Lake Mead National Recreation Area - Outdoor Activities (U.S. National Park Service)

Water flowing through the Grand Wash area of Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Grand Wash Area of Lake Mead NRA

Backcountry

Lake Mead National Recreation Area (NRA) is a unit of the National Park Service that has been set aside to provide recreation for visitors and to preserve the wildlife, vegetation, cultural and natural resources for future generations.
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Biking

Exploring the park on two wheels? Lake Mead NRA has several dirt trails and miles of approved backcountry roads accessible to mountain bikes. Please remember on our established public roads that bicycles are subject to the same traffic rules as automobiles.
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Boating

NPS Photo

Whether your idea of fun on the water is feeling the wind in your hair or exploring secluded coves, Lakes Mead and Mohave, with over 1,000 miles of shoreline, have lots of room for boating and watersports of all kinds.
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Canoeing and Kayaking

A quiet exploration and good workout all in one. With 1,000 miles of shoreline, there are many great coves and canyons to explore.
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Fishing

An early morning, relaxing with your line in the water. Whether you like to fish from the shoreline or the water, Lake Mead NRA offers many opportunities to hook the big one. more..

Hiking

Some of the best places just can't be driven to. With mountains and valleys making up 87% of Lake Mead NRA, there are places to hike and explore for everyone, including some guided hikes.
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Horse Back Riding

Horses may be ridden and enjoy throughout the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Please stop by the Alan Bible Visitor Center for suggestions on places to go.
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A picnic area at Boulder Beach

Picnics

Looking for a place to eat outdoors with your family? Lake Mead has many picnic areas you can use.
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Photography

Want a great memory to put in a frame or scrapbook? Lake Mead National Recreation Area has several spots that can help you get a great shot.
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Scenic Driving

Lakeshore Drive with wildflowers

Looking for the blue lake against rugged peaks? Colorful mountains and valleys as far as you can see? Lake Mead has several scenic drives depending on where you are traveling and how much time you have to spend with us.
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Scuba Diving

What lies beneath the still waters of Mead and Mohave? There are scuba diving opportunities for both beginners and advanced divers at Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
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by Karen Johnson

Swimming

On a hot day, the blue water of a lake is a welcome relief. Whether you like to wade, swim, or relax on the shoreline, Lake Mead NRA has several places to go.
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Watching Wildlife

Some fly, some walk, some slither. Lake Mead NRA is home to hundreds of species of animal life that are specially adapted to live in the desert. Learn where they live and how best to see them.
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Nellis Wash Wilderness with Spirit Mountain in the background

Wilderness Areas

Whether you are looking for a self-reliant challenge, a new place to explore, or a chance to seek a refuge from our fast-paced, developed society – wilderness is a place to reconnect with oneself and with the land. Remember, as you explore Lake Mead National Recreation Area to keep these wild places beautiful for present as well as future visitors to enjoy.
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