Summer Visitor Guide to Lake Mead National Recreation Area

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(NPS/Valencia)

Summer at the park tends to be the busiest time of the year for the park. Visitors flock to this desert oasis to cool off in the summer heat. This guide will run you through what to expect in the 2024 summer season, activities you can do, and how you can plan before you visit. Learn about tips from rangers to make your trip successful and safe!

Visitor Center Information

The Lake Mead Visitor Center or the Lake Mead Headquarter's Visitor Kiosk are your two locations in the park to get visitor information and chat with a park ranger. The Lake Mead Visitor Center is a great place to get souveneirs and passport stamps! Check out our webpage for operating hours.

New in 2024:

• All entrance passes will have one signature line for a single passholder.

A pass covers the passholder and all occupants in a personal vehicle at sites that charge per vehicle or, the passholder and up to three additional adults (16 and over) at sites that charge per person.

• Children ages 15 or under are admitted free.
• For a listing of all entrance passes, visit our website.
• Entrance stations only accept credit cards and other forms of electronic payments. No other forms of payment are accepted.

Boating and Lake Levels

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Launch Ramps

There are currently five launch ramps in operation on Lake Mead heading into the 2024 Summer Boating Season. For most up-to-date information on launch ramp status' visit our current conditions webpage.

As of May 2024 here are the launch ramp statuses for the park:

• Hemenway Harbor Launch Ramp - Lake Mead (Nevada)

Open on three lanes of pipe mat

• Operable down to approximately 1,000 feet.
• Echo Bay Launch Ramp - Lake Mead (Nevada)

Open on two lanes of pipe mat

• Operable down to approximately 1,040 feet.
• South Cove Launch Ramp - Lake Mead (Arizona)

Closed indefinitely due to low water levels.

• A primitive ramp located .25 miles south via a park approved road is available for launching at boaters’ own risk.
• Callville Bay Launch Ramp - Lake Mead (Nevada)

Currently open and operable via a portable Mobi-Mat.

• All mat status updates and operation information should be directed to area concessioners.
• Temple Bar Launch Ramp - Lake Mead (Arizona)

Currently open and operable via a portable Mobi-Mat.

• All mat status updates and operation information should be directed to area concessioners.
• Cottonwood Cove Launch Ramp - Lake Mohave (Nevada)

Open six lanes on concrete

• Katherine's Landing - Lake Mohave (Arizona)

Open two lanes on concrete

• Willow Beach - Lake Mohave (Arizona)

Open three lanes on concrete

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Water Levels

The Bureau of Reclamation’s (BOR) spring projections anticipate Lake Mead’s water elevation to be at an elevation between 1060 feet and 1073 feet this summer. Heading into the summer boating season, Lake Mead is approximately 1,073 feet in elevation, or 36% full. The BOR is the federal agency responsible for water management and distribution of the Colorado River Basin.

For water level information for Lakes Mead and Mohave, please check the Bureau of Reclamation website.

Closures

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Trail Closures

2024 seasonal trail closures are in affect at this time.

To help keep visitors and outdoor recreators safe during the record high temperature summer months, Lake Mead National Recreation Area institutes seasonal closures to certain strenuous areas and park trails from May 15, 2024 – September 30, 2024. The following areas are closed at this time:

Goldstrike Canyon

White Rock Canyon and White Rock Canyon Trail

Arizona Hot Springs and Arizona Hot Springs Trail

Liberty Arch Trail

Lone Palm Trail

Sugar Loaf Trail

Lone Palm and Sugar Loaf surrounding areas

The hot springs near both Goldstrike Canyon and White Rock Canyon will remain accessible from the Colorado River and remain open to the public during the seasonal closure. The River Mountain Loop Trail and Historic Railroad Trail will also remain open.

BE AWARE:

Historic Railroad Trail & River Mountains Loop Trail- These are two maintained trails without rough terrain. SUMMER: This trail remains open, however plan your hike only for the early morning hours and return to your car before 10 a.m.

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Fishing Pier Closure

Katherine Landing Fishing Pier Closure

Heavy winds have broken part of the fishing pier at Katherine Landing. The park is currently ordering the replacement parts and awaiting shipping dates. The fishing pier is closed until further notice.

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Things to do this summer

Below are popular activities visitors take part in during the summer. Find a full list of things to do by visiting our Things To Do webpage.

Swimming & Beaches

Cool off and enjoy the refreshing waters within the park. Don't forget to wear a lifejacket and leave the pool floaties at home.

Fishing

Grab you reel and cast your line! Fish by boat or at one of our three fishing piers in the park.

Launch a Boat

Find launch ramp locations and important boating information.

Rental and Guided Outfitters

There are many businesses that have authorization to conduct rental and/or guided outfitting services within the park.

Summer Safety

Wear a Lifejacket

Drowning is the #1 cause of death in national parks. Lake Mead NRA has never experienced a fatality from someone who had worn a lifejacket while recreating out on the water. Life jackets save lives. Stay in check with the rules and regulations of life jacket use.

Take your time, find your path, and win by getting to your destination safely. NPS/Raymond Gomez

Drive Like a Tortoise

The new Drive Like a Tortoise motto is a reminder that safe driving is not just about getting to a destination quickly, but also arriving there safely. Consciously slow down, find your path, and ensure your journey is free from harm.

Learn more about this safety campaign and download free artwork to use!

Summer monsoon weather is unpredictable! Always check the weather and plan for the worst. NPS/A. Cattoir

Current Conditions

Visitors can find up-to-date park info/alerts on our current conditions webpage.

Check the weather before visiting the park:

Lake Mead Weather

Lake Mohave Weather

No Pool Toys

Pool toys (inflatable and non-inflatable) are prohibited at Lakes Mead and Mohave. Pool toys are not a substitute for life jackets and are dangerous in open water conditions, contributing significantly to drownings and rescues. Visitors can be fined for having pool toys.

All Things To Know: Entrance Stations

NPS/A. Harrison

NPS

Meet John Flint, a Recreation Fee Clerk at the Boulder Beach Entrance Station within Lake Mead NRA. John, like many other of our dedicated fee staff, will often be your first interaction when you visit the park. Our fee staff is here to help answer your questions, provide information about the park, and, collect fees, which directly funds future park projects and improves your experiences.

Efficiency is our goal, but we need your help!

Our entrance station staff plays a massive role in getting visitors through the fee booths, but we ask that you help them out too! Please be kind, respectful, patient, and courteous to our staff. Here are other ways you can help:

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Before You Visit

Learn about park entrance fees and consider buying a pass online, before your trip.

Entrance stations only accept credit cards and other forms of electronic payments.

If you already have an entrance pass, please double check that you have your pass prior to making the trip out.

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When You Arrive

Arrive early to avoid long lines and before temperatures get hot, hot, hot!

We are required to check ID with all passes. Please have your ID out and ready with your pass when you enter the park**.**

Navigating the Park

Lake Mead National Recreation has several entrances spread across this 1.5-million-acre park. Please utilize the map function below to plan out how you plan to get around the park to your desination.

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