Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Lake Mead Resources and Nearby Attractions

Overview| Climate/Maps | Description | Things To Do

Lake Mead Region

Clark County Museum
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 National Park
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. Click here for more info.
 
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.

Desert National Wildlife Range: 1, 588, 459 acres north of Las Vegas offering camping, hiking and hunting. (USFWS)

  • Corn Creek
  • Desert View Natural Environment Area

Moapa River Indian Reservation: Moapa Band of Paiute Indians occupy 71,000 acres north of Las Vegas.

Nevada State Museum and Historical Society: Depicts 10,000 years of regional history. 702-486-5205

Las Vegas Museum of Natural History: Highlights regional natural history, wildlife and art. 702-384-3466

Zoological-Botanical Park: 4-acre zoo featuring many desert plant and animals. 702-648-5995

 
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, AZ
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. Park closed by state park system. 
 
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 Boundary Cone Rd ten miles south of Bullhead City on AZ Hwy 95, continue 14 miles to Oatman.

 

 

 
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