When the glare of the Las Vegas Strip becomes too much to handle or the jingle of slot machines gives way to birdsongs, take a trip to the fifth most visited national park, Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
According to a Las Vegas Sun article, Lake Mead and the surrounding park was originally Boulder Dam National Recreation Area, but became Lake Mead National Recreation Area on Aug. 11, 1947. Then, the 2,337 square miles was recognized as the first national recreation area by an act of Congress on Oct. 8, 1964. There are two lakes that make up the recreation area, Lake Mead and Lake Mohave, with more than 40 desert springs and 400 coves.
Water Sports
Swimming, fishing, and boating are just a few ways to enjoy the waters of Lake Mead Recreation Area. Fishing can be enjoyed all year and the nine marinas speckled around the lakes make boating a breeze, though boaters should use caution anytime they launch because of the ever-adjusting water levels.
According to a Las Vegas Sun article, there are several types of fish to catch, such as crappie, bluegill, catfish, largemouth bass, striped bass and rainbow trout. The fish caught can be cleaned at the launch ramps or parking areas at Hemenway Harbor, LV Bay, Temple Bar, Callville Bay, Echo Bay, Overton Beach, Cottonwood Cove, Willow Beach and Katherine Landing. From sailing or skiing to windsurfing and kayaking, nearly any type of boating can be enjoyed at Lake Mead.
Hiking
In addition to boating and fishing, Lake Mead offers several hiking trails. Hikers should be especially careful in the summer heat and should always contact park services to notify them of the specific trail they will be hiking.
A Las Vegas Sun article described the guided hiking services that range from easy, moderate to strenuous levels. The article said that “[guides] may be familiar with hiking among the Ponderosa and Pinyon Pines at Mount Charleston, but the beauty of red sandstone formations in the Pinto Valley near the Overton arm of Lake Mead or Lovell Ridge where desert bighorn sheep roam offer a different view of Southern Nevada's environment."
Visitors to the area can also camp at many different locations; the campground fee is $10 whether staying at a single or group site. There are, however a few rules for campers to follow:
- Do not attach wires, ropes, or nails to trees or shrubs.
- Digging, leveling, or other alterations of the ground is not permitted.
- Be aware of extreme summer heat when leaving children or pets in vehicles or trailers. Never leave them in a closed vehicle.
- Secure all valuables. Do not leave them in your campsite when you are not there, even for a short time
More information on the different types of tours offered through other companies can be found at Vegas.com.
Fire Safety in the Park
These rules are subject to change depending on the season, so make sure to check with the site before camping.
These acts are prohibited:
- Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire with any wood or charcoal burning device outside of a developed recreation site like a campground where a host is present and/or a fee is charged (see exceptions below).
- Shoreline campfires in areas posted no campfires (ex: Boulder Beach), or in developed areas such as marinas, parking lots, and launch ramps.
- Smoking outside of an enclosed vehicle or outside in any area that is not cleared of all flammable material for at least 10 feet. You must discard cigarettes in a car ashtray or an ashtray in a developed area.
For up to date information about the rules and regulations at Lake Mead, visit their Web site.
