Cove

NPS Photo

Placer Cove

Located about half-mile south of Eldorado Canyon and accessible on the same paved road that goes to Eldorado Canyon. There is one mile of dirt road that goes from the paved Eldorado Canyon Road to Placer Cove on Lake Mead Road #47 (Placer Cove Road). Placer Cover is a protected cove and a good place for launching and take-out. There is not a launching ramp but you can launch small motor boats and paddle craft from that location.

 

Cottonwood Cove Marina at Sunrise

NPS Photo Andrew Cattoir

Cottonwood Cove

Accessible by a paved road (Cottonwood Cove Road) off of U.S. Highway 95 at Searchlight. The area is very scenic and offers a full range of services for the visiting public. The National Park Service offers two campgrounds and picnic areas, a boat launch ramp and public dock. There are swimming areas, both adjacent to the public boat dock and at the Resort. Cottonwood Cove Resort and Marina is a full-service facility with a large marina, motel, café, store, fish cleaning station, boat repair, boat decontamination services, auto/boat fuel, dry boat storage and a full-service RV Park. A range of boat rentals are available from smaller fishing boats to ski boats, patio boats, personal watercraft and houseboats.

 

Footpath approach to Six Mile Cove

NPS Photo

Six-Mile Cove

Accessible from the paved Cottonwood Cove Road (7 miles) at Searchlight and Lake Mead Backcountry Road #31 (6 miles). Lake Mead #31 is a wide dirt road and maintained, but high clearance vehicles are recommended. There is a wide sandy beach here, and the area is popular for camping, picnicking, swimming, fishing and boating. You can launch paddle craft from this location.

 

Nevada Telephone Cove

Nevada Telephone Cove

This Cove is accessed via Nevada Highway 163 (paved) and Lake Mead Road #9 (unpaved). The unpaved portion on Lake Mead #9 is 4 miles but is accessible by 2-wheel drive vehicles. This is a very popular spot for camping, picnicking, swimming, fishing and boating. You can launch small boats and paddle craft at this location. There is a beautiful sandy beach. It is a great place to camp on the shoreline or spend the day sunning, swimming, fishing or picnicking. Vault toilets are provided and there are some shade trees present.

 

Laughlin Heritage Greenway Park

The Laughlin Heritage Greenway Park & Trail System on the Nevada side of the trail extends two miles from Davis Dam to the Laughlin Bridge. Small boats can be launched from this complex where there are day-use facilities.

Fisherman’s Cove

This is the access site on the south end of the Mohave Water Trail. It is located just south of the Laughlin Bridge. There is a protected boat launch ramp and courtesy dock. Both motor boats and paddle craft can launch or take-out from this site.

 

Access Points from Arizona

 

Willow Beach view from campground

NPS Photo Andrew Cattoir

Willow Beach

Willow Beach is a major access point for the Black Canyon National Water Trail but also serves as an access point for those travelling further south to experience the Mohave Water Trail. Willow Beach is located at the end of the Willow Beach access road. This road is located 11 miles south of Hoover Dam on U.S. Highway 93. Forever Resorts operates a marina, store, café, slip rentals and boat rentals, including canoes and kayaks, ski boats, patio boats, and personal watercraft. The National Park Service has picnic facilities, a launch ramp and a fishing pier. Another highlight of the area is a campground with full hookups. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service operates a National Fish Hatchery here that is open to the public.

 

Cottonwood East

Located about 19 miles north of Davis Dam and accessible by a 22-mile long dirt road. There is a vault toilet and area where paddle craft may launch. Camping, picnicking, swimming and boating are allowed.

Princess Cove

Located about 8 miles north of Davis Dam and accessible by a paved road. There is a paved boat launch ramp, ample parking, 6 sheltered picnic ramada and restroom. Picnicking, swimming, boating and paddle craft are allowed.

Cabin Site Point

Located about 3 miles north of Davis Dam by a paved road and short section of gravel road. The Point has sandy swimming beaches on each side and is a popular launching place for small boats and paddle craft. It is a popular day use area.

Arizona Telephone Cove North

Accessible by a paved road and short section of gravel road. There is a gravel boat launch ramp that can serve smaller motor craft and paddle craft. There are two gravel boat launch ramps and trash dumpters. Paddle craft can be launched from this site.

Arizona Telephone Cove South

Located in a scenic protected cove just north of Katherine Landing. There is a sandy beach, vault toilets, six sheltered picnic ramadas, and a swimming area.

 

Katherine Landing Marina boat slips

NPS Photo Christie Vanover

Katherine Landing

Located about one mile north of Davis Dam on the southeastern shore of Lake Mohave, just north of the communities of Laughlin, Nevada, and Bullhead City, Arizona. This is a very scenic area that offers a wide range of land and water recreational activities. The National Park Service offers a boat launch ramp, courtesy dock, campground, picnic area and areas for swimming. There is a full-service marina operated by a private concessioner, featuring small boat rentals such as ski boats, patio boats, fishing boats and personal watercraft. The marina also has slips, a gas dock and repair facilities, a lakeside general store, a tackle and bait shop, and a restaurant and lounge. A 51-room motel and RV park offer comfortable accommodations.

 

Davis Camp North

Davis Camp is a Mohave County Park within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area under lease from the National Park Service and Bureau of Reclamation. It is on the north side of the park just below Davis Dam. This site offers a take-out and launch site for paddle craft and small boats.

Davis Camp South

This site is within the Davis Camp Park operated by Mohave County under lease from the National Park Service and Bureau of Reclamation. It has a paved boat launch ramp and courtesy dock. Davis Camp offers vacation homes and bunkhouses for rent, spaces with full RV hookups and campsites along the beach for campers and tent spots. Eight shower buildings are located throughout the park and laundry facilities are available, as well as personal watercraft rentals.

Laughlin Bridge East Side Access Site

This site is just across the Laughlin Bridge (Highway 163) on the Arizona side. There is a picnic table and informal area for paddle craft take-out or launching where the river current is mild.