NEVADA ROAD TRIP

Casual dining located on the banks of the Colorado River offering a large variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner items with spectacular daily specials.

Experiencing the award-winning casinos that line the Laughlin Strip assuredly makes for an unforgettable experience. But, another reason Laughlin is such a memorable destination is the abundance of incredible outdoor recreation found here, in the heart of spectacular Mojave Desert, which can be accessed in as little as a mile off the Strip. What better way to compliment a thrilling casino nightlife experience than a restorative walk in nature by way of a series of masterfully created labyrinths? When it comes to the Laughlin Labyrinths, you can experience a bit of both worlds in all the right ways.

Created in 2011 as the ultimate way of grabbing onto some relaxation, the Laughlin Labyrinths were created by founder Wes Dufek. Throughout history, these compelling mazes have proven to help those to navigate them with reduced blood pressure and breathing rates, minimize chronic pain and insomnia, and as a whole, allows the participant to find their center and find a sense of unique calmness. So, in 2011, Wes began carefully selecting rocks to see through his plan, with the intention of creating a series of labyrinths of all shapes and sizes, that each carry a different intent to those who utilize them.

This is undoubtedly one of Laughlin’s best kept secrets – after all, the Labyrinth’s are essentially hidden in plain sight, making finding them all the more fun. Perched behind the Laughlin Strip, Wes’ vision didn’t start and end with only one labyrinth. He went on to build eight labyrinths of all shapes and sizes, ranging from 24 feet to over 60 feet in diameter. Wes referenced 11 circuit charts to build each with a specific intent, like Echo, where the participant can hear their own echo as they make their way through it, emphasizing the importance of listening to your own voice while you’re walking it. Visitors can also expect to find Triangle, which is designed to emphasize prosperity for those who walk it, as well as Destiny, where those navigating this pattern will come out more focused on their own future.

No matter which of the eight you decide to experience on your own, everyone will walk away with an undoubted sense of calmness to compliment their southern Nevada escape to Laughlin. #WalkableRockArt

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO As you might imagine, building these eight labyrinths took some serious work and planning. Wes is a local and maintains a watchful eye on his creation, so when visiting, please remember to leave this unique destination as you found it. As tough as it is to resist it, please do not add, subtract, or create your own mini-mazes. Fight the urge to spell out your names in rocks – save that for the Playa or Sand Mountain!

Admission to this funky little sweet spot is free, though you may want to consider making a donation that will help with the preservation of and establishment of new Labyrinths. To learn more about how to support Wes and this project, click here.

GETTING THERE From the Laughlin Visitors Center, head south on South Casino Drive toward Laughlin Civic Drive. Turn right at the first cross street onto Laughlin Civic Drive. Turn left onto Thomas Edison Drive, following for about 1 mile. This is where you’ll have to park safely on the shoulder and walk through the brush to find the Labyrinths. Some are up on the ridge, and some are down closer to the road on a flat plain.

Only 45 minutes from Vegas is Nelson, home to another stunner of a ghost town. Nestled in Eldorado Canyon is the Techatticup Mine, the oldest, richest, and most famous gold mine in southern Nevada. You can take mine tours, rent canoes and kayaks for a dip into the nearby Colorado River, and even snag a permit for full-on photoshoots. And you won’t be the only one eager to capture this Wild West landscape—this spot has a history of being showcased in movies, TV shows, and magazines, with plenty of left-behind evidence to show for it. One of our faves? A crashed plane from 3000 Miles to Graceland.

As the oldest, richest and most famous gold mine in Southern Nevada, the Techatticup Mine in the deliciously scenic Eldorado Canyon is located only 45 minutes outside Las Vegas.

Located in the official township of Nelson, there’s not much around these parts other than the picturesque Eldorado Canyon with the historic Techatticup Mill remains as the crown jewel. Located on State Route 165 south of the bustling Las Vegas metropolis, the road winds into Nelson’s Landing on the Colorado River.

Now referred to as Nelson, this area was originally called Eldorado in 1775 by Spaniards who originally uncovered gold in this region that is presently called Eldorado Canyon. Flash forward 100 years to the mid 1880s when prospectors and miners flooded the Western United States. Completely inundating the canyon, these prospectors took over the already-established Techatticup mine. Rightfully so, there were some radical disagreements over ownership, management and labor which turned the area into the true wild west.

Although difficult to interpret this slow-paced tiny town as a debaucherous, bustling, rough-and-tumble township, shootouts and murders were so frequent during the 1880s it became a part of ordinary life. What’s even more amazing is while this lawlessness was happening, the mine continued to produce millions of dollars in gold, silver, copper and lead.

As the first major gold strike in Nevada, many of the existing mines here today were created by deserters of the Civil War, with mining active from 1858 until 1945. During this time, both Union and Confederate soldiers set up camp here, assuming such an isolated location would be the last place military authorities would go in search of them.

Unfortunately, flash floods in this area are not uncommon and in 1974, disaster struck. With a wall of water and debris towering at nearly 40 feet, nine people were killed and much of the village was destroyed.

Photographers are drawn to this area because of the incredible photo opportunities in this canyon. In fact, several movies, television shows and magazine shoots have taken place at the Techatticup mine! Some of these include Fallout: New Las Vegas, and an iconic scene from 3000 Miles to Graceland.

When visiting the area, the guided tour will take you above and below ground through the mine and into the rich history of the area. With a comfortable 70 degrees year round, this fascinating tour will take you inside the Techatticup Millsite and Savage Mine. Also, historical blue water cove trips are offered, where visitors can rent a canoe or two-person kayak to row through the beautiful Colorado River in the canyon below!