Lake Mead National Recreation Area offers a wealth of things to do and places to go year-round. Its huge lakes cater to boaters, swimmers, sunbathers, and fishermen while its desert rewards hikers, wildlife photographers, and roadside sightseers. It is also home to thousands of desert plants and animals, adapted to survive in an extreme place where rain is scarce and temperatures soar.
The Basics
Hours:
Lake Mead Recreation Area is open year-round, 24 hours, 7 days a week. Some beaches and other areas are day-use only, from dawn til dusk. These areas are marked with signs. The Lake Mead Visitor Center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day.
There are nine main access points to Lake Mead National Recreation Area, which includes two lakes and over 1.5 million acres of land.
The Lake Mead Visitor Center, also called the Alan Bible Visitor Center, is located off of U.S. 93, four miles southeast of Boulder City.
Climate
One of the many aspects of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area that continually draws visitors is its good weather. Many people come just to relax in the land of the sun. Refugees from states hit hard by winter's icy clutch often flee to this area to spend a mild winter. Sunbathers and water skiers spend summers here to toast in the 110° F plus temperatures. The area generally has less than five inches of annual rainfall. Water temperatures may range from 45° F to 85° F.
Entrance Fees - Vehicle: $5.00 per vehicle, Individual: $3.00 per person Lake Fees - Vessel: $10.00 first vessel, $5.00 each additional vessel
Outdoor Camping
Lake Mead National Recreation Area'a campgrounds offer restrooms, running water, dump stations, grills, picnic tables and shade. RV's, trailers and tents welcome. Concessioner campgrounds, including recreational vehicle hook-ups are also available within the park.
General Camping Information
Fees Campground fees are $10 per site ($5.00 with Golden Age and Golden Access passes) and are payable immediately upon occupying a campsite. Fees are posted at the entrance to the campground. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no reservations. Check-out time is noon.
Group Camping Group campsites (30 person maximum per site) are located at the Boulder Campground. Camping fees are posted at the campground kiosk. Reservations are required. Please call (702) 293-8906, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. The group campground is for tent camping only with limited vehicle parking. Group campground accommodations include: a common area restroom, picnic tables, fire pit and limited shaded areas.
Single site Camping Site capacity maximum is eight persons, four tents and two motorized vehicles (e.g., one camping unit and a towed vehicle) per site. Four motorcycles may occupy a site. Motor vehicles must be parked in designated parking areas only and may not be driven onto the dirt, or across irrigation ditches.
Maximum Stay Maximum stay within the recreation area is limited to 90 days within any consecutive 12-month period.
Quiet Hours Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Please do not create or sustain unreasonable noise, including generators, during those hours.
RV Sites with Full Hookups Park concessioners provide RV sites with full hookups (electric, water and sewage) at Lake Mead RV Village (Boulder Beach), Callville Bay, Echo Bay, Overton Beach, Cottonwood Cove, Temple Bar, and Katherine Landing. Reservations may be made by contacting the concessioners.
Concession RV Sites with Hookups Boulder Basin Lake Mead RV Village at Boulder Beach (702) 293-2540 Callville Bay Resort (702) 565-8958 Overton ArmEcho Bay Resort (702) 394-4000 East Lake MeadTemple Bar (928) 767-3211 Lake MohaveCottonwood Cove Resort (702) 297-1464 Lake Mohave Resort at Katherine Landing (928) 754-3245
Property Leaving Property unattended for longer than 24 hours is prohibited unless authorized in writing by the Superintendent.
Backcountry Camping Numerous areas can be reached by boat, car, backpacking, or horseback. Primitive camping, accessible by boat along the shoreline is permitted anywhere outside of developed areas or areas marked NO CAMPING. Camping is limited to a total of 90 days within any consecutive 12 month period. Unless otherwise specified, camping is limited to 15 days per visit at a specific backcountry area. After 15 days, campers must either move to another backcountry area or developed campground, or leave the park. When camping in the backcountry, always tell a friend or relative where you are going and when you plan to return. Include a description of your group and your vehicle. Backcountry maps are available on the Map Page.
Fires Do not leave fires unattended. Driftwood may be collected from below the high water line only and used in campfires. Firewood may also be purchased at concession stores. Ground fires are permitted only in metal fire rings provided in some of the sites. The latest fire restrictions are available on the Press Releases page.
Vehicle Camping Vehicle camping is permitted only in designated areas in the backcountry. Vehicles of all kinds, including four-wheel drives, motorcycles, and bicycles, must stay on designated roads. Off-road tire tracks last for years in this fragile desert. There is no off-road travel in the park. All motorized vehicles and their drivers must be properly licensed for highway travel. Obtain copies of the park's approved road maps at any ranger station or visitor center.
Water Use Please wash dishes at your campsite and not at the water faucets. Do not drain contaminated water on the ground, use the service sink at the comfort station. Dump holding tanks at sanitary stations located at each campground. Except for filling storage tanks do not connect hoses to water faucets.
Pets Pets must be kept at all times on a leash not to exceed 6-feet in length and should not be left unattended. There are many coyotes in the park. Barking dogs are considered a nuisance. Owners must remove them from the campground. Never leave your pet in a closed vehicle. Temperatures can soar to 130 degrees F (54 degrees C) in minutes. Your pet can quickly die of heat stroke in those conditions.
Wildlife Please do not feed the wildlife! Wild Animals can become dependent on handouts of food and lose their fear of humans. This is dangerous for the wildlife and you. All plants, animals and natural features are protected in national parks.
Backpack/Horseback Backpack or horseback camping is allowed throughout the park and along the lake shoreline except in developed areas, restricted or ecologically-sensitive areas, within 500 feet of any paved road or within 100 feet of any spring or watering device.
General Rules Do not attach wires, ropes, or nails to trees or shrubs. Digging, leveling, or other alterations of the ground is not permitted. Be aware of extreme summer heat when leaving children or pets in vehicles or trailers. Never leave them in a closed vehicle. Secure all valuables. Do not leave them in your campsite when you are not there, even for a short time.
There are shaded picnic areas located throughout the park. Please be sure to clean up all of your litter and keep our park clean. Picnicking is also welcome on all the beaches but you may want to bring your own shade.
Hiking
Arizona Hot Springs is located in a dramatic slot canyon that joins the river just downstream of Ringbolt Rapids. The spring brook forms several pools that are located about 1,000 feet from the river, where the canyon walls are nearly vertical and about 6 to 9 feet apart. Directly at the source the spring discharges highly mineralized water at a rate of about 30 gallons per minute and a temperature of about 111 degrees Fahrenheit. The spring issues from fractures in Miocene-age volcanic rocks near the intersection of two faults.
Railroad Hiking Trail
Look for desert bighorn sheep, ravens' and owls' nests, lizards, and antelope ground squirrels. You may also see rattlesnakes and scorpions during the summer. Along the trail you will see a section of rough, rocky road on the south side of the railroad bed that is believed to be the first section of pioneer trail or road for the construction of Hoover Dam. Approaching tunnel 1, on the right, look down the ravine to see concrete plugs taken out of Hoover Dam to install the turbines. Tunnel 1 has eight sections of vertical supports, five of which have horizontal planks to prevent the fall of loose rock on to the tracks so there would be few delays during the 24-hour dam building schedule. Weight from the rock has damaged the outermost, eastern arch. Tunnel 2 burned in an arson fire in 1990. You can see it looks different from the other tunnels. It was sprayed with shotcrete to fortify the now looser rock. Between tunnels 2 and 3, another pioneer road is visible. Rocks excavated from the tunnels were undoubtedly used for the fills you are walking on now. The outermost east arch was deformed by pressure of the rock in tunnel 3. Tunnel 5 was burned in 1978 and was then sealed. The tunnel was restored and reopened in July, 2001. The trail now ends on the other side of tunnel 5. The Historic Railroad Trail will continue to Hoover Dam in the future. All tunnels are 25 feet in diameter. They were oversized to fit huge penstock sections and large equipment being transported to Hoover Dam. Nine steam and four gas locomotives and 71 people were used to operate the system. It was a standard-gauge, 90-pound rail construction that used Oregon fir ties.
Grapevine Canyon
To many first time visitors, the Mojave Desert seems barren and desolate, but a walk through Grapevine Canyon offers another perspective. A fresh water spring flows out of the canyon floor in non-drought years. This desert spring provides life-giving water to a wide assortment of plants and animals. The presence of the water and the abundance of plants and animals may have drawn early humans to this area as well.
Grapevine Canyon is accessible from the Christmas Tree Pass Road, located off State Highway 163, six miles west of Davis Dam at mile marker 13. Turn right onto the dirt road. Two miles from the highway, a short spur road to the left leads into the parking area for Grapevine Canyon. Remember to carry plenty of water. Be sure to remove all your trash from the area. Remember this is a sacred area, take only pictures and memories, leave only footprints – on the trail!
Katherine Hikes
Fisherman's Hike Proceed to the Katherine boat launching ramp and follow the road to the left toward the houseboat rental area. Park here if you have a vehicle. Walk around the left side of the houseboat rental building to its backside following the yellow brick wall. Beyond the end of the wall, you will notice a dirt path which skirts a small lagoon. Follow this path through a growth of bushes. Bear to the left as the trail divides. There are several prospects or small caves carved out of the rock where prospectors have searched for valuable ore deposits in this area. Proceed along the trail, it will turn to the south. About 200 feet past the point where you can no longer see the rental building over your shoulder, the trail descends into a gully and appears to end. Due west of the gully or to your right, the trail can clearly be seen along the side of a small hill. Gingerly pick your way around or through the gully to this trail. You will soon have a good view of the harbor from the trail. If you don't see the harbor don't worry, you're not lost, just temporarily disoriented-retrace your steps. A few yards down the hill the trail dissolves into a wide obvious route, which follows the lake shore. Past the impressive sand dune on your right is Ski Cove. If you walk along the old roadbed to the left (used during the construction of Davis Dam) you will come to Davis Cove, appropriately enough. Do you remember the way back? Let this be a lesson! Always keep a lookout over your shoulder while hiking.
Lake View Hike Hike to overflow parking lot B which is adjacent to Katherine's trailer village. Park here if you have a vehicle. Proceed to the left corner of the lot facing away from the main road. Follow the nearby paved road, which runs along the left side of the lot to the midpoint of the natural curve. Through the row of Eucalyptus trees you will notice some low voltage utility lines, follow them up the sand hill of the northwest. You will be passing between two larger sand dunes. Once over this hill you will notice a large pond. This is the Katherine waste water treatment lagoon. Some interesting water birds can be seen here at times. Proceed due west along the old sand road to the left of the lagoon. Follow this path as it winds down the sand dune. Cut across country to the northwest toward the tall jagged hill in front of you. Spirit Mountain can be seen in the distance just to the left of this hill. You will cross a dirt service road in route. Approach the hill by way of the obvious flat wash dotted with Creosote Bush. You will be heading due west. Near the end of the wash climb the small smooth hill to your right.
Follow the obvious ridge line to the northwest - a little rocky in places so watch your step. The ridge line will take you right to the summit of the jagged profile hill. Congratulations! You can see north to the basin or wide section of Lake Mohave, 12 miles distant. Below you is Telephone Cove. Look back to remember your path before descending. If you wish, follow the smooth slope to your left for a good view of the south lakeshore.
Katherine Mine Hike Hike or drive along the first left past the Katherine Ranger Station as you drive away from Katherine. Park well clear of traffic across the road from the Telephone Cove marker - beware of deep sand. Proceed up the wash to the right of the road through the chalk colored mine tailings. The path becomes increasingly narrow as you approach the Old Katherine Mine site. To your right you will notice the ruins of the once productive gold mine. Over $12,000,000 worth of gold was removed from the mine in the span of 40 years. Beware of broken glass, sudden drop-offs and general decay.
The River Mountains Loop Trail is Nevada's first endeavor of its kind. Constructed through a combined effort of many of Nevada's resource management agencies, private land owners and citizens, the trail will provide Nevada residents with an outdoor recreation area offering scenic views, plentiful wildlife and the vast beauty only the Mojave can offer.
When completed, the River Mountains Loop Trail will be approximately 35 miles in length and will surround the River Mountains connecting Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Hoover Dam, Henderson, Boulder City and the rest of the Las Vegas Valley, expanding recreational and alternative transportation opportunities for the region's growing population.
Northshore Hikes
The Wetlands Trail Mile 1.2 on Northshore Road 1.25 miles, (1.2 km) loop trail, 100 feet (30 m) Drive north across the bridge over the wash and turn into the gravel parking area on the right. The trail follows a dry wash down to the banks of the flowing creek. Be sure to bring your binoculars to view the bird life!
The Callville Trail Turn right at Mile 11.1 on Northshore Road (Callville access road) and drive 4 miles to the entrance of the Callville Bay Campground. Trail head starts at the dump station. 0.5 miles (0.8 km) round trip 200 feet (60 m) A short climb will reward you with a spectacular view from the summit. To the south by Hoover Dam sits Fortification Hill, Boulder Basin, Hemenway Valley, Boulder City, and the River Mountains. Looking west lies the Callville Bay developed area, Callville Mesa, and the Black Mountains.
Northshore Summit Trail Mile 20.5 on Northshore Road, 0.5 miles (0.8 km) round trip, 200 feet (60 m), Look for hiking and photography signs just past the 20-mile marker on Northshore Road traveling north. The parking area is on the left side of the road. The trail climbs from the parking area to a nearby hilltop with a dramatic panoramic view of the Muddy Mountains, the red rocks of Bowl of Fire, Bitter Springs Valley and the Virgin Basin.
The Redstone Trail Mile 27 on Northshore Road Redstone Picnic Area 0.5 mile loop, (0.8 km), No elevation gain, Wind your way through red sandstone monoliths and learn about the geology of the area. Interpretive signs are provided along the trail. Begin your hike at the Redstone Picnic Area.
The Rogers Spring Trail Mile 40 on Northshore Road., 0.75 miles (1.2 km) round trip, 100 feet (30 m), Step on to this scenic trail at Rogers Spring picnic area, a beautiful oasis and warm spring. Cross the bridge over the stream and look for the trail leading upwards to the right. An easy climb takes you up to a stunning overlook.
The National Park Service presents a variety of ranger-led programs throughout the year. The programs are presented at different locations in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area ranging from Meadview to Boulder Beach to Katherine Landing.
Remember: Being safe while having fun means being prepared. Bring plenty of water (2 liters or more), appropriate gear such as hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and extra layers; a lunch for longer hikes, and accessories such as a camera or binoculars if desired.
Lake Mead
The National Park Service is presenting a variety of guided hikes throughout the fall and winter. These programs will occur at different locations in Lake Mead National Recreation Area. For more information and reservations call the Alan Bible Visitor Center at 702.293.8990 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Reservations are required.
Lake Mohave
The National Park Service is presenting a variety of guided hikes throughout the fall and winter season. Hikes will depart at different times and locations in Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Mohave District. For more information and reservations call the Katherine Landing Ranger Station at 928.754.3272 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Reservations are required for all hike programs.
Outdoor Boating and Fishing
Boating
Lifejackets or Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
Boaters must have a minimum of one good and serviceable U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for each person on board their vessel. PFD's must fit the intended user this includes children and infants. All persons 12 years or younger must wear a PFD while on board a vessel. All boats 16 feet or over must have a USCG-approved type IV (throwable) PFD on board in addition to PFD’s for each individual. For Personal Water Crafts a minimum of one USCG approved PFD must be worn by each person on board.
Registration
All boats must be numbered according to the rules and regulations established by the states. Numbers must be displayed properly on boat hull and valid registration papers must be carried on the vessel.
Navigation Lights
Lights authorized by Nevada and Arizona state law must be added if the vessel is operated between sunset and sunrise.
Fire Extinguisher
All vessels carrying, as fuel, any volatile liquid having a flash point of 110°F of more or less, and all vessels with any closed or covered compartments, must have a fire extinguisher immediately available.
Lanyard
PWCs must have a lanyard-type cut-off switch that is attached to the operator.
Safe Boating Course
All operators of vessels powered by a motor over 15 horsepower on interstate waters born 1983 or after must possess a certificate of completion for a boater education course or proficiency exam.
Boating Accidents
All boating accidents must be reported to the National Park Service within 24 hours.
General Information
Boarding Vessels
A boat may be boarded at any time by an authorized person to determine compliance with regulations.
Parasailing
Parasailing is permitted in areas where waterskiing is permitted.
Regulatory Markers
Flat Wake A flat wake speed, not exceeding 5 m.p.h. is required while in areas posted with a "No Wake" buoy or within 200 feet of a swimmer or a downed water-skier. Nevada also requires a vessel to approach no closer than 200 feet to an occupied beach.
Restricted Areas Restricted areas are marked by white buoys with an orange diamond shape with a cross inside the diamond having an orange band above and below the cross. All boaters keep out.
Dive Flag In Nevada you must be at flat wake speed within 100 feet of a diver-down flag. In addition to the flat wake restriction, in Nevada a boat may not approach a diver-down flag closer than 100 feet.
Prohibited Activities
Bow Riding No operator shall permit any person to ride on the gunwales, transom, or on the decking over the bow of a vessel propelled by machinery while the vessel is being operated above a flat wake speed or 5 m.p.h.
Time and Place No vessel shall be operated within an area designated by a uniform waterway marker or a white buoy, having a horizontal international orange band at the top and bottom and an international orange diamond with a cross on the white portion of the buoy, or between a line of such markers or buoys. No motorboat shall be operated within 200 feet of any designated swimming area, except within marked channels in which instance a wakeless or 5 m.p.h. speed shall be maintained. All vessels shall proceed with due caution and at a wakeless speed or no more than 5 m.p.h. within 200 feet of any diver's flag, designated by a standard square-shaped flag containing a white diagonal stripe on a red field. No vessel shall be operated in excess of a wakeless speed or 5 m.p.h. within designated harbors or in any area designated by a uniform waterway marker or white buoy having a horizontal international orange band at the top and bottom and an international orange circle with a black "5 m.p.h." or "wakeless speed" therein on the white portions of the buoy or between a line of such buoys and the nearest shore. No vessel shall be operated on any waters which are zoned or marked as migratory bird waters or for fish cultural or wildlife uses. No vessel shall approach any dam or other engineering works closer than the limits posted with appropriate signs or markers. The operator of a motorboat must maintain a flat wake within 100 feet of a swimmer or downed water skier.
Noise Operating a boat which produces a noise in excess of 82 decibels measured at 82 feet is prohibited. Not all muffled engines will meet this requirement. No vessel shall be equipped with, nor shall any person install upon a vessel a siren, whether operable or not, except for authorized emergency and enforcement vessels.
Drugs, Alcohol and Reckless Operation Operating a vessel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol or operating a vessel in a reckless or negligent manner is prohibited.
Age Limits In Arizona, no person under 12 years of age may operate a motorcraft propelled by a motor of greater than eight horsepower. In Nevada a personal watercraft operator must be 14 years or older.
Pollution No boat shall be so equipped as to permit discharge from or through its marine toilet, or in any other manner, any sewage at any time into these waters, nor shall any container of sewage be placed, left, discharged or caused to be placed, left, or discharged in or near any of these waters by any person at any time whether or not they are the owner, operator, guest or occupant of a boat. Pumping stations for emptying sewage from holding tanks are located at all marinas. It is prohibited for any person to place or dump or allow to be placed or dumped at any time into these waters any organic substance, wood byproduct, garbage, or any substance deleterious to fish or wildlife.
Regulatory Markers Attaching a vessel to or interfering with any marker, navigational buoy or other navigational aid is prohibited.
Hovercraft and Airboats Use of hovercraft and airboats is prohibited.
Wake Jumping Operator must not operate a PWC within 60 feet or 5 boat lengths of another vessel unless operating at a wakeless speed. Operators must not head into the wake of another vessel.
Waterskiing
Operator A person operating a vessel towing another person on water skis, a surfboard, an inflatable device or any similar device must be at least 14 years of age or at least 12 years of age if a passenger in the vessel is 21 years of age or older and is in a position to supervise the operator.
Observer In addition to the operator of the vessel, there must be one person observing the person being towed. In Nevada, the observer must be at least 12 years old (10 years of age if a 21 year-old is aboard the boat).
Ski Flag The observer shall continuously observe the person being towed. and shall immediately display so as to be visible from every direction, an international orange flag of at least 12 inches in height by 12 inches in width when the person being towed is getting ready to be towed and has a rope or line extended to him, or ceases to be towed and is in the water awaiting pickup by the vessel.
Lifejackets Water skiers shall wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device.
Time and Place Skiing is permitted only between sunrise and sunset (daylight hours). No person may operate a vessel towing a person or persons on water skis, a surfboard or similar device in any areas so posted or within 500 feet of harbor entrances, swimming beaches and mooring areas, or within 100 feet of any person swimming, fishing or diving.
Carrying Capacity A person shall not operate a vessel towing a person on water skis, a surfboard, an inflatable device or any similar device, unless the manufacturer's safe loading capacity for the vessel is three or more persons; operator, observer and person being towed.
Fishing Information
To fish within the states of Nevada or Arizona, you must carry with you a valid fishing license. If your license is for Arizona, and you plan to fish from a boat or other craft on Lakes Mead and Mohave, or on the shoreline of Nevada, then you must have a "use stamp" from Nevada (and vice-versa).
A trout stamp is required in addition to any other use stamps if you intend to catch and keep trout. You may purchase licenses from the concessionaire at the marinas or at local bait and tackle shops.
Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, Channel Catfish, Crappie, and Bluegill are found in both Lakes Mead and Mohave. Rainbow Trout can be found in Lake Mohave. Fishermen go for the big trout at Willow Beach, while Cottonwood Cove and Katherine offer great bass and trout fishing.
Lake Mead has become famous for its Striped Bass with an occasional catch weighing in at over 40 pounds. Fishing for Striped and Largemouth Bass is good throughout Lake Mead with Crappie, Bluegill, Green Sunfish, and Catfish being more prevalent in the upper Overton Arm of the lake.
Nevada
Each person may use only one combination of hook, line and rod at one time.
No more than three baited hooks or fly hooks or two lures or plugs may be used at any one time or on a single line.
The fishing line must be closely attended.
Arizona
A person may fish with two poles with the purchase of a stamp.
Each line may not contain more than two hooks or two lures or two artificial flies.
Etiquette
Please clean your catch at the fish cleaning stations located at most of the marinas.
Hours And Season
Both lakes are open to 24-hour fishing year round.
Juvenile Fishing
No license is required on Lakes Mead or Mohave for persons under the age of 14 in Nevada and Arizona.
Several protected species of fish are found in the Colorado River System. Two of these, the razorback sucker and bonytail chub, may be found in the lakes. If these fish are caught, they should be returned to the water. Please report the catch to the National Park Service.
Closed Waters
There is no fishing within the posted boundaries of state or federal hatcheries.
There is no fishing within those areas immediately above and below Hoover Dam.
There is no fishing within areas designated as harbors.
Canoeing & Kayaking
There are many hidden coves to discover by canoe or kayak on Lake Mead and Lake Mohave. Don't forget to explore the popular Black Canyon.
Please use extreme caution when bicycling on park roads as some areas have low visibility, no shoulder and sharp with windy turns.
Approved backcountry roads are marked with a yellow arrow sign with a number on it. Please stay on the roads so our fragile desert soils stay protected.
It is always a good idea to carry plenty of water, cycle with a friend and let someone know your itinerary.
Daily tours of exhibits ranging from early Indians, miners and pioneers through gaming and World War II. The museum is located at 1830 S. Boulder Highway, Henderson, between Las Vegas and Boulder City. Open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. For more information call (702) 455-7955. Entrance fee.
Death Valley
Spectacular geologic formations and desert vistas are only a 1-1/2 hour drive on US Highway 374 south. Points of interest include Zabriskie Point, Ubehebe Crater, and Scottys Castle. For additional information call the Furnace Creek Visitor Center at (760) 786-2331. Entrance fee.
Floyd Lamb State Park
Only 20 minutes north on Highway 95, this green oasis offers picnicking facilities on 16 acres of land adjacent to a seven acre lake with horseback riding and excellent bird-watching. Open daily from 7 a.m. to sunset. For additional information call (702) 486-5413. Entrance fee.
Hoover Dam
Visit one of the engineering wonders of the world. Hoover Dam is located 45 minutes south of Las Vegas outside of Boulder City, Nevada. This is where the Colorado River was dammed to form Lake Mead! For more information call the Bureau of Reclamation at (702) 597-5970 or (800) 634-6787.
For information on conditions at Hoover Dam: 888-248-1259.
Hualapai Indian Reservation
Exciting raft trips and spectacular views of the West Grand Canyon. Permits available at R.D.'s Pitstop or Hualapai River Running Office on Route 66 in Peach Springs, AZ. For more information call (928) 769-2219 or call the Hualapai Lodge at (928) 769-2230.
Mt. Charleston (Spring Mountains National Recreation Area)
Less than an hour north of Las Vegas on Highway 95 is the Toiyabe National Forest. The 8,000 ft. elevation provides cool pines in the summer and snow skiing in the winter. For more information call Kyle Forest Service Station at (702) 872-5486. For lodging information call (702) 872-5408 or (702) 872-5500. For camping reservations, starting in mid-May, call Park Net, Inc. at (877) 444-6777.
Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park The first permanent non-native settlers in the Las Vegas Valley were a group of Mormon missionaries who built an adobe fort along Las Vegas Creek in 1855. Today, the park includes a remnant of the original adobe fort, which serves as a visitor center with interpretive displays. The Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort is located in downtown Las Vegas, at the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and Washington Avenue. The park is open all year. 500 E Washington Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89101, (702) 486-3511 Entrance fee.
Red Rock Canyon
Excellent hiking, scenic 13 -mile loop, and beautiful vistas are found only 20 miles west of Las Vegas via Charleston Blvd. (Nevada Highway 159). For more information call the Visitor Center at (702) 515-5350. Entrance fee.
Spring Mountain Ranch
Visit the historic ranch 20 miles west on Charleston Blvd. (Nevada Highway 159). Guided tours of the ranch are offered on Fri., Sat., Sun., and Mon., depending on the weather. Open daily for picnicking 8:00 a.m. to sunset. For additional information call (702) 875-4141. Entrance fee.
Valley of Fire State Park
Ancient sand dunes formed this fascinating geological landscape. Interpretive trail, picnic area and campground. Only 55 miles north of Las Vegas on I -15. For more information call (702) 397-2088. Entrance fee.
Lake Mohave Region
Chloride
A small mining town dating back to 1863. Gold, silver, lead, zinc, copper and turquoise were all mined here. Travel east on Hwy 68 to Hwy 93 junction, north approximately 15 miles to Grasshopper Junction, east to Chloride.
Grand Canyon Caverns
An elevator takes you 21 stories below the earth's surface for a look at a subterranean cave. North east of Kingman, approximately 60 miles, on historic Route 66. Entrance fee.
Grand Canyon National Park
Scenic flights, train rides, raft trips, mules rides, and highways all lead into Grand Canyon National Park. The South Rim is open year-round and the North Rim is open mid-May to mid-November, depending on the weather. For additional information call (928) 638-7888. Entrance fee.
Havasu National Wildlife Refuge
Fishing, wildlife observation and wildlands appreciation are three of the most popular pastimes at the refuge. Check at the refuge office in Needles for maps and more information about access to the area. Their address is 1406 Bailey Ave, Needles, CA. (760) 326-3853.
Hualapi Mountain Park Managed by the Mohave County Parks Department, this beautiful area includes camping facilities, picnic areas, cabins for rent and miles of hiking trails.
Joshua Tree National Park Three hours southwest of Katherine is an area that includes two deserts, the Mojave and Colorado. Joshua Tree National Park protects plants and animals indicative of both deserts. Points of interest include Keys View, Hidden Valley and Cholla Cactus Garden. East of Needles on 1-40 to Mountain Springs Road exit. Follow it to Amboy and past Amboy turn left to 29 Palms. The park headquarters is on Utah Trail. For additional information call (760) 367-5500. Entrance fee.
Kingman
See excellent displays on Indian life, historical development and cultural activities at the Mohave Museum of History and Arts at 400 W. Beale. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Also while in Kingman, visit the Bonelli House, home of one of the earliest settlers in the area. It is open Thursday through Monday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Entrance fees.
Mitchell Caverns
Take 1-40 west of Needles for 45 miles, turn on the Essex-Black Canyon Road exit and follow it 17 miles north to Providence Mountains State Recreation Area. Mitchell Caverns is located within the recreation area. Guided tours offered daily except in the summer. Check for tour times prior to arrival. Entrance fee.
Oatman
Burros and gun fights are still found in this early gold mining town located on historic Route 66. Facilities include antique and craft stores, cafes, and historic buildings. Turn left on Oatman Road ten miles south of Bullhead City on Hwy 95, continue 14 miles to Oatman.
For More Information
For more information on activities, events, camping, or lodging near the Lake Mead NRA, contact the following:Arizona Arizona Office of Tourism 1-800-987-7457
Bullhead Area Chamber of Commerce
Bullhead Area Tourist Information (928) 754-4121
Nevada Nevada Commission on Tourism (800) NEVADA8
Boulder City Chamber of Commerce (702) 293-2034
Henderson Chamber of Commerce (702) 565-8951
Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce (702) 735-1616
Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority (702) 892-0711 (daily)
Laughlin tourist Information (800) 452-8445 or (702) 298-3321
Lake Mead National Recreation Area is big, it's diverse, and it's extreme. Here are a million and a half acres of land. Temperature can be harsh, from 120 degrees Fahrenheit in the desert in summer to well below freezing in winter on the high plateaus.
From the mouth of the Grand Canyon the park follows the Arizona-Nevada border along what was formerly 140 miles of the Colorado River. The two big lakes-Mead and Mohave- are the big draw here.
Lake Mead is impressive: 110 miles long when the lake is full; 550 miles of shoreline; around 500 feet at greatest depth; 255 square miles of surface; and when filled to capacity, 28 million acre-feet of water, about two years' flow of the Colorado River. Sixty-seven-mile-long Lake Mohave, formed by Davis Dam, still retains in its upper reaches some of the character of the old Rio Colorado.
Although much of Lake Mead must be experienced by boat, the various campgrounds, marinas, lodges, and other facilities clustered around the lake make it possible for non-boaters to enjoy it as well. Literally millions of people use the lake each year. And many of these visitors return again and again-to find that special cove or campground, or just to sit on the banks and enjoy solitude of a quality that only nature can supply.
Visitor Center
Explore the newly designed exhibits at the Alan Bible Visitor Center. "Discovering the Desert" includes interactive, hands-on exhibits that invite visitors to discover the Mojave Desert. The visitor center is located about four miles east of Boulder City, Nevada, at the junction of U.S. Highway 93 and Lakeshore Scenic Drive. Members of the Park staff are available to provide information, books and maps, and other educational and fun items for sale. The visitor center is open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
