Spring Break Road Trip 2025
This page chronicles our exciting seven-day road trip through Nevada and Arizona. We combined the thrill of jet skiing on the Colorado River with the spectacle of the USAF Thunderbirds airshow in Las Vegas and some unexpected desert discoveries. We traded our usual hotel stays for nights under the stars in some stunning dispersed camping locations, making this Spring Break one to remember!
Night Drive and Laughlin Arrival
Our adventure began with a late-night drive, aiming to make the most of our first day. We cruised through the iconic ghost town of Amboy, California, a surreal stop under the desert stars.
From the quiet desolation of Amboy, we continued our journey into Nevada, arriving in Laughlin for our first of only two hotel stays on this trip. This provided a comfortable base for our upcoming river adventures.
Rocky River Reunion! Epic Colorado River Jet Ski Trip
Colorado River Thrills and Desert Camping
Day two of our Spring Break adventure was eagerly anticipated – a full immersion into the refreshing embrace of the Colorado River. With the desert sun already promising a warm day, our destination, Rocky River Jet Ski Rental, was conveniently located just across the street from our hotel in Laughlin. This proximity meant no long commute was needed; the excitement began practically right outside our door! It’s more than just a rental spot for us; it’s become a tradition, a key part of our Colorado River experiences, almost a yearly “Rocky River Reunion!” The short walk across the street amplified our anticipation for the water-filled day ahead.
The process at Rocky River was smooth and efficient, a testament to their consistent professionalism over the years. We quickly got our gear, received a brief refresher on safety guidelines, and straddled our jet skis within moments, the powerful engines rumbling beneath us. The anticipation was palpable as we navigated away from the shore and into
the vast expanse of the Colorado River.
Unleashing the throttles, we were instantly rewarded with that familiar surge of adrenaline as we cut through the cool water. The landscape unfolded around us, the rugged Nevada and Arizona shorelines providing a stunning backdrop to our high-speed journey. The river, a ribbon of liquid turquoise, sparkled under the bright sun, reflecting the clear blue sky above. We spent the morning carving through the wakes, feeling the water’s spray and the speed’s exhilaration. There were moments of pure, unadulterated fun, punctuated by bursts of laughter.. Capturing these moments was also a priority, with cameras clicking to preserve the energy and beauty of our river reunion.
As the morning transitioned into the early afternoon, we decided to take a break from the high-octane fun and explore a different facet of the Colorado River – its infrastructure. Our next stop was the impressive Davis Dam, a concrete giant holding back the waters and generating power. The sheer scale of the dam was awe-inspiring. Standing at its base and looking up at the massive structure gave us a profound sense of human engineering and the immense power of the
river it controlled. We took our time wandering around the viewpoints, marveling at the vastness of the water held back, now forming Lake Mohave. The intricate network of pipes and machinery was fascinating, a testament to the ingenuity required to harness the river’s energy. We paused, reflecting on the contrast between the raw, untamed nature we had just experienced on the jet skis and this display of human control over the same powerful force.
With the afternoon sun beginning its descent, painting the sky with warmer hues, we knew it was time to find our first campsite. Leaving the developed area around Davis Dam, we embarked on a different adventure – the journey down a dusty, unpaved road leading towards Telephone Cove. This was the start of our venture into dispersed camping, a chance to connect more intimately with the desert landscape. The drive was part of the experience, kicking up clouds of fine dust as we navigated the winding track, the anticipation of finding the perfect secluded spot built with each passing mile.
Finally, after what felt like a delightful escape from civilization, we arrived at Telephone Cove along the shores of Lake Mohave. The area was more secluded than the bustling marina, offering a sense of tranquility that immediately washed over us. The gentle water lapping against the rocky shoreline was a soothing soundtrack as we set up our camp. Unpacking our gear, choosing the perfect spot for our truck tent, and preparing our little home for the night was a satisfying ritual. As dusk settled, casting long shadows and painting the sky in shades of orange and purple, we sat by the water’s edge, the peaceful sounds of nature surrounding us. This first night of dispersed camping, with the vast expanse of Lake Mohave stretching out before us, felt like the perfect culmination of an adventurous and water-filled day, setting the stage for more unique experiences.
Scenic Canyons and Another Waterfront Camp
Day three dawned, promising another day filled with the captivating beauty of the Nevada and Arizona landscapes. Eager to explore, we embarked on a morning hike up Thumb Butte, a prominent landmark known locally as Finger Rock due to its distinctive shape. The trail offered a moderate challenge, winding its way upward through the desert vegetation. With each step, the views became increasingly expansive, rewarding our efforts with panoramic vistas of the surrounding valleys and distant mountain ranges. From the
summit, the intricate patterns of the landscape stretched out before us, a tapestry of earth tones under the vast desert sky. We took our time soaking in the scenery, identifying distant landmarks, and simply enjoying the tranquility of the elevated vantage point.
Leaving the heights of Thumb Butte, our quest for unique perspectives led us across the Colorado River into Arizona. This state change brought a different angle to the dramatic Black Canyon, the awe-inspiring gorge carved deep into the earth by the relentless flow of the river. Pulling over at scenic overlooks along the Arizona side, we were treated to breathtaking views of the dark, sheer canyon walls plunging to the emerald waters below. The play of light and shadow within the gorge created a photographer’s paradise, and we spent much time capturing the majesty of this natural wonder from various vantage points. The sheer scale and depth of the canyon were truly humbling.
As the afternoon progressed, our focus shifted back to finding the perfect spot for our
next night under the stars. Our search for unique camping locations continued, and this time, it led us down another long, winding dirt road. The anticipation grew with each passing mile as we ventured further off the beaten track, hoping to discover another hidden gem. Our perseverance paid off as we finally reached Kingman Wash. This waterfront location, situated along the shores of Lake Mead, offered a distinct ambiance compared to our previous campsite at Telephone Cove. The shoreline here had its unique charm, and we eagerly set about establishing our camp. The gentle murmur of the water and the stillness of the desert evening created a sense of profound peace. As the stars began to pepper the night sky, we settled in, grateful for another day of stunning scenery and the comforting solitude of dispersed camping.
Dam Views and Desert Wildlife
Day four marked a significant point in our journey as we dedicated the entire day to experiencing the monumental Hoover Dam. Approaching this iconic landmark, the sheer scale of its engineering was immediately apparent, a testament to human ambition and perseverance. We spent considerable time exploring the area from various vantage points. Instead of walking along the top of the dam itself, we experienced the incredible perspective from the Mike
O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. Standing high above the Colorado River, the bridge offered breathtaking panoramic views of the Hoover Dam, the intricate network of spillways, and the vast expanse of Lake Mead stretching behind it. Looking down at the dam from this elevated position truly emphasized its immense size and the engineering marvel it represents. We took our time absorbing the vista, capturing photos, and appreciating the scale of the dam and the natural landscape surrounding it. Informational plaques and displays provided insights into the dam’s history, its crucial role in the region’s water management and power generation, and the incredible feats of engineering involved in its construction.
From the grandeur of the Hoover Dam, a short and scenic drive brought us to the unexpected charm of Hemenway Park in
Boulder City. This unassuming park is renowned for a delightful reason: its resident herd of Desert Bighorn Sheep. As we arrived, we were fortunate to spot several of these magnificent creatures grazing peacefully on the grassy slopes. We spent a considerable time observing them, their impressive curved horns and rugged appearance a stark contrast to the park’s manicured lawns. The backdrop of the arid Nevada desert and the distant mountains provided a stunning setting for watching these wild animals in their natural habitat. It was a gentle reminder of this region’s diverse beauty, from monumental human constructions to the quiet grace of wildlife.
As evening approached, we opted for a change of pace from our previous nights of dispersed camping. Our destination for the night was a paid campsite at Boulder Beach, nestled within the expansive Lake Mead National Recreation Area. This offered a welcome opportunity to enjoy amenities like designated restrooms and picnic tables. Setting up camp here felt a little more structured than our previous experiences, but the convenience and the proximity to the lake were definite advantages. The campground provided easy access to the shores of Lake Mead, and we enjoyed a leisurely evening stroll as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the water. This more conventional camping experience offered a comfortable and relaxing end to a day that showcased both humankind’s monumental achievements and the natural world’s serene beauty.
Airshow Thrills and Vegas Lights
Day five was a bit of a
whirlwind, and it held a little extra significance for me. A few days prior marked my 38th anniversary since entering the United States Air Force, so heading to Nellis Air Force Base for the Thunderbirds airshow felt particularly special. We parked at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and hopped on a shuttle to the base. It was pretty organized, considering the huge crowd was excited to see the show. And man, seeing the Thunderbirds still gives me chills. Having spent my history in the service as a USAF crash firefighter, being up close to these incredible machines was part of the job. However, seeing them perform with such precision in the air is a whole different experience. You gain a different appreciation for the power and the skill involved. That roar of the jets and the tight formations bring back memories of being on the flight line, but this time, the perspective is from an admirer in the crowd. They are the best of the best, showcasing the skill and power of the Air Force. We spent a good chunk of the morning just soaking it all in, watching them paint the sky
From the intense focus on the aerial display, we transitioned to a completely different vibe. Since this trip was focused on the outdoors, camping, and the river, with the air show as a major highlight, our stop in Vegas was unplanned – just a quick pit stop as we passed through. Being so close, we figured we could squeeze in a quintessential Vegas experience, hence the “Las Vegas in Under an Hour” video title I’m working on. We made a beeline for the Bellagio and caught some of their mesmerizing fountain shows. It was a brief immersion into the Vegas spectacle before we continued.
Leaving Vegas, we made our usual pit stop at that massive Chevron in Jean, Nevada. With ninety-six pumps, it’s hard to miss, and it’s become a regular fuel-up spot for us on all our Vegas road trips, a necessary stop to ensure we have enough gas to get back home to San Bernardino. So, while it might seem like a random roadside attraction, it’s a familiar and practical part of our journey. A bit of a change of pace from fighter jets and flashing lights, though!
When we finished that, we drove to Primm on the Nevada-California line. We booked a hotel for the night, making the drive home the next day a lot easier. So yeah, day five was a bit all over the place but definitely packed with some memorable stuff, especially given the personal milestone it followed so closely and the quick, almost comical, detour into the Vegas scene.
The Allure of Zzyzx, a Deserted Waterpark, and the Colors of Owl Canyon
So, day six was our actual “heading home” day, but our adventurous spirit had other plans. As we started driving, we passed that intriguing turn-off – Zzyzx Road. You know that quirky name you always see on the way to Vegas? Well, today we finally decided to see what was down there. We took that exit, and the landscape immediately shifted to that stark, desert vibe. I’d always wondered what was at the end of that road, and the drive felt like venturing into the unknown. We eventually reached the Soda Lake Bed. It was this vast, flat expanse of dry lake, kind of eerie and cool at the same time. You could imagine how different it would look if it had water. We wandered around a bit, taking in the silence and the sheer emptiness of it all. It scratched that long-standing itch of curiosity about Zzyzx Road.
But the story of Zzyzx Road is even weirder than its name. This area was the site of a rather audacious quack mineral water scam in the mid-20th century! Some guy set up shop there, claiming the natural springs had all sorts of miraculous healing properties and even called the place “Zzyzx Mineral Springs and Health Spa,” supposedly the last word in health. It operated for decades until the 1970s when the authorities finally shut it down. Knowing that history as we stood there on that desolate landscape added a whole new level of strangeness to the place. It wasn’t just a weird name but a place with a bizarre past.
Continuing our little detour, further into the desert, we somehow stumbled upon this abandoned waterpark – Rock a Hoolia. It was the strangest thing, just sitting in the desert, all dried up and falling apart. It felt like stepping into a post-apocalyptic movie scene, with these decaying water slides and empty pools. It made you wonder what it was like in its heyday and what made it vanish. We spent a little while exploring the ruins, snapping pictures of this forgotten relic. It was an unexpected and slightly surreal discovery.
From the eerie silence of the dry lake and the decaying waterpark, our accidental detour took another turn when we found ourselves in the Rainbow Basin Natural Area, specifically Owl Canyon. Wow. Just wow. The rock formations were absolutely stunning, layered with all these incredible colors – reds, oranges, yellows, even some purples. It was like nature’s own art gallery. We were so completely captivated by the beauty of this place that we looked at each other and just knew we couldn’t leave yet. Our “heading home” plan quickly morphed into “let’s stay another night.” We found the Owl Canyon Dispersed Camping area and decided right then and there to set up camp. The thought of waking up surrounded by those colorful canyon walls was too good to pass up. So, what was supposed to be the start of our drive back to San Bernardino turned into another night under the stars, all thanks to that intriguing road with its quirky history and a forgotten waterpark leading us to a hidden gem. Sometimes, those unplanned detours are the best part of the adventure!
Homeward Bound
Day seven was dedicated to the familiar rhythm of the road, the drive back home to San Bernardino. The truck hummed along the highway, carrying our gear and a week’s worth of incredible memories. It was one of those drives where the landscape outside the window seemed to play a slideshow of the adventures we’d just experienced – the roar of the Thunderbirds against the vast Nevada sky, the surreal silence of the Soda Lake Bed at Zzyzx, the ghostly remains of Rock a Hoolia, and the vibrant hues of Owl Canyon under the desert sun.
We talked about our favorite moments, those unexpected discoveries and breathtaking vistas that always seem to be the highlights of our spontaneous getaways. There was a shared sense of contentment, that feeling of having pressed pause on the everyday and fully embraced the call of the open road and the wonders it revealed.
Our stomachs started rumbling as we went through Barstow, and a familiar craving kicked in. We pulled off at the Del Taco on First Avenue for lunch. It’s become a tradition on our trips through this area. Interestingly, while the company often calls this location Del Taco #1, it’s technically not the very first one. The original Del Taco opened in Yermo, a few years before this Barstow spot. However, since that Yermo location is no longer around, this one is the oldest remaining and the one corporate recognizes as their original. So, as we enjoyed our crinkle-cut fries and crispy tacos, it felt like a small nod to the history of roadside eats as we continued our journey home.
The rest of the drive was filled with more reminiscing and the quiet anticipation of returning to our furry companions in San Bernardino. Even though the adventure was ending, the past week’s memories, from the adrenaline of the airshow to the peaceful nights under the desert stars, would undoubtedly keep us smiling until our next spontaneous escape.
Homeward Bound with a Touch of the Virgin River Gorge
The final day of our epic road trip had us heading home. We covered 450 miles, with a detour to explore the stunning Virgin River Gorge. After 2,644 miles and six states, our journey was complete.
Four Corners Road Trip 2.0 taught us the beauty of embracing flexibility and unexpected adventures. While things didn’t always go according to plan, we discovered amazing new destinations and made incredible memories we never would have experienced otherwise
