When it comes to adventures, we’re always looking for cool new places to go. But as the thermometer climbs in southern Nevada, that search becomes a lot more literal. Luckily, our region is no stranger to some seriously epic watering holes. Lakes, rivers, and springs? Absolutely. But also the other kind: what we call Sagebrush Saloons.
Next time you find yourself needing to get out of town and cool off—whether that means with a refreshing dip or a frosty mug in a historic tavern—check out this roundup of trip-worthy watering holes within easy reach of Las Vegas.
Black Canyon Water Trail – Colorado River
For an action-packed day trip, it’s hard to beat the breathtaking Black Canyon Water Trail, which flows along the flat, green Lower Colorado River through Lake Mead National Recreation Area, between Hoover Dam and Arizona’s Willow Beach. Kayak down 30 miles of tranquil wilderness, stopping at sandy swimming beaches, colorful coves, secluded hot springs, and the stunning and aptly named Emerald Cave. Wildlife is plentiful here, so keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles, coyotes, and desert bighorn sheep. For gear rentals or guided trips (including overnighters), the resident river rats at Desert Adventures have all you need. Travel Nevada Pro Tip: Score yourself a legendary Dole Whip at Chilly Jilly’z in Boulder City on your way in or out.
Distance from LV: 30 min / 25 mi | Find it on the Neon to Nature road trip
Pioneer Saloon – Goodsprings
Boy, if those original stamped tin walls could talk… You may recognize this 1913-built saloon—the oldest in southern Nevada—from commercials and movies, as it’s starred in dozens. Today, this ghost town tavern is home to legends, folklore, Food Network-famous fare, and notoriously killer cocktails. Take the self-guided walking tour of the old (allegedly haunted) miner cabins and schoolhouse outside, then belly up to the bar for a Pioneer Steak or Ghost Burger and wash it down with a signature Kentucky Mule or Bloody Mary. Travel Nevada Pro Tip: Ask about the cigarette burns on the bar—evidence of an unexpected nap Hollywood star Clark Gable once took right there.
Distance from LV: 40 min / 40 mi | Find it on the Neon to Nature road trip
Mount Charleston
Beat the heat by a mile—of elevation, that is—with an easy jaunt up to Mount Charleston, a quiet, outdoorsy community that is usually about 20 degrees cooler than Las Vegas. Tackle trails to scenic overlooks, ancient bristlecone pine trees, and famous Mary Jane Falls (“falls” may be a stretch in the summertime, but the brook may still be babbling); then kick back on the deck at Mt. Charleston Lodge with some Mountain Margaritas, Mountain Brownie Sundaes, and plenty more as you take in the view. Don’t want to head home to the heat? Treat yourself to an overnight at the fabulous Retreat on Charleston Peak and keep those cool mountain vibes flowing.
Distance from LV: 45 min / 40 mi | Find it on the Death Valley Rally road trip
Mountain Springs Saloon
Although it has a Vegas address, this legendary biker bar sits at just above 5,000 feet on the pass between Blue Diamond and Pahrump. A popular pit stop for Death Valley Rally road trippers and friendly motorcycle enthusiasts, Mountain Springs Saloon serves up ice-cold beers and cocktails, as well as tasty Mexican classics from the on-site food shack. Hang out in the bar or chill on the back garden next to some just-nice-enough water features. Travel Nevada Pro Tip: Show up on the last Saturday of the month to enjoy the spoils of their legendary pig roast party.
Distance from LV: 40 min / 30 mi | Find it on the Death Valley Rally road trip
Laughlin
If “wet and wild” wets your whistle, cruise the Colorado River Corridor south to Laughlin, where all manner of on-the-water action awaits. Pack a picnic to Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area and bum it up on the sandy swimming beach. Rent jet skis right off the docks at several waterfront hotels. Crank things up with London Bridge Jet Boat Tours and blast to Lake Havasu and back, home of the actual English landmark that was dismantled, shipped, and rebuilt here, piece by piece. Or keep it a little more chill on a sunset dinner cruise with Laughlin River Tours. Then, follow your thirst to one of dozens of bars and taprooms along the Laughlin Riverwalk to toast a day well spent.
Distance from LV: 1 h 30 min / 100 mi | Find it on the Neon to Nature road trip
WORTH THE TRIP
These destinations require a little more commitment than a daylong excursion. But we can promise you, once you get there, you’ll understand why they’re some of the coolest spots to visit in the Silver State.
Beaver Dam State Park – Caliente
This lesser-visited gem in the Nevada State Parks jewel box boasts a meandering trail that criss-crosses a trickling, trout-packed stream; the Waterfall Trail, an easy romp up a flowing tributary, complete with multiple small-but-beautiful cascade pools; and forested campsites among river-carved canyons and stunning rock formations where you can bed down for a starlit night—serenaded by flowing water, rustling leaves, wild turkeys, and maybe even a distant bobcat or two.
Distance from LV: 3 h 15 min / 185 mi | Find it on the Great Basin Highway road trip
Happy Burro Chili & Beer – Beatty
In a town where burros (wild donkeys) happily roam the streets, the human visitors to this old mining town on the edge of Death Valley chase their own pleasures at this rustic, family-run saloon that serves, well, homemade chili and frosty mugs of PBR. Sidle in after exploring nearby Rhyolite Ghost Town and the inimitably offbeat art installations at Goldwell Open Air Museum. If you’re lucky, you’ll be cheers-ing beers and scarfing down chili burgers with some of the (in)famous Beatty Cowboys.
Distance from LV: 1 h 45 min / 120 mi | Find it on the Free-Range Art Highway road trip
Cave Lake State Park – Ely
On the outskirts of the eastern Nevada adventure capital of Ely lies 32-acre Cave Lake, home to a network of trails beloved by hikers and bikers, wildlife galore, tree-studded campsites, and this beautiful mountain-ensconced lake, itself. Fish for trout, swim, or simply float around the greenish-hued waters with your favorite brew between your knees while you take in the piñon pine and aspen-studded cliffs all around. Afterward, head to town for one of the state’s best chorizo burgers and freshly flowing pints at Racks Bar & Grill.
Distance from LV: 4 h / 260 mi | Find it on the Great Basin Highway road trip
Red Dog Saloon – Jarbidge
OK, so this is literally the farthest-away Nevada saloon from Las Vegas, as well as from most places, due to its location on the dirt-road main drag of Jarbidge, one of the Lower 48’s most remote towns. But as fellow Nevadans, it’s our duty to put it on your radar. With its original movie set-quality 1900s mining town decór, palate-boggling whiskey selection, and friendly, Iron Maiden-obsessed owner/barkeep—all set in a paradise of flowing streams, aspen forests, and 10,000-foot peaks—no Sagebrush Saloon is more on the ball with off-the-grid hospitality than the Red Dog.
Distance from LV: 9+ h / 525+ mi | Find it on the Rubies Route road trip
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