Lake Mead National Recreation Area - U.S. protected area in Nevada and Arizona

Lake Mead National Recreation Area is a United States national recreation area (NRA) in southern Nevada along the northern border of Arizona.

Understand

History

Lake Mead NRA contains two large lakes, Lakes Mead and Lake Mohave, which are reservoirs created by the Hoover and Davis Dams. About 96 percent of the water in Lake Mead is from melted snow that fell in Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Wyoming. Lake Mead extends for 110 miles behind the Hoover Dam (completed in 1936), while Lake Mohave extends for 67 miles behind the Davis Dam (completed in 1951).

Landscape

Flora and fauna

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 plus temperatures. The area generally has less than five inches of annual rainfall. Water temperatures may range from to at different times of the year.

Get in

By plane

Lake Mead NRA is approximately 25 miles from McCarran International Airport (IATA: LAS) in Las Vegas. Other communities bordering and near Lake Mead NRA have smaller airports.

By car

There are nine paved accesses into Lake Mead NRA.

By public transportation

There is no public transportation serving the park, although tour buses operate from many Las Vegas resorts and attractions.

Fees and permits

Fees for individuals entering the park are $15, good for seven days. Fees for vehicles (including all passengers) are $25, also good for seven days. An annual pass is available for $45 that allows free entrance for one calendar year.

Get around

Paved roads lead to all major sites. There are many approved backcountry roads.

See

• Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery, 35.8761°, -114.666°. 2018-11-09
• Lost City Museum, 721 S Moapa Valley Blvd, Overton, 36.531389°, -114.44°, +1 702 397-2193. Daily, 8:30AM - 4:30PM. Adults $5, Children under 18 Free 2018-11-09

Do

Kayak the Colorado River from Willow Beach. Nice hiking, hot springs, and camping. The river is closed to motorized boats on Sundays and Mondays, but expect to find a few motorboats ignoring this rule.

• Desert Adventures, 1647A Nevada Highway, Boulder City, +1 702-293-5026. Offers paddling trips on the Colorado River or Lake Mead.
• Swim or picnic at the beaches.

Buy

Eat

Drink

Sleep

Camping is the best thing you can do.

Lodging

Camping

Backcountry

Stay safe

Go next

• Hoover Dam
• Laughlin casino hotels near Lake Mohave.

Related: United States National Parks