3 days in Lake Mead National Recreation Area & Boulder City
Experience unparalleled outdoor adventures on the blue waters of Lake Mead National Recreation Area and delve into the history of the nearby Hoover Dam. Paddle the reservoirs, soak in hot springs, explore the surrounding desert, camp under the stars, and enjoy Boulder City on this three-day itinerary.
Day 1
:
Watersports and lakeside camping
Start at the visitor center
Kick off your adventure at the Lake Mead Visitor Center, where you can learn about the park’s history, geology, and recreational opportunities.
Spend the day on the water
Rent a boat, kayak, or paddleboard along Lake Mead’s vast shoreline. Stop at hidden coves for swimming.
Set up camp and enjoy the sunset
Book a campsite at one of the five campsites along the lake. Enjoy an evening picnic by the water, watch the sunset over the lake, and stargaze under the clear desert skies.
Day 2
:
Hikes, hot springs, and scenic drives
Enjoy the Historic Railroad Trail
Start your morning with a stroll or a bike ride along a section of this easy trail, which follows an old railroad route through tunnels and offers panoramic views of Lake Mead.
Relax in a natural spring
If daytime temperatures are mild, take a strenuous 5-mile hike through a scenic canyon to reach the natural hot springs along the Colorado River. Soak in the warm pools while you take in the stunning rock formations. Or, if the day's on the warmer side, relax in one of the many natural springs found in the park.
Drive Northshore Road
End the day with a scenic drive along Northshore Road, stopping at viewpoints like Redstone for incredible views of the desert landscape. Be sure to take plenty of photographs of the red rock formations found throughout the park.
Day 3
:
Hoover Dam & historic sites
Visit Hoover Dam
Start your day by walking across the Hoover Dam for expansive views of the Colorado River and Lake Mead before taking a tour of one of the United States' greatest engineering marvels.
Learn at the Boulder City Hoover Dam Museum
Stop by the nearby Boulder City Hoover Dam Museum to learn about the people who built the dam and the town that grew alongside it.
Optional add-on
SCUBA dive at Lake Mead
Certified divers can explore unique underwater sites underneath Lake Mead's surface, including a gypsum reef and the wreckage of a B-29 Superfortress.
Visit Smart
Plan ahead
Some hikes and activities may not be available due to temperatures or water levels. Do your research ahead of time and plan accordingly.
Stay sun-safe
The desert sun can be intense—bring a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen. Drink plenty of water—around a quart per hour. If you feel unwell, get out of the sun and drink water to cool down.
Recreate responsibly
There are no lifeguards at the park, so know your limits and swim at your own risk. Children should wear life jackets at all times in the water, and everyone should wear life jackets when boating.
Leave no trace
Lake Mead lies on the homeland of many Indigenous communities. The reservoir provides water to Arizona, Nevada, and California. Respect the waters and lands by packing out all trash and following park guidelines.
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