Lake Mead National Recreational Area
Splash Into Summer
If you are looking for places to stay cool in the desert this summer, consider a trip to one of the many recreation areas located along the Colorado River. Its 1400-mile shoreline is full of adventure, interesting geological features, breathtaking lakes and a spectacular variety of plants and anim
als.
Since the Colorado River is home to some of the most spectacular water recreation in the U.S., DesertUSA is in the process of revising and updating a three-part series of favorite recreation areas located along the river. This month we are featuring Lake Mead National Recreational Area (NRA).
At Lake Mead NRA two huge lakes cater to boaters, swimmers, sunbathers, and fishermen while its desert rewards hikers, wildlife photographers, and roadside sightseers. Lake Mead NRA offers outdoor enthusiasts an abundance of things to do and places to go during all seasons. Most adventures begin at one of the two major lakes (Lake Mead & Lake Mohave) which together offer nine developed areas with a full range of accommodations and services -- including six concession-operated marinas along Lake Mead and three on Lake Mojave.
A good place to start your adventure on Lake Mead is the Alan Bible Visitor Center, four miles northeast of Boulder City, Nevada on U.S. 93. Information on the park activities and services can be obtained here, as well as books, maps, nautical charts and other necessities.
When to go? The most popular time for Colorado River recreation begins Memorial Day weekend and continues through the summer, with record visitors on Independence Day and Labor Day weekends.
Description
Lake Mead National Recreation Area (NRA) offers a wealth of things to do and places to go year-round. Lake Mead National Recreation Area encompasses 1.5 million acres including: 110-mile-long Lake Mead, 67-mile Lake Mohave, the surrounding desert and the isolated Shivwits Plateau in Arizona. Three of America's four desert ecosystems--the Mojave, the Great Basin and the Sonoran Deserts--meet in Lake Mead NRA. As a result, this seemingly barren area contains a surprising variety of plants and animals, some of which may be found nowhere else in the world.
Location
Lake Mead is located in southern Nevada and western Arizona, approximately 25 miles east of Las Vegas at its nearest point, Boulder Beach.
Activities
Boating, Fishing, Driving Tours, Guided Tours, Kayaking, Biking & Hiking, Scuba, Swimming, Horse Back Riding and more.
Places to Go Links
Lake Mead | Lake Mohave | Hoover Dam
Links to
Maps | Climate | Camping & Lodging |Nearby Attractions
Maps & Guide Books
Lake Mead Guide & Map. Buy now online.
Lakes and activities. |
Nearby Hotel and Motels |
Dams |
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Where to stay |
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DesertUSA is a comprehensive resource about the North American deserts and Southwest destinations. Learn about desert biomes while you discover how desert plants and animals learn to adapt to the harsh desert environment. Study desert landscapes and how the geologic features unique to the desert regions are formed. Find travel information about national parks, state parks, BLM land, and Southwest cities and towns located in or near the desert regions of the United States. Access maps and information about the Sonoran Desert, Mojave Desert, Great Basin Desert, and Chihuahuan Desert, which lie in the geographic regions of Arizona, California, New Mexico, Nevada, Texas, and Utah in the United States and into Mexico.
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Lake Mead - Houseboating & Viewing Hoover Dam DesertUSA rented a houseboat to explore the western part of Lake Mead. Our first stop was the Hoover Dam off the Boulder Basin. Without Hoover Dam, Lake Mead wouldn't exist today. Come along with DesertUSA staff as they explore Lake Mead and check out Hoover Dam. Take a look at the cove where we camped, and the Bighorn Sheep encounter we had there!
Laughlin - Lake Mohave - Colorado River
In the summer, Katherine's Landing at the southern end of Lake Mohave is a hub of activity. It has fuel, a general store, a restaurant and a snack bar. The Colorado River south of the dam offers many recreational opportunities. Take a look at this river destination!
Red Rock Canyon, NV Red Rock Canyon is less then an hour's drive west of Las Vegas and has many significant geologic features. The area is a good place to kick back and just enjoy nature's wonders. Take a look at the many interesting features of this Nevada State Park - it just might lure you away from the blackjack tables when you visit Las Vegas!
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