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Do you discover the flashing neon lights of Las Vegas just a little overwhelming and are in search of a pure respite? Then chances are you’ll wish to pack up your automotive and drive half-hour away to Lake Mead, Nevada’s cleanest lake and the nation’s largest reservoir.
Lake Mead makes for the proper day journey from Las Vegas as a result of it’s so shut and affords so many issues to do.
Whether or not you get pleasure from boating, mountain climbing, sitting in sizzling springs or occurring scenic drives, there are bountiful issues to do at Lake Mead to occupy you for a complete day, and even longer.
The putting desert surroundings and good blue waters of the Lake Mead Nationwide Recreation Space are a real oasis within the desert.
On this information, we share what to do at Lake Mead and the way can profit from your go to…
A short historical past of Lake Mead Nationwide Recreation Space
Lake Mead in Nevada was constructed to be a Nationwide Recreation Space for these in search of rest and enjoyable within the desert. It was created on the time when the Hoover Dam was created in 1936 and in 1951, although again then it was often called the Boulder Dam.
Lake Mohave joined the recreation space when the Davis Dam was accomplished in 1951.
Each lakes grew to become a part of the primary and largest Nationwide Recreation Space within the Nationwide Parks Service in 1964.
Lake Mead is likely one of the largest and cleanest reservoirs in North America, with the water ranges supplying over 25 million folks with their ingesting water.
And within the desert too! Don’t overlook to be mind-boggled over that and fall in love with the Colorado River.
Throughout this attractive space sits the Mojave Desert, which makes up 87% of the park and offers you an abundance of actions to expertise and luxuriate in.
The park is most well-known for its picturesque lake, nevertheless it additionally has 1.5 million acres of mountains, canyons, and gorges, in addition to 9 wilderness areas to discover.
Issues to do at Lake Mead
1. Go tenting close to Lake Mead
We spent every week tenting proper on the shores of Lake Mead. We couldn’t have requested for a extra serene and naturally lovely setting.
Have a look at these views from the woman’s bed room. Not dangerous to get up to every morning proper?
The glow on the rocks because the solar rose every morning was gorgeous.
We spent a number of days not doing a lot apart from waking up early morning to do some exercising, taking part in, cooking s’mores over the fireplace, catching up on work, and having fun with these views, and delighting within the wild calls of the coyotes every evening.
It gave the impression of there have been packs of them and we noticed a jackrabbit bolting off throughout the desert flooring. However we couldn’t spy on the coyotes.
We had at some point of heavy rain all day – a desert rarity – which didn’t dampen our time there in any respect.
With 759 miles of shoreline, you don’t have to fret about different folks getting too near you – there are over 900 campgrounds and RV tenting situated at 15 completely different spots across the lake.
2. Take a Lake Mead Cruise
Don’t miss the chance to get out on the water and do one of many Lake Mead cruises. When you’ve got your personal boat that works nicely too!
When you don’t, discover a good friend, lease one, or be a part of a 90-minute Desert Princess Cruise, a paddle wheeler boat.
We joined one together with our Hoover Dam tour that was included within the Las Vegas Sightseeing Cross.
The cruise took us previous Boulder Rocks into the start of Black Canyon to the sting of Hoover Dam.
It was attention-grabbing to see it from this angle. I used to be extra enamored with the orange and black rocks – gorgeous.
There was an informative commentary on the dam and Lake Mead throughout the cruise and a sandwich lunch was offered.
3. Marvel at The Hoover Dam
Visiting the Hoover Dam was a spotlight for us on our go to to Las Vegas.
You possibly can simply drive from Las Vegas to Hoover Dam as a day journey, be a part of a tour, or, if you’re staying on Lake Mead, it’s proper in your neck of the woods.
Hoover Dam was simply across the nook from our campground.
Nevertheless, we joined a Hoover Dam excursions from Vegas (picked up on the Hoover Lodge) because it was included in our Las Vegas Sightseeing Cross.
The elevators weren’t working after we visited so we couldn’t go down into the dam to discover the ability plant.
Apparently, this occurs often. It reopened whereas we have been there, however the line was too lengthy.
There’s a free museum on the high of the dam which was attention-grabbing sufficient and its nice to stroll over the mighty Colorado River from Arizona to Nevada and again.
4. Drive the scenic Northshore Drive
Probably the greatest land-based issues to do at Lake Mead is the scenic drive alongside Northshore Highway!
We went for a day drive and found the gorgeous fantastic thing about the Northshore Drive – one among our favourite scenic drives in the USA.
That is on the best way to the Valley of Hearth State Park alongside the northwestern a part of Lake Mead, so you possibly can simply mix a go to to this state park for those who’re planning on visiting Valley of Hearth from Vegas.
The drive is nearly 50-miles, however you possibly can go so far as you want. We went so far as the Redstone Mountain climbing Path.
You should definitely cease off on the Northshore Summit Path for a brief hike as much as a spectacular viewpoint from the mountain, providing panoramic views of Lake Mead.
I cherished looking for miles over the Muddy Mountains, the Bowl of Hearth, and the highway we simply drove alongside.
5. Discover the Redstone Mountain climbing Path
Over 200 million years in the past, these purple rock formations have been sand dunes and the realm seemed very very similar to the Sahara Desert.
The iron particles holding the sand collectively oxidized over time to show the rocks purple. Now we’ve got this lovely desert stroll the place we are able to respect it.
The stroll is lower than a mile loop. There isn’t any actual path, you kinda simply stroll round and discover at your leisure.
6. Bike the River Mountains Loop Bike Path
For the adventurous people, chances are you’ll prefer to tackle your entire 34 mile river mountains loop bike path.
16.70 miles of the path are within the Lake Mead Nationwide Recreation Space and surrounds the River Mountains connecting the park, Hoover Dam, Henderson, Boulder Metropolis, and the remainder of the Las Vegas Valley,
With a acquire in elevation in a single part of about 500 ft in lower than a mile, it’s not going to be a simple bike experience, however I’m positive you’ll have enjoyable.
We met a pair doing it who raved about it, even the one steep hill they needed to get off and push their bikes up.
We cycled a brief 2.5 miles a method from our campground to the beginning of the Historic Railroad Path.
It was barely uphill on the best way however nothing too tough and the women managed it tremendous nicely. We particularly cherished the return journey – we didn’t have to show the pedals an excessive amount of simply let gravity push us all the best way down.
You’ve received lovely views your entire method.
7. Stroll the Historic Railroad Path
Trekkers and mountain climbing fanatics will get pleasure from this simple hike alongside the Historic Railroad path – it’s excellent for views of Lake Mead and for a little bit of historical past.
It’s the outdated railroad tracks that when transported staff and items from Boulder Metropolis to Hoover Dam.
There are 5 tunnels on the path you possibly can stroll via and the path will take you to Hoover Dam.
The Historic Railroad Path is 3 miles return. Nevertheless, solely the primary two tunnels have been open after we went as a result of third tunnel being unsafe.
It was a fantastic hike that took us simply over half-hour in whole. It’s an easy stroll and nice for households.
8. Take a Pontoon Boat Trip
You possibly can’t go to this spectacular lake with out truly venturing out onto it, proper? If the cruise sounds too light for you, one other standard technique to get out on the lake is on a pontoon boat.
Throughout the Lake Mead Nationwide Recreation Space, you will see that boat leases alongside the piers and marinas, in addition to a number of launch ramps the place you possibly can launch your personal private watercraft.
Nevertheless, for those who don’t have a boating license, you can not launch your boat from the Nevada aspect.
It’s also possible to get fishing boats, paddle boats, canoes, or go kayaking.
9. Go fishing at Katherine Touchdown
When you get pleasure from fishing, Lake Mead affords among the nation’s greatest sport fishing alternatives. You possibly can strive your hand at catching some contemporary water fish, comparable to channel catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, sunfish, striped bass, smallmouth bass, and rainbow trout.
The perfect place to go fishing at Katherine Touchdown the place you possibly can fish from the shore. It’s also possible to solid a line from Willow Seashore, Cottonwood Cove, and Hemenway Fishing Pier. 9.
10. Go to the Alan Bible Customer Middle
The Alan Bible Customer Middle is the Lake Mead Customer Middle and opened in 1966. It is a great spot to be taught concerning the creation of the lake and the park, as they’ve a 20-minute film about its historical past.
It’s also possible to decide up maps and details about the issues to do at Lake Mead and stroll via its desert botanical backyard.
11. Hike the Gold Strike Sizzling Springs Path
For extra adventurous hikers, think about the two.5-mile, 600-foot descent into Gold Strike Canyon and dip into sizzling springs alongside the best way.
This difficult path requires you to navigate round house-sized boulders, climb up ropes, scramble over boulders and wade via rivers.
There are three separate sizzling springs on the best way, starting from 100-109 levels Farenheit, although you must test climate circumstances earlier than mountain climbing.
For a mixture of journey and a picturesque setting to admire, this can be a great path to deal with.
12. Play with watersports from Callville Bay
Watersport fanatics will discover loads of methods to discover the 247 sq. mile lake. From wakesurfing to skimboarding, to waterskiing to tubing, there may be loads of methods to get your thrills on the water.
Head over to Callville Bay to select a technique to play on this water playground. You possibly can be a part of excursions or lease your personal boat and take a look at for your self (although if it’s your first time I extremely suggest you are taking a tour).
How you can get to Lake Mead from Las Vegas
The Lake Mead Nationwide Recreation Space is just a brief 32km (20 miles) drive southeast of the Las Vegas strip alongside the I-515 S and takes 25 minutes. It’s 290 miles northeast of Los Angeles.
There are six entrance stations to the Lake Mead NRA: Lake Mead Parkway, Northshore, Boulder, Lake Mead Boulevard, Meadview and Temple Bar.
If you wish to discover past Vegas and tick off this checklist of things to do at Lake Mead, you’re going to want a automotive.
Most of the most gorgeous locations to go to close to Las Vegas are solely reachable by automotive so for those who don’t have your personal then you’ll want to lease a automotive.
Except you be a part of a tour from Las Vegas.
The place to remain at Lake Mead Leisure Space
When you’re considering you’d prefer to profit from this lovely space and wish to keep some time, listed here are some lodging choices I like to recommend…
Tenting at Lake Mead
We cherished our Lake Mead tenting spot on the Lake Mead RV Village on Boulder Seashore.
Get a lakeside spot for those who can, it’s the last word. We stayed two nights at one other spot and it was nowhere close to pretty much as good.
The websites are spacious and really clear, and there are picnic areas with grills for guests to make use of.
Additionally they have websites at Echo Seashore which is the north finish of Lake Mead.
Subsequent door to the RV Park is an NPS Boulder Seashore campsite. They’ve tent tenting and full RV hookups. You possibly can reserve prematurely or flip up for his or her first come first served however I cherished their campsites underneath the shade of some gum bushes!!
There are numerous different NPS campsites within the Lake Mead Leisure Space. One other standard one is Las Vegas Bay Campground as a result of it’s nearer to Vegas. It additionally has restrooms and RV hookups.
Lodges and Resorts
- Hoover Dam Lodge is simply behind the Historic Railroad Path and across the nook from Hoover Dam.
- For a extra luxurious keep, you possibly can’t go previous the Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort on the northwestern fringe of Lake Mead Recreation Space. You even have two out of doors swimming pools and a personal seashore and a great deal of area.
- Likewise, the boutique Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort and Spa can be on Lake Las Vegas on the northwest fringe of Lake Mead Recreation Space. Its Mediterranean-inspired structure, out of doors pool, and eating places gives you a calming Vegas trip. It’s solely 17 miles from The Strip.
When is the very best time to go to Lake Mead?
The perfect time to go to Lake Mead is in both the Spring or Fall months, because the summer time might be extraordinarily sizzling, crowded, and produce occasional thunderstorms.
In spring (March-Might), you possibly can expertise nice climate circumstances that’s not too sizzling however heat sufficient you could go for a swim within the lake or do among the watersport actions.
Fall (September-November), additionally has gentle temperatures that are perfect for water sports activities.
Winter (December-February) affords a novel perspective of the panorama. It will possibly generally snow right here, and for those who’ve ever seen snow in a desert earlier than, you’ll know the way enchanting this will look. Nevertheless, it’s not ideally suited for mountain climbing or water sports activities as it is going to be too chilly and icy.
Opening Hours and Entrance Charges
Visiting Lake Mead requires an entrance go. You possibly can both buy a Commonplace Cross for $15-$25, or you possibly can enter utilizing the Annual Cross ($45) or America the Stunning Annual Nationwide Park Cross ($80).
When buying your go, you possibly can both guide one on-line or from one of many entry stations. It’s a cashless web site, so you’ll need to pay utilizing your credit score or debit card.
Lake Mead Nationwide Recreation Space is open 24/7, twelve months a 12 months, however you will see that some seashores are open from daybreak to nightfall.
The Customer Middle is open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM every day.
Issues to do close to Lake Mead
When you’ve got extra time and you’ll afford to enterprise a bit additional, listed here are some high issues to do close to Lake Mead…
- Black Canyon is known as for the darkish volcanic rock that flowed and cooled right here 13 million ears in the past. This steep-walled canyon begins under Hoover Dam and you’ll discover a number of websites round Lake Mohave in it by water. The water heats up under the floor of the earth and percolates up via the rocks to type sizzling springs.
- Willow Seashore is a well-liked place to discover in Black Canyon and the Liberty Bell Arch might be hiked to on the rim of the canyon. The Black Canyon retains a really feel of the outdated Colorado River and offers a distinct perspective of the realm.
- Valley of Hearth State Park is likely one of the greatest Las Vegas day journeys and is simply outdoors the northern borders of Lake on the finish of the Northshore Drive. Keep tuned for a submit on that.
- Muddy Mountains Wilderness Space can be simply past the park, which is one other standard factor to do round Las Vegas.
- Go mountain climbing in Pink Rock Canyon, which has a 13-mile scenic drive, and a novel panorama with attention-grabbing crops and geology.
- You would possibly like these concepts on issues to do in Las Vegas for teenagers.
Ultimate Ideas
Lake Mead is a phenomenal and peaceable place and the proper place to chill off and escape the warmth of the Nevada solar.
We cherished seeing the Colorado River once more after leaving it a month earlier within the Grand Canyon and on the shores at The Needles California.
It flows just about straight out of the Grand Canyon into Lake Mead.
I hope this information helped you intend your journey to Lake Mead and gave you some inspiration for what to do there.
Lake Mead Nationwide Recreation Space Video
For extra inspiration on Lake Mead, you possibly can watch our video of our expertise right here.
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