Take a journey through the raw, high desert landscapes of northwestern Arizona as we follow U.S. Route 93 from the Nevada state line to Kingman. This 70-mile stretch of highway begins at the dramatic crossing of the Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, a modern engineering marvel that spans the Colorado River just downstream of the Hoover Dam. As we descend into Arizona, the terrain unfolds in layers—steep canyon walls give way to open desert vistas as we climb away from the Colorado River and into the vast emptiness of the Mojave.
Shortly after crossing the state line, we pass the turnoff for Willow Beach, a recreational gem tucked along the banks of the Colorado River. Though hidden from view, its cool waters and marina are a favorite for kayakers and boaters exploring Black Canyon. Just ahead, a scenic overlook offers a final glimpse westward toward Lake Mead before we crest the hills and enter the Detrital Valley, an enormous alluvial plain bracketed by the Black Mountains to the west and the White Hills to the east. The highway straightens out and the elevation stabilizes, and we settle into a rhythmic drive through the sparse terrain.
We make a quick pit stop at a remote gas station—the kind that seems like a mirage until you roll up to the pump and realize it’s the only service for miles. Back on the road, we cruise through the wide spot in the road known as Dolan Springs, a quiet community with scattered homes and signs of resilience against the harsh desert climate. A few miles later comes Santa Claus, a now-defunct themed town that once drew curious travelers with its out-of-place North Pole motif—today, only a few abandoned buildings remain, weathered by time and sun.
As we approach Golden Valley, traffic increases slightly, and we reach the interchange with Arizona Highway 68, which leads west to Bullhead City and Laughlin. This marks a turning point in both direction and scenery, as US-93 begins its gradual climb into the Cerbat Mountains, crossing into the Hualapai Basin. The elevation change brings modest greenery and distant views of Kingman’s outskirts. Descending the final grade, the road curves into the valley, and signs of civilization become more prominent—billboards, neighborhoods, and the promise of connection at Interstate 40, just ahead.
This stretch of US-93 is not just a connector between Las Vegas and the heart of Arizona—it’s a living gallery of desert topography, an echo of old roadside attractions, and a testament to the vastness that defines the American Southwest. The rain showers we encountered on this trip added a poetic contrast to the dry earth, reminding us of nature’s balance even in a parched land. As we roll into Kingman, we carry with us the quiet majesty of the Mojave and the sense that every lonely mile has a story to tell.
Note: There are a few spots in this video where we run into a brief rain shower. As here really isn’t anything along this route that the rain distracts from, and they only last a few seconds in the video, we left them in place.
🗺️ Route Map
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