Spotlight Summary

About This Experience

Lake Mead National Recreation Area offers diverse hiking opportunities across the eastern Mojave Desert, with trails ranging from easy historic walks to challenging desert treks. While most visitors come for lakes Mead and Mohave, the park's extensive trail system showcases unique desert ecosystems, geological formations, and historical sites like the Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail. Best visited September through April when temperatures are manageable, though summer hiking is possible with proper preparation and early starts.

Did You Know

Interesting Facts

• •More than 87% of Lake Mead National Recreation Area protects the eastern Mojave Desert rather than the lakes themselves
• •Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail and River Mountains Loop Trail near Boulder Beach offer signature views and history for first-time visitors
• •Summer temperatures can reach 120°F in the shade, making daytime summer hiking not recommended
• •Trailheads fill up by early morning in both summer and winter, requiring an early start to secure parking

Insider Tip

Hidden Gems

• •Lake Mohave region offers hikes through Black Canyon close to Katherine Landing with fewer crowds than the main Boulder Beach area
• •Some trails have seasonal closures in summer—check ahead to find open trails and plan accordingly for extreme heat conditions

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