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Lake · Boulder City, Nevada
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
The large reservoir formed by Hoover Dam, surrounded by desert mountains, with beaches, marinas, boat tours and scenic roads near Boulder City.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Lake Mead formed behind Hoover Dam in the 1930s and is one of the largest reservoirs in the United States. The Lake Mead National Recreation Area, managed by the National Park Service, covers the lake, its shores and the surrounding desert between Nevada and Arizona, and also includes Lake Mohave farther south.
Near Boulder City are the most popular areas: Boulder Beach, a gravel beach with a swimming area, the marinas offering boat and kayak rentals, and the Historic Railroad Trail, which follows the rail bed used during the dam’s construction and passes through rock-cut tunnels to near the dam.
The lake level varies greatly with droughts and Colorado River water use, and the light-colored bands on the rocks show where the water has reached in the past. Marinas and boat ramps can shift location depending on the level.
Vehicle entry to the recreation area is paid, and scenic roads like Northshore Road run through the desert with views of the lake and mountains.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day to a day.
Best time
From spring to fall for water activities; in summer, early morning or late afternoon. The railroad trail is more pleasant from October to April.
How to get there
By car, a few minutes from Boulder City, via the road that leads to Hoover Dam and Lakeshore Road.
Tip
Check the park website for which beaches and marinas are open: the water level changes and some facilities are relocated.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Can you swim in Lake Mead?
Yes, in designated areas such as Boulder Beach. Not all beaches have lifeguards and the bottom changes with the water level; follow park signage.
What is the Historic Railroad Trail?
A flat trail that follows the bed of the old railroad used during Hoover Dam’s construction, with tunnels cut into the rock and views of the lake. It is near Boulder City and leads to the vicinity of the dam.
Do you have to pay to enter Lake Mead?
Yes, entry to the recreation area is charged per vehicle and is valid for several days. Annual national park passes are accepted; check the park website.