Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Boulder City & Lake Mead—sample rating
Christian David, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
About Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Lake Mead National Recreation Area, operated by the National Park Service, stretches along the Colorado River corridor from the western boundary of Grand Canyon National Park to north of Laughlin, Nevada and Bullhead City, Arizona. The area encompasses Lake Mead and Lake Mohave, which are reservoirs formed by Hoover Dam and Davis Dam. Beyond the lakes, visitors can explore the surrounding desert terrain and wilderness. Historically, the area was protected as a bird refuge in 1933 and became the Boulder Dam Recreation Area in 1936. Its name changed to Lake Mead National Recreation Area in 1947, and in 1964, it expanded to include Lake Mohave, becoming the first U.S. Congress-designated National Recreation Area.
Why visit
Visit to explore vast desert landscapes and two significant reservoirs, Lake Mead and Lake Mohave, formed by major dams on the Colorado River.
Best time to visit
Consider visiting during cooler months to avoid extreme desert heat, or plan for early morning or late evening visits during warmer periods.
Recommended duration
Allow about 4 hours (240 minutes).
Opening hours
Hours coming soon.
Check the official National Park Service website for current operating hours and entrance information.
Information may change — verify details before visiting.
Location
601 Nevada Way, Boulder City, NV 89005
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Nearby attractions

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- KÀ by Cirque du Soleil
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- Fiori di Como (Chihuly Ceiling)
Fiori di Como (Chihuly Ceiling)
Marvel at the vibrant and intricate Fiori di Como, a glass sculpture by Dale Chihuly, gracing the lobby of the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas.
Nearby restaurants
Carson Kitchen
New American · $$ · Fremont East
Bouchon
French bistro · $$$ · The Strip
Eggslut
Breakfast sandwiches · $ · The Strip
Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen
American · $$$ · The Strip
Hash House A Go Go
American comfort food · $$ · The Strip
Bacchanal Buffet
Buffet · $$$ · The Strip
Flights to New York
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Stay near Boulder City & Lake Mead
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