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Do you discover the flashing neon lights of Las Vegas a bit overwhelming and are looking for a pure respite? Then it’s possible you’ll wish to pack up your automobile and drive half-hour away to Lake Mead, Nevada’s cleanest lake and the nation’s largest reservoir.
Lake Mead makes for the right day journey from Las Vegas as a result of it’s so shut and provides so many issues to do.
Whether or not you take pleasure in boating, mountaineering, sitting in sizzling springs or happening scenic drives, there are bountiful issues to do at Lake Mead to occupy you for a complete day, and even longer.
The hanging desert surroundings and sensible 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 take advantage of 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 leisure 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 referred to as the Boulder Dam.
Lake Mohave joined the recreation space when the Davis Dam was accomplished in 1951.
Each lakes turned 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 individuals with their ingesting water.
And within the desert too! Don’t neglect to be mind-boggled over that and fall in love with the Colorado River.
Throughout this beautiful space sits the Mojave Desert, which makes up 87% of the park and offers you an abundance of actions to expertise and revel 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 per week tenting proper on the shores of Lake Mead. We couldn’t have requested for a extra serene and naturally stunning setting.
Have a look at these views from the lady’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 aside from waking up early morning to do some exercising, taking part in, cooking s’mores over the hearth, catching up on work, and having fun with these views, and delighting within the wild calls of the coyotes every night time.
It seemed like there have been packs of them and we noticed a jackrabbit bolting off throughout the desert ground. However we couldn’t spy on the coyotes.
We had someday 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 individuals getting too near you – there are over 900 campgrounds and RV tenting situated at 15 totally 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. You probably have your individual boat that works effectively too!
In case you don’t, discover a good friend, hire 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 fascinating to see it from this attitude. 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 supplied.
3. Marvel at The Hoover Dam
Visiting the Hoover Dam was a spotlight for us on our go to to Las Vegas.
You’ll be able to 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.
Nonetheless, 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 facility plant.
Apparently, this occurs incessantly. It reopened whereas we had been there, however the line was too lengthy.
There’s a free museum on the prime of the dam which was fascinating 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 Street!
We went for a day drive and found the gorgeous great thing about the Northshore Drive – one among our favourite scenic drives in the US.
That is on the best way to the Valley of Hearth State Park alongside the northwestern a part of Lake Mead, so you may simply mix a go to to this state park if you happen to’re planning on visiting Valley of Hearth from Vegas.
The drive is sort of 50-miles, however you may go so far as you want. We went so far as the Redstone Climbing Path.
Make sure to 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 Climbing Path
Over 200 million years in the past, these pink rock formations had been sand dunes and the world appeared very very similar to the Sahara Desert.
The iron particles holding the sand collectively oxidized over time to show the rocks pink. Now now we have this stunning desert stroll the place we are able to recognize 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, it’s possible you’ll prefer to tackle the whole 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 toes in lower than a mile, it’s not going to be a simple bike experience, however I’m certain 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 technique 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 effectively. 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 stunning views the whole method.
7. Stroll the Historic Railroad Path
Trekkers and mountaineering fans will take pleasure in 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 after transported staff and items from Boulder Metropolis to Hoover Dam.
There are 5 tunnels on the path you may stroll via and the path will take you to Hoover Dam.
The Historic Railroad Path is 3 miles return. Nonetheless, solely the primary two tunnels had been open after we went because of the third tunnel being unsafe.
It was an ideal hike that took us simply over half-hour in whole. It’s a very simple stroll and nice for households.
8. Take a Pontoon Boat Trip
You’ll be able to’t go to this spectacular lake with out really venturing out onto it, proper? If the cruise sounds too light for you, one other well-liked option to get out on the lake is on a pontoon boat.
Throughout the Lake Mead Nationwide Recreation Space, you can see boat leases alongside the piers and marinas, in addition to a number of launch ramps the place you may launch your individual private watercraft.
Nonetheless, if you happen to 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
In case you take pleasure in fishing, Lake Mead provides a few of the nation’s finest sport fishing alternatives. You’ll be able to attempt your hand at catching some contemporary water fish, similar 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 may fish from the shore. It’s also possible to forged a line from Willow Seaside, Cottonwood Cove, and Hemenway Fishing Pier. 9.
10. Go to the Alan Bible Customer Heart
The Alan Bible Customer Heart is the Lake Mead Customer Heart and opened in 1966. This can be a excellent spot to be taught in regards to the creation of the lake and the park, as they’ve a 20-minute film about its historical past.
It’s also possible to choose 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 it’s best to examine climate situations earlier than mountaineering.
For a mixture of journey and a picturesque setting to admire, it is a fantastic path to deal with.
12. Play with watersports from Callville Bay
Watersport fans 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 option to play on this water playground. You’ll be able to be a part of excursions or hire your individual boat and check out for your self (although if it’s your first time I extremely suggest you are taking a tour).
The best way to get to Lake Mead from Las Vegas
The Lake Mead Nationwide Recreation Space is barely 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 listing of things to do at Lake Mead, you’re going to want a automobile.
Lots of the most gorgeous locations to go to close to Las Vegas are solely reachable by automobile so if you happen to don’t have your individual then it would be best to hire a automobile.
Except you be a part of a tour from Las Vegas.
The place to remain at Lake Mead Leisure Space
In case you’re pondering you’d prefer to take advantage of this stunning space and wish to keep some time, listed below 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 Seaside.
Get a lakeside spot if you happen to can, it’s the final word. We stayed two nights at one other spot and it was nowhere close to nearly 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 Seaside which is the north finish of Lake Mead.
Subsequent door to the RV Park is an NPS Boulder Seaside campsite. They’ve tent tenting and full RV hookups. You’ll be able to reserve upfront or flip up for his or her first come first served however I cherished their campsites below the shade of some gum bushes!!
There are numerous different NPS campsites within the Lake Mead Leisure Space. One other well-liked 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 may’t go previous the Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort on the northwestern fringe of Lake Mead Recreation Space. You even have two outside swimming pools and a personal seaside 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, outside pool, and eating places gives you a soothing Vegas trip. It’s solely 17 miles from The Strip.
When is the perfect 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 may expertise nice climate situations that’s not too sizzling however heat sufficient that you would be able to go for a swim within the lake or do a few of the watersport actions.Â
Fall (September-November), additionally has delicate temperatures that are perfect for water sports activities.
Winter (December-February) provides a novel perspective of the panorama. It will probably typically snow right here, and if you happen to’ve ever seen snow in a desert earlier than, you’ll understand how enchanting this could look. Nonetheless, it’s not superb for mountaineering or water sports activities as will probably be too chilly and icy.
Opening Hours and Entrance Charges
Visiting Lake Mead requires an entrance cross. You’ll be able to both buy a Normal Cross for $15-$25, or you may enter utilizing the Annual Cross ($45) or America the Stunning Annual Nationwide Park Cross ($80).
When buying your cross, you may both e book one on-line or from one of many entry stations. It’s a cashless web site, so you have to to pay utilizing your credit score or debit card.
Lake Mead Nationwide Recreation Space is open 24/7, one year a 12 months, however you can see some seashores are open from daybreak to nightfall.Â
The Customer Heart is open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM every day.Â
Issues to do close to Lake Mead
You probably have extra time and you’ll afford to enterprise a bit additional, listed below are some prime 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 beneath Hoover Dam and you’ll discover a number of websites round Lake Mohave in it by water. The water heats up beneath the floor of the earth and percolates up via the rocks to type sizzling springs.
- Willow Seaside 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 unique perspective of the world.
- Valley of Hearth State Park is likely one of the finest Las Vegas day journeys and is simply exterior the northern borders of Lake on the finish of the Northshore Drive. Keep tuned for a publish on that.
- Muddy Mountains Wilderness Space can be simply past the park, which is one other well-liked factor to do round Las Vegas.
- Go mountaineering in Crimson Rock Canyon, which has a 13-mile scenic drive, and a novel panorama with fascinating vegetation and geology.
- You may like these concepts on issues to do in Las Vegas for teenagers.
Last Ideas
Lake Mead is a gorgeous and peaceable place and the right 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 may watch our video of our expertise right here.
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