Big Bend Of The Colorado State Recreation Area

Big Bend is one of Nevada’s newest state parks, opening in 1996. Situated on the shores of the Colorado River below Laughlin, Nevada’s southern tip, the park offers dramatic views of the river and surrounding mountains. Popular activities are picnicking, boating, fishing and swimming. The park also offers camping, hiking and group facilities. The town of Laughlin is also relatively new, and it offers many amenities including casinos, golf courses and an outlet mall. The park is within the Laughlin town limits, one mile south of Casino Drive on South Needles Highway. The Colorado River is the main attraction to the park. Because the park is located just downstream of Davis Dam, the river is clear and cool year round. Although the park has approximately two miles of shoreline and riparian areas, the majority of the park comprised of canyons and washes. While there are not yet any developed trails, these areas are rich with beautiful formations and scenic viewpoints. The river attracts a variety of waterfowl and shore birds including Mallards, coots, herons and geese.  Hawks, roadrunners, quail, hummingbirds, doves and owls are also abundant in the park. Common animals include cottontail, fox, raccoon, beaver, muskrat, coyote and an occasional bobcat or bighorn sheep. Several species of lizards and snakes inhabit the park, along with an occasional turtle by the river. Tamarisk and mesquite are the predominate trees in the park. You will also find several species of cactus.