Attractions near Lake Mead

With Lakes Mead and Mohave as the central focus, visitors to Lake Mead National Recreation Area may enjoy a variety of water recreation activities in a rugged and picturesque setting. Lakes Mead and Mohave offer some of the country's best sport fishing. Boating and water skiing are favorite activities on the broad expanses of open water, along with kayaking and canoeing.

Shaded picnic areas with tables, water, fire grills, and restrooms are located throughout the area.

Several paved roads wind through the dramatic desert scenery of Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Towering stark mountains, plateaus, desert basins of cactuses and creosote bush, and vertical-walled canyons are some of the sights motorists can discover. Short desert hikes lead to places you will never see from a boat or car.

Backcountry
Lake Mead National Recreation Area (NRA) is a unit of the National Park Service that has been set aside to provide recreation for visitors and to preserve the wildlife, vegetation, cultural and natural resources for future generations.

Biking
Exploring the park on two wheels? Lake Mead NRA has several dirt trails and miles of approved backcountry roads accessible to mountain bikes. Please remember on our established public roads that bicycles are subject to the same traffic rules as automobiles.

Boating
Whether your idea of fun on the water is feeling the wind in your hair or exploring secluded coves, Lakes Mead and Mohave, with over 1000 miles of shoreline, have lots of room for boating and watersports of all kinds.

Canoeing and Kayaking
A quiet exploration and good workout all in one. With 1000 miles of shoreline, there are many great coves and canyons to explore.

Fishing
An early morning, relaxing with your line in the water. Whether you like to fish from the shoreline or the water, Lake Mead NRA offers many opportunities to hook the big one.

Hiking
Some of the best places just can't be driven to. With mountains and valleys making up 87% of Lake Mead NRA, there are places to hike and explore for everyone, including some guided hikes.

Horse Back Riding
Horses may be ridden and enjoy throughout the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Please stop by the Alan Bible Visitor Center for suggestions on places to go.

Picnicking
Looking for a place to eat outdoors with your family? Lake Mead has many picnic areas you can use.

Photography
Want a great memory to put in a frame or scrapbook? Lake Mead National Recreation Area has several spots that can help you get a great shot.

Watching Wildlife
Some fly, some walk, some slither. Lake Mead NRA is home to hundreds of species of animal life that are specially adapted to live in the desert. Learn where they live and how best to see them.

Swimming
On a hot day, the blue water of a lake is a welcome relief. Whether you like to wade, swim, or relax on the shoreline, Lake Mead NRA has several places to go.

Wilderness Areas
Whether you are looking for a self-reliant challenge, a new place to explore, or a chance to seek a refuge from our fast-paced, developed society - wilderness is a place to reconnect with oneself and with the land. Remember, as you explore Lake Mead National Recreation Area to keep these wild places beautiful for present as well as future visitors to enjoy.