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Driving to Laughlin

Discussion in 'Getting There & Getting Around' started by blue808, Jul 8, 2016.

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  1. blue808

    blue808 Lahaina Strong.!

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    Thinking of doing an overnight trip to Laughlin during our Vegas vacation. We'll be in Vegas Dec. 6-14, looking to head to Laughlin Dec. 10-11, staying overnight so we can take our time exploring the town.

    My question is about road conditions driving from Vegas to Laughlin that time of year. What should I expect? Snow? Ice? Too far south? (I hope).. I haven't driven in snow or icy conditions for 30+ years, so I consider myself a complete idiot when it comes to that type of driving.

    We'll have a rental, so hopefully the condition of the car shouldn't be a problem.

    Also, what's cell phone coverage like? I imagine that it would be somewhat spotty in certain areas. We have Verizon so hopefully coverage should be as best as can be had. (I hope)

    TIA for any advice, it's greatly appreciated.
     
  2. C0usineddie

    C0usineddie VIP Whale

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    You should be fine. Its about 90 miles.

    Seriously doubt if there will be snow and ice. Laughlin is at sea level or there abouts.

    Cell coverage should be fine the whole way.
     
  3. zignerlv

    zignerlv VIP Whale

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    Driving conditions won't be an issue. Even through the mountain pass to get to Laughlin you aren't going high enough for there to be snow in the winter. It's a bit warmer in Laughlin than in LV, so in December you can have some really decent weather days. Cell coverage on the drive is not an issue, and the highways you will be taking are moderately traveled and monitored by the State Police, especially 95.

    Where are you staying?
     
  4. dmr

    dmr Registered Abuser

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    I've been on that trek just before the holidays. It will be cool but not cold and a very easy trip.
     
  5. Calpat

    Calpat Newbie

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    ...... and not much further down the road you may want to check out Oatman. It's a nice, quick stop to check out.
     
  6. ardee

    ardee It's only money.

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    A whole day to check out Laughlin? What are you going to do the remaining 23 hours and 56 minutes? :p
     
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  7. blue808

    blue808 Lahaina Strong.!

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    Thanks for the info folks... it's very reassuring... and I really appreciate it...!!

    Not sure yet, but based on comments on this board, we're considering Aquarius... got a good rate.. panorama view, no resort fee.. $55.00

    Lol..!! We've reached senior citizen status recently, and we're "putters"... we'll just putt around, take our time and putt some more... we enjoy exploring new places, Mrs. Blue loves to shop, and since we've spent most of our lives on or near the ocean, we're looking forward to just chillin' by the river.

    Thanks agains for the replies...!!
     
  8. zignerlv

    zignerlv VIP Whale

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    Yes, that would be my pick. Much to walk to from there. Outlet center is right across the street (it's not a great one though). Aquarius even has free wifi from the rooms now without a resort fee. You are right, for those that enjoy being by natural water, Laughlin has something that LV can never have, a river running along it. In December though, expect the water levels to be very low, especially in the mornings.

    If its a nice day, you can go to Harrah's and lay at their beach (ignore the "guests only" signs. That only seems to be enforced in the prime family travel summer months).
     
  9. caroleehs

    caroleehs Low-Roller

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    Be careful driving through a town on the way to Laughlin. Speed limit drops to 25 and is strictly enforced!
     
  10. LOCALGAMBLER77

    LOCALGAMBLER77 Local Las Vegan

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    Yes, that's in Harry Reid's hometown of Searchlight.
     
  11. LOCALGAMBLER77

    LOCALGAMBLER77 Local Las Vegan

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    Hi,
    It is a very easy drive and a pleasant one if you ask me. There is never ice here. December is a slow time here (and it looks like you will be here just after Cowboy Christmas), so the hotel rates should be cheap. They have suites as the Aquarius that are not that much more than the rooms and they are pretty nice (for Laughlin). Sure, we get snow about once a year and it lasts about 10 minutes, but the road will be fine.
     
  12. blue808

    blue808 Lahaina Strong.!

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    Thanks to all for your replies... it's very reassuring... and thanks for the insight and information.. looking forward to our visit..!!
     
  13. chef

    chef Resident Buffetologist

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    As an Illinoisian accustomed to poor roads, I appreciate the conditions of the roads in Nevada. That ride is very smooth and it's good to see you're staying over at least one night. Laughlin has better room value than Vegas.
     
  14. Mrs. K.

    Mrs. K. Low-Roller

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    Yes, pay close attention to the speed limit in Searchlight! I've only been to Laughlin once and never again, too many mosquitos! In winter it probably won't be as bad.
     
  15. dmr

    dmr Registered Abuser

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    I do not do very well (gaming) in Laughlin. The best I've done is at that Avi casino which is somewhat south of Laughlin proper and has that "secret" bridge to the Arizona side on the back of the property.

    The most memorable thing about Laughlin was feeding a colony of feral cats who were living by the rocks by the river. We would sneak food out of the buffet for them. I don't know if they are still there.
     
  16. pk1959

    pk1959 Tourist

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    The cats are still there!!! Lots of them. I noticed that nobody has mentioned the SKUNKS and RACCOONS that are along the boardwalk at night! I must be the only one freaked out by them!! Also when we were there last time in March, there were these HUGE ASS bugs flying all over near the lights that line the boardwalk. I am a total country girl and still the skunks and raccoons freaked me out.
     
  17. BlueBellThunder

    BlueBellThunder VIP Whale

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    I got a speeding ticket in that town. It's called Searchlight. Classic speed trap. Drops from 70 to 25 in a blink. The cop even told me if you pay it right away they'll amend it to a parking ticket so I wouldn't get any points on my license.
     
  18. dmr

    dmr Registered Abuser

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    I'm sure they get plenty of food from the people passing by, so they will thrive. With a good food supply and no, uh, birth control, feral cats will multiply, uh, like rabbits. :)

    I don't remember any skunks or raccoons around there. But again, I wasn't particularly looking for them. I do know that a raccoon in the distance can look kinda like a cat and I suppose a skunk might too.

    Well I'm a total city girl but most (small that is) animals don't bother me, even snakes. I know that if you don't bother them, they will leave you alone and most of the time they are afraid of people. Where we live now (far suburbs of Omaha) we do occasionally see raccoons that apparently live in a little wooded patch outside the back of the lot. I don't recall ever seeing a skunk, but I know they are around since they sometimes appear in the form of very smelly roadkill. :(
     
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