Three of America's four desert ecosystems--the Mojave, the Great Basin, and the Sonoran Deserts--meet in Lake Mead NRA. As a result, this seemingly barren area contains a surprising variety of plants and animals, some of which may be found nowhere else in the world.
Several paved roads wind through the dramatic desert scenery of Lake Mead NRA country. Towering stark mountains, plateaus, desert basins of cactuses and creosote bush, and vertical-walled canyons are some of the sights motorists can discover. Shaded picnic areas with tables, water, fire grills, and restrooms are located throughout the area. Short desert hikes lead to places you will never see from a boat or car. Longer hikes demand careful planning; consult a topographical map and a park ranger.
With Lakes Mead and Mohave as the central focus, visitors to Lake Mead NRA 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, waterskiing are favorite activities on the broad expanses of open water, along with kayaking and canoeing.
Alan Bible Visitor Center - The
Visitor Center includes interactive, hands-on exhibits that invite visitors to discover the Mojave Desert of Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The visitor center is located about four miles east of Boulder City, Nevada, at the junction of U.S. Highway 93 and Lakeshore Scenic Drive. Members of Park staff are available to provide information, books and maps, and other materials for sale. (702) 293-8990.
Cottonwood Cove Resort and Marina - Cafe, marina, boat rentals, houseboat rentals, auto/boat gas, dry boat storage, store, showers/laundry, motel, trailer village, RV sites, and NPS campground and launch ramp. Located in the Callville Bay area. 1 (800) 255-5561.
Lake Mead Ferry Service - Lake Mead Cruises & Desert Princess: Scheduled sightseeing tour boat service to and from Hoover Dam, breakfast and dinner cruises. Also has charter boat service. Located in the Boulder Beach area. From Alan Bible Visitor Center approximately 3.5 miles down Lakeshore Road, on your right. (702) 293-6180.
Lake Mead Resort - Restaurant/lounge, marina, boat rentals, motel, store, dry boat storage, boat gas, personal watercraft rentals, limited boat/motor repair and NPS launch ramp. Located in the Boulder Beach area. (702) 293-3484.
Lake Mohave Resort - Restaurant/lounge, store, motel, auto/boat gas, marina, boat rentals, houseboat rentals, trailer village, RV sites, showers/laundry, dry boat storage, personal watercraft rental, NPS campground, boat/motor repair and NPS launch ramp. Located in Katherine Landing, AZ. (520) 754-3245.
Las Vegas Bay Marina - Restaurant/lounge, marina, boat rentals, dry boat storage, store, boat gas, boat/motor repairs and NPS campground and launch ramp. (702) 565-9111.
Overton Beach Resort - Snack bar, marina, fuel dock, auto/boat gas, store, showers/laundry, trailer village, RV sites, dry boat storage, personal watercraft rental, limited boat/motor repairs and NPS launch ramp. (702) 394-4040.
Temple Bar resort - Restaurant/lounge, motel, rustic cabin rentals, trailer village, RV sites, dry boat storage, store, marina, boat rentals, shower/laundry, boat/motor repairs, personal watercraft rental, auto/boat gas and NPS campground and launch ramp. (520) 767-3211.
Willow Beach Harbor - Small store, boat rentals, boat gas, NPS launch ramp. (520) 767-4747.
Katherine Landing Ranger Station - Ranger-led activities, talks and hikes, bookstore and restrooms. Located in Katherine Landing on Lake Mohave, Arizona, five miles from Laughlin, NV. (928) 754-3272.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area (NRA) offers a wealth of things to do and places to go year-round. Its huge lakes cater to boaters, swimmers, sunbathers, and fishermen while its desert rewards hikers, wildlife photographers, and roadside sightseers.