Lake Mead National Recreation Area Offers Vacation Fun

Established in 1964, the Lake Mead National Recreation Area incorporates 1.5 million acres in Nevada and Arizona and is about twice the size of the state of Rhode Island. Home to Lake Mead, the largest man-made reservoir in the United States, this recreation area offers not only water-based recreation but also the opportunity to explore desert eco-systems and partake in a variety of land-based recreational pursuits as well.

Lake Mead was created when the Hoover Dam was completed in 1935. The dam, which impounds the Colorado River, sits about 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas, Nevada and has always been considered a great feat of engineering. At the time of its completion, it was the largest concrete structure in the world and the world's largest electric power generator station. Most of the 8 to 10 million people who visit Lake Mead National Recreation Area each year choose to visit the dam as well. Guided discovery tours are offered several times each day year round with witty park rangers who encourage tourists to take as many "dam'' pictures as they please.

Aside from visiting the dam, Lake Mead National Recreation Area also offers a wealth of other things to do and places to see and the Alan Bible Visitor Center provides helpful maps and other information to help guests make the most of their stay.

Most people travel to this area to enjoy the expansive Lake Mead, which extends for 110 miles behind the dam and is divided into several bodies of water. Boating is the most popular pursuit here and the lake is often crowded with boaters, particularly on the weekends in the summer. However, due to the pleasant climate, boating, water skiing, and other water activities are enjoyed year round.

In addition, Lake Mohave, a 67-mile stretch of the Colorado River, is also considered part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. It is also a popular location for watersports of various kinds, including boating, waterskiing, and more. Anglers can catch largemouth bass, striped bass, channel catfish, crappie, and bluegill in both Lakes Mead and Mohave as well as rainbow trout in Mohave. There are no designated swim beaches or lifeguards at either lake though many visitors enjoy freshwater diving here.

Hidden coves can be explored via kayak or canoe and many outfitters rent the vessels and also offer guided tours of the Black Canyon or other scenic areas. Advanced reservations for tours are encouraged, especially during peak tourist season.

This recreation area is also interesting to explore on foot. It includes three of the four desert ecosystems in America - Mojave, Great Basin, and Sonoran Deserts - making it a mecca for viewing various kinds of plants and wildlife, many peculiar to the area. Ranger-led hikes are available or trekkers may explore on their own. There aren't a lot of established hiking trails available here but those who wish to explore may acquire backcountry maps from the ranger stations or visitors center.

Horses may be ridden in designated areas of the park and biking is available on the park's paved roads as well as on approved backcountry roads. Hunting is permitted during designated seasons.

Campgrounds are abundant and offer many sites at each location. Also available at the campgrounds are restrooms, running water, dump stations, grills, picnic tables and shade. RVs and trailers are easily accommodated but no reservations are accepted in advance