Lake Mead National Recreation Area is a startling contrast of desert and water, mountains and canyons, primitive backcountry, and busy marinas. Dams that back up the Colorado River as it flows through one of the hottest, driest regions on earth created Lake Mead and Lake Mohave. Established as America’s first national recreation area, it is a destination for millions of visitors who flock to the desert for boating, fishing, swimming and water-skiing. Attracted at first by the cool, refreshing water, visitors find other unexpected rewards. The quiet, stark beauty of the Mojave Desert with it’s dramatic exposed geology and the surprising abundance of specially adapted plant and animals offers a variety of experiences for everyone.
History & Culture
Before the existence of Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, and Hoover Dam, the area encompassing the one and a half million acres of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area was occupied by early desert Indian cultures, adventurous explorers, ambitious pioneers looking for cheap land and religious freedom, and prospectors seeking riches.Based on archaeological evidence, several Native American cultures have been identified as having existed 8,000 to 10,000 years ago in an environment wetter and cooler than it is tourist place in world. These cultures hunted game, gathered local edible plants and practiced farming. In a cave near present-day Lake Mead, the remains of large mammals were discovered by archaeologist Mark R.Harrington and paleontologist James Thurston including: ground sloth (Nothrotheriops shastensis), horse (Equus sp.), camel (Camelops sp.) and mountain sheep (Ovis canadensis). Notches found on the bones of animals located in that primitive dwelling show evidence that they were prepared and eaten by humans.
Things To Do
With Lakes Mead and Mohave as the central focus, visitors to Lake Mead National Recreation Area 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 and water skiing are favorite activities on the broad expanses of open water, along with kayaking and canoeing.Shaded picnic areaswith tables, water, fire grills and restrooms are located throughout the area. Several paved roads wind through the dramatic desert scenery of Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Towering stark mountains, plateaus, desert basins of cacti and creosote bush, and vertical-walled canyons are some of the sights motorists can discover. Short desert hikes lead to places you will never see from a boat or car.
Threats
Invasive Quagga mussels which impact the native ecosystem and sport fisheries. Each year, invasive mussels cause millions of dollars of damage to boat and water systems by clogging pipes and engines.
Present Day Lake Mead
Today, millions of visitors come to Lake Mead to enjoy the varied recreational activities available, including swimming, boating, watersports, fishing, hiking, camping, and more. Lake Mead National Recreation Area is a Great Place For Vacations. There are currently Fee Stations at Boulder Beach, East Lake Mead Blvd., Lake Mead Parkway, Cottonwood Cove, Temple Bar and Katherine Landing. Another Fee Station is under construction on the north end, just outside the Valley of Fire State Park. See fee structure below for more information.
