Major city · United States
Needles
Spend a half‑day to a full day in Needles: see the Colorado River, Route 66 markers and the regional museum; stay if you need a rest stop on I‑40.
Needles is a tiny desert city on the California‑Arizona border beside the Colorado River. It is a convenient stop on I‑40, US‑95 and the Amtrak Southwest Chief. Most visitors see the main sights in a few hours; a night is useful only for a rest before continuing west or east.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Mar–May, Sep–Nov
- avoid Jun–Aug (extreme heat, >100 °F)
- Airport
- NJK
- Nights
- 0–1
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Needles911 ▾
- Police/Fire/Ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Needles, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyNeedles is low‑crime but extreme heat and limited night services require planning; keep water, sun protection and a charged phone.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police/fire/ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckNJK El Centro Regional Airport (≈70 mi east via I‑40 (check)).
- Getting aroundCar is primary; I‑40 runs past the town.
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- NJK El Centro Regional Airport (≈70 mi east via I‑40 (check))
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
46°C (115°F)115°F (46°C)
Feb
not flagged
49°C (120°F)120°F (49°C)
Mar
Best
54°C (129°F)129°F (54°C)
Apr
Best
61°C (141°F)141°F (61°C)
May
Best
70°C (158°F)158°F (70°C)
Jun
Avoid
80°C (175°F)175°F (80°C)
Jul
Avoid
87°C (188°F)188°F (87°C)
Aug
Avoid
85°C (186°F)186°F (85°C)
Sep
Best
77°C (171°F)171°F (77°C)
Oct
Best
65°C (148°F)148°F (65°C)
Nov
Best
53°C (127°F)127°F (53°C)
Dec
not flagged
45°C (113°F)113°F (45°C)
Best: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Avoid: Jun–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (87°C (188°F)188°F (87°C)), coolest Dec (65°C (148°F)148°F (65°C) low). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Needles: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
46°C (115°F)115°F (46°C)
66°C (151°F)151°F (66°C)
0 rd
Feb
49°C (120°F)120°F (49°C)
71°C (160°F)160°F (71°C)
0 rd
Mar
54°C (129°F)129°F (54°C)
79°C (174°F)174°F (79°C)
0 rd
Apr
61°C (141°F)141°F (61°C)
87°C (188°F)188°F (87°C)
0 rd
May
70°C (158°F)158°F (70°C)
96°C (205°F)205°F (96°C)
0 rd
Jun
80°C (175°F)175°F (80°C)
106°C (224°F)224°F (106°C)
0 rd
Jul
87°C (188°F)188°F (87°C)
111°C (231°F)231°F (111°C)
0 rd
Aug
85°C (186°F)186°F (85°C)
109°C (229°F)229°F (109°C)
0 rd
Sep
77°C (171°F)171°F (77°C)
103°C (217°F)217°F (103°C)
0 rd
Oct
65°C (148°F)148°F (65°C)
90°C (193°F)193°F (90°C)
0 rd
Nov
53°C (127°F)127°F (53°C)
75°C (167°F)167°F (75°C)
0 rd
Dec
45°C (113°F)113°F (45°C)
65°C (148°F)148°F (65°C)
0 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Car is primary; I‑40 runs past the town. Amtrak Southwest Chief stops at 12:49 am westbound, 12:56 am eastbound. Walking is fine for museum and riverfront.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Lake Havasu City
goDoor to door: ~1 h round‑trip
Drive north on US‑95 about 45 min
Lake with the London Bridge; good for a quick water break.
Barstow, CA
cautionDoor to door: ~2 h round‑trip
Drive west on I‑40 about 1 h 15 min
Barstow offers a larger rail station and shopping; consider if you need supplies.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Best Western Colorado River Inn
$83 per night, central on Needles Hwy
Rio Del Sol Inn
$70 per night, near downtown
Days Inn & Suites
$50–$60 per night, basic amenities
Desert View RV Resort
$27.50 per night, campsites with Wi‑Fi
Fender's River Road Resort
$12–$85 depending on tent/RV/room
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $45–$70 excl. bed
- Mid
- $70–$110 excl. bed
- High
- $110+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid‑range hotel1 × 1 night × US$80 | US$80 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$70 | US$140 |
| Car rental (compact, 1 day)2 × US$45 · check | US$90 |
| Amtrak Southwest Chief ticket (one way)2 × US$120 · check | US$240 |
| eSIM data (7 days)2 × US$25 | US$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$60 |
| Trip total≈ US$330 per person per day, bed included | US$660 |
2026 estimate in USD; flights not included.
Prices of common things
| Coffee (café) | $2–$4 |
| River City Pizza slice | $3–$5 |
| Gasoline (per gallon) | $4.30 |
| Parking (city lot, 2 h) | $5 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Summers exceed 110 °F; carry water and avoid midday hikes.
- Services close early; most shops close by 6 pm.
- Train arrivals are after midnight; plan transport accordingly.
Emergency numbers
- Police/Fire/Ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
NeedlesNeedles
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police/Fire/Ambulance911
Embassy
US citizens: nearest consulate in Los Angeles (check address).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- I‑40 westbound to Barstow (car): ≈ $15 for 80 mi (check)
- Amtrak Southwest Chief (Needles‑Los Angeles): ≈ $120 reserved seat (check)
Say or show
- Disculpe — Excuse me / Sorry (disculpe)
- Gracias — Thank you (gra-syas)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (kwan-to kwes-ta)
- ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the restroom? (don-de es-ta el ba-nyo)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Needles. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar–May, Sep–Nov · avoid Jun–Aug (extreme heat, >100 °F) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 5 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 2 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add a car‑rental link for I‑40 travelers.
- Link to Amtrak schedule page for Southwest Chief.
- Add desert‑heat safety tips.
Sources
- officialCity of Needles official site
- secondaryWikidata – Needles
- secondaryWikivoyage: Needles, revision 5241739 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
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