Lake Mead National Recreation Area

How to Get There

From Las Vegas (30 mi): Take US-93 S through Henderson and Boulder City, then follow signs to Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

Overview

Lake Mead National Recreation Area in southeastern Nevada and northwestern Arizona, run by the National Park Service, includes Lake Mead (created by Hoover Dam) and Lake Mohave, about 1.5 million acres of desert and water 30 minutes from Las Vegas. It is the first U.S. national recreation area (1964). Visitors go boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking, and hiking. Water levels have dropped a lot in recent years, leaving a "bathtub ring" and changing some boat ramps, so check current conditions.

Highlights

• Lakeview Overlook and Boulder Beach
• Big Bend of the Colorado and Laughlin on the lower river
• Kayaking: Emerald Cove and the Black Canyon Water Trail below the dam

Things to Do

Explore America's First and Largest National Recreation Area

Lake Mead National Recreation Area encompasses more than 1.5 million acres of desert, mountains, canyons, and shoreline across Nevada and Arizona. Surrounding both Lake Mead and Lake Mohave, the recreation area offers a remarkable combination of water recreation, desert exploration, scenic drives, and outdoor adventure opportunities.

Enjoy Boating and Water Sports on Lake Mead

Lake Mead is one of the largest reservoirs in the United States and is a premier destination for boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, jet skiing, swimming, and houseboating. Numerous marinas and launch ramps provide easy access to the lake's expansive waters and scenic coves.

Visit Hoover Dam

Located near the western boundary of the recreation area, Hoover Dam is one of the most famous engineering achievements in the United States. Visitors can tour the dam, view exhibits on its construction, and enjoy dramatic views of the Colorado River and Black Canyon.

Discover Desert Wildlife and Scenic Landscapes

The recreation area is home to bighorn sheep, coyotes, desert tortoises, numerous bird species, and a wide variety of desert plants. Visitors can explore rugged mountains, colorful desert valleys, hidden coves, and scenic overlooks throughout the park.

Explore Historic Railroad and Mining Sites

Several historic sites throughout the recreation area highlight the region's role in the construction of Hoover Dam and the development of the Southwest. Visitors can hike former railroad routes, visit historic structures, and learn about the area's industrial and cultural history.

Top Trails

Historic Railroad Trail

Length: Approximately 7.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy

One of the recreation area's most popular hikes, this trail follows the route used during the construction of Hoover Dam. Visitors pass through large railroad tunnels while enjoying spectacular views of Lake Mead and the surrounding desert landscape.

Liberty Bell Arch Trail

Length: Approximately 2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Approximately 300 feet
Difficulty: Moderate

This scenic desert hike leads to Liberty Bell Arch, a striking natural sandstone arch located in a rugged canyon. The route features beautiful desert scenery, colorful rock formations, and excellent photography opportunities.

Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail

Length: Approximately 4.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Significant
Difficulty: Strenuous

This challenging canyon adventure leads hikers through a series of rugged narrows, ropes, boulder scrambles, and hot spring pools before reaching the Colorado River. It is one of the area's most adventurous hikes.

River Mountains Loop Trail

Length: Approximately 34 miles loop
Elevation Gain: Moderate
Difficulty: Moderate

This paved multi-use trail circles the River Mountains and connects Lake Mead with nearby communities. It is popular with cyclists, runners, and walkers seeking scenic desert and mountain views.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia article and official pages for nps.gov, alltrails.com, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Lake Mead, released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.