When it’s time for a well-deserved lake vacation, you should consider spending your time at Lake Mead. As the largest reservoir in the United States, Lake Mead is fed by the Colorado River and contained by the Hoover Dam. There are vacation rentals around Lake Mead available for a few days or a week that will make your trip a breeze. Sitting just a short drive from Las Vegas, Lake Mead offers many fun activities just outside of the city. Here are some of our favorite things to do while at Lake Mead.
1. Boating
As the largest reservoir in the United States, Lake Mead offers plenty of space for boating. Bring your own boat or rent one from Mohave Boat Rentals in Lake Mead. The numerous boat ramps around the lake allow you to easily launch your boat and get to the good times. If your vacation rental offers a dock, you can park the boat just a few feet from the back door for fast and easy access.
2. Fishing
Lake Mead is filled with many different types of fish including largemouth bass, striped bass, channel catfish, crappie and bluegill. Bait your hook and fish from the shore line, the dock at your vacation rental or the deck of your boat. Remember that the lake encompasses two states so you’ll need to make sure you have the correct fishing license for the area where you plan to fish.
3. Take a Tour of the Hoover Dam
The Hoover Dam is just a short drive from your lakeside vacation rental at Lake Mead where tours are offered of the modern marvel. Choose between a half hour and one hour tour during your visit or take a look at the dam yourself. The hour-long tour takes you deeper into the dam and includes a visit to the power plant.
4. Swimming
Take the family to Boulder Beach and Cottonwood Cove for a day of swimming and relaxing in the water. Bring your own life jackets and store them in your vacation rental, or use the loaner life jackets provided at the station of this facility. There is a bathroom and picnic facilities on the premises, so you can spend the entire day there with your family.
5. Park Ranger Event
Spend some time away from your lakeside retreat and attend a park ranger event. Lake Mead sits inside of a national park where park rangers offer informational events about the local area. These events include talks on the local bat population, the creation of Lake Mead and Lake Mohave and many other topics.
6. Take a Day Trip
Pack a lunch at your vacation rental, and hit the road for a day trip to the Hualapai Indian Reservation. Located less than 100 miles from Lake Mead, this reservation offers you and your family the chance to visit the Grand Canyon. While visiting the reservation, venture out onto the Grand Canyon Skywalk that extends over the ledge of the Grand Canyon and has a glass bottom so you can see all the way down.
7. Horseback Riding
Enjoy a full and exciting day of horseback riding with your family. Lake Mead National Park offers several trails and back roads designed for horseback rides. You can rent horses or schedule a trail ride from one of the local stables and companies including the Vegas Trail Rides and Cowboy Trail Rides.
8. Hiking
Lake Mead National Park offers a variety of hiking trails at varying skill levels. Less than 8 miles from the lake is the Historic Railroad trail, which offers an easy trek with amazing sites. If you’re up for a challenge, tackle the more difficult Liberty Bell Arch trail. Pack plenty of fresh water before leaving your vacation rental, desert hiking can be more strenuous than other hiking terrains.
9. Spend a Day in Vegas
Less than a 30-mile drive from your lake vacation rental is the city of Las Vegas. Spend a day exploring all the town has to offer, from gambling on the strip to enjoying the amusement park rides at the hotels. You can take in one of the famous headliner’s shows and eat dinner at a restaurant run by a world-renowned chef. Then, retreat back to the lake for another relaxing day by the water.
10. Take In Some History
If rainy weather leaves your group stuck inside your vacation rental, hop in the car for the short drive to Clark County Heritage Museum. Get informed on the history of Clark County from the time Native Americans populated the area until the end of World War II. Wander through the exhibits to learn all about life in the Old Wild West and take a photo in cowboy attire.