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Lake Mead National Recreation Area

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Known as a popular boating and paddling area, Lake Mead has much more to offer in terms of history and natural beauty. 
Trail Uses
Accessible Experience Walking Hiking Paddling Motorized watercraft
Location
Clark County
Length
10.00 miles (Network)
Difficulty
Easy, Moderate, Difficult
Towns
Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Laughlin
Surface
Dirt, Lake/Pond, River/Stream
Pets
Permitted on Leash
Fees
Yes
Wilderness Areas
Black Canyon Wilderness Area, Bridge Canyon Wilderness Area, Eldorado Wilderness Area, Ireteba Peaks Wilderness Area, Jimbilnan Wilderness Area, Muddy Mountains Wilderness Area, Nellis Wash Wilderness Area, Pinto Valley Wilderness Area, Spirit Mountain Wilderness Area

Description

The first, and largest national recreation area in the United States! Filled with beautiful slot canyons, 9 wilderness areas, 2 lakes, the Colorado River, camping and hiking; all spread over 1.5 million areas of preserved nature. The beautiful Lake Mead National Recreation Area spans from juts east of Boulder City to the border of the Grand Canyon National park and south to Laughlin, Nevada.

Some of the most popular things to do in the summer include; fishing, swimming and boating. Some hiking trails may be closed to due extreme heat, always check the status of the trail before heading out! During the winter months, daytime high temperatures are in the high 70's to mid 60's making this the perfect time of year to travel! Some fun places to go see include the Hoover Dam, Laughlin, Nevada and Boulder City

Aside from the historic railroad trail, there are no other mountain bike trails within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Bootleg Canyon and the River Mountains loop both allow for mountain biking and are just outside of the National Recreation boundary. Bicycles and E-Bikes are permitted on park roads and on the River Mountains loop trail only.  

Other Information

One of the only ADA trails in the Lake Mead Rec Area is the Historic Railroad Trail. Visit the Trail Access Project website to learn more. 

For recreation areas for equestrians visit the Lake Mead NRA website. 

Click here for an official map of the Lake Mead area.

Visit the National Park Services website for a detailed break down of each trail.

Many of the trails are closed during the summer months (May 15th - Sept 30th) due to extreme heat. 

If you're interested in boating Lake mead and Lake Mohave, be sure to review the rules and regulations first!

Several beautiful campsites are located around Lake Mead. Visit the National Park Services website to learn more!

Given that portions of the Lake mead National Recreation Area are designated wilderness, only hikers and equestrians are allowed within the wilderness boundary. Motorized and mechanized use is only permitted on surrounding non-wilderness trails. Please be respectful of the wilderness boundary and only travel on designated roads and trails for your activity type. Horses are allowed and only certified weed free hay can be brought in. 

The trails on this page do not reflect any recreation areas in Arizona. 

Trail Manager

For more information visit the National Park Service website or contact: 

National Park Service: Lake Meade Natl. Recreation Area
Lake Mead Visitor Center
10 Lakeshore Rd
Boulder City, Nevada 89005
Phone: 702-293-8990
View website

Trail Tips

Dispose of Waste Properly
Keep the Twin States (Vermont & New Hampshire) green and clean! Pick up trash, even if it's not yours. Leave soon-to-be trash like excess packaging, stickers, and twist ties at home.
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