Lake Mead National Recreation Area

The Lake Mead National Recreation Area caters to sightseers of all types. Located in Boulder City, Nevada, the recreation area is open year-round to visitors, and offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding desert.

Sightsee by land or water

Guests to the Lake Mead National Recreation Area enjoy plenty of water activities including boating, fishing, waterskiing, kayaking and canoeing, all while surrounded by startling, rugged desert scenery. Hikers, bikers, campers, equestrians and drivers have an even closer view of the natural rock formations, canyons, plateaus and cacti. Picnic areas and restrooms abound, ensuring the comfort of visitors, and guided tours are available with reservations.

A vast area

Lake Mead National Recreation Area encompasses a million and a half acres of land. Lake Mead itself is vast. Up to 110 miles long with 550 miles of shoreline, the lake reaches 500 feet in depth.

History

A stop at one of the numerous visitor's centers not only puts guests in contact with park rangers, maps of the area and souvenirs, but also allows history to unfold. Evidence of prehistoric civilization in this harsh climate includes excavated cave dwellings, pit houses and Pueblo-style homes. Construction of the Hoover Dam, commencing in 1931, created the man-made Lake Mead. In 1964, the area became the first national recreation area.

Today, Lake Mead National Recreation Area sees over seven million visitors a year. Guests flock to the lake and surrounding habitat to have fun and relax amid the stunning views of the great lake and its majestic desert perimeter.