The Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Bullhead City, AZ to Whittier, CA

A road trip from Bullhead City, Arizona to Whittier, California is a beautiful drive filled with scenic landscapes and fun activities. The route is approximately 320 miles and takes around 5 hours to complete. Halfway through the trip, visitors will reach Newberry Springs, CA; a quaint town worth exploring. Here are the top five things to do on this unforgettable road trip.

1. Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a must-see destination on a road trip between Bullhead City and Whittier. The park is a vast desert and boasts unique flora such as the Joshua tree, cacti, and rocks that offer incredible hiking and photo opportunities. Visitors can camp, hike, rock climb, or stargaze. An interesting fact: The park spans two deserts, the Colorado and Mojave, and is named after the twisted, spiky Joshua trees that dot the landscape.

2. Pioneertown

Pioneertown is a quirky town located in San Bernardino County, California, and is worth a stop. It was founded in 1946 by a group of Hollywood investors, including actors Roy Rogers and Gene Autry. The town was designed as a movie set and has a western motif with various shops, saloons, and a thrilling escape room. Visitors can also catch live music or ride horses. An interesting fact: Many Hollywood productions such as "The Cisco Kid" and "Judge Roy Bean" were filmed here.

3. Cabazon Dinosaurs

No road trip between Bullhead City and Whittier is complete without a visit to the Cabazon Dinosaurs. The attraction features two huge concrete dinos: a T-Rex and a Brontosaurus, and is situated just off the highway. Inside the Brontosaurus is a museum that showcases exhibits such as fossils and animatronic dinosaurs. The Cabazon Dinosaurs have a gift shop and a restaurant that serves delicious dino-themed food. An interesting fact: The Cabazon Dinosaurs are a popular filming location with appearances in films such as "Pee-wee's Big Adventure" and "The Wizard."

4. Lake Havasu State Park

Lake Havasu State Park is one of the most beautiful places to visit on a road trip from Bullhead City. The park is situated on the shores of Lake Havasu and offers a stunning view of the water and mountains. Visitors can go swimming, boating, jet-skiing, or fishing. The park has several picnic areas and barbecue grills for public use. An interesting fact: The park is home to London Bridge, a bridge that once spanned the River Thames in London and was sold in 1968 to an American businessman.

5. Magic Mountain Recreation Area

The Magic Mountain Recreation Area is a family-friendly destination that offers various activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping. The area boasts well-maintained trails that are ideal for mountain biking and horseback riding. There are several ponds stocked with fish, including trout, catfish, and bass, making it a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. The recreation area has several campsites with fire pits and restrooms. An interesting fact: The area has a Hollywood connection and was once used as a set for the western TV series "The Gene Autry Show."

Conclusion

The Bullhead City to Whittier road trip is full of beautiful sights, scenic drives, and fun activities for travelers of all ages. The route is approximately 320 miles and takes around 5 hours to complete. Halfway through the trip, visitors will reach the historic town of Newberry Springs, CA, which is dotted with several mom-and-pop shops. The top five things to do on the road trip are Joshua Tree National Park, Pioneertown, Cabazon Dinosaurs, Lake Havasu State Park, and Magic Mountain Recreation Area. Each attraction is unique and offers experiences that are worth the stop. Plan accordingly and enjoy the adventure.