National Recreation Area

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

AZ · NV · US

Park map

Explore roads, trails, and places

Roads, trails, and useful park places in one interactive view.

Places

Places in Lake Mead

Viewpoints, landmarks, trailheads, and useful stops.More places

Place

Hoover Dam

Art Deco mega-dam with big views and tours inside

Visitor Center · Restroom

Place

Black Canyon

A hot‑spring‑dotted paddle through Hoover Dam’s volcanic gorge

Place

Hoover Dam Visitor Center

Exhibits and tours with a 360-degree overlook of the dam

Visitor Center · Exhibit

Place

Goldstrike Canyon Hot Springs

Steamy canyon pools after a ropey desert adventure

Trailhead · Parking

Trails

Trails in Lake Mead

Compare distance, typical time, difficulty, and trail details.More trails

Challenging

Arizona Hot Springs

Volcanic slot hike to steamy pools via ladder and the river

4.9 mi · 3 hr · Challenging

Challenging

White Rock Canyon

Volcanic canyon to riverside hot springs with a spicy ladder.

5.75 mi · 4 hr · Challenging

Easy

Historic Railroad Trail

Flat lakeside rail trail through five Hoover Dam–era tunnels

7.5 mi · 3 hr · Easy

Moderate

Grapevine Canyon Trail

Petroglyph-rich desert wash to seasonal waterfalls and slickrock tubs

3.3 mi · 2 hr · Moderate

Wildlife

Wildlife in Lake Mead

Always follow park rules and local laws. Never approach wildlife, stay in your vehicle when required, and stay completely out of roadways.More wildlife

Bighorn Sheep in Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Sighting map

Where to look

Bighorn Sheep

Ovis canadensisReports peak in the early evening, around 5 PMOpen wildlife map

Bald Eagle in Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Sighting map

Where to look

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalusReports peak in the early evening, around 4 PMOpen wildlife map

Desert Tortoise in Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Sighting map

Where to look

Desert Tortoise

Gopherus agassiziiReports peak in the early morning, around 8 AMOpen wildlife map

Coyote in Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Sighting map

Where to look

Coyote

Canis latransReports peak in the evening, around 7 PMOpen wildlife map

Before you go

Current park alerts

Road work, closures, safety notices, and updates from official park sources.More alerts

Caution

Extreme Heat Warning for Lake Mead NRA

An Extreme Heat Warning is in effect for Lake Mead NRA, including the Lake Mead AZ side and NV side, with dangerously hot conditions expected through Monday evening, July 27, until 8:00 PM PDT. Afternoon highs may reach 108–114°F in desert valleys and over 115°F along the Colorado River Valley. Visitors should limit strenuous activity, especially in the afternoon, and carry plenty of water. Official conditions: Lake Mead NRA current conditions.Official details

Caution

Arizona Hot Springs Bacteria Advisory

The park says fecal bacteria in Arizona Hot Springs water samples frequently reach high levels. Visitors should limit body contact with the water, clean after use, and never put their head under the water. Official source: Lake Mead Current Conditions.Official details

Closure

Seasonal Heat Closures for Major Trails

Goldstrike Canyon, Arizona Hot Springs, Liberty Bell Arch, White Rock Canyon, and Lone Palm are closed for the summer heat season. The park has not posted a reopening in the provided sources; check the current conditions page before planning a hike. Official updates: Current conditionsOfficial details

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Hoover Dam

Black Canyon

Hoover Dam Visitor Center

Goldstrike Canyon Hot Springs

Arizona Hot Springs

White Rock Canyon

Historic Railroad Trail

Grapevine Canyon Trail

Bighorn Sheep

Bald Eagle

Desert Tortoise

Coyote

Extreme Heat Warning for Lake Mead NRA

Arizona Hot Springs Bacteria Advisory

Seasonal Heat Closures for Major Trails

Like a tour guide in your car.