Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Type: Open Water Paddling (Kayaking, Canoeing)
Canyons, coves and dramatic desert landscapes make the waters of Lake Mead, the Colorado River and Lake Mohave perfect for kayaks and canoes. Paddlers can often spy elusive bighorn sheep as they clamber along the steep canyon walls. Permits are required to launch below Hoover Dam and can be obtained through the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation at 702-293-8204.
Difficulty: Lake Mead: All levels; Hoover Dam and Colorado River: Intermediate to advanced
Getting There: Lake Mead is approximately 20 miles southeast of Las Vegas.

Type: Whitewater Rafting and Kayaking
This stretch of the Colorado River between Hoover Dam and Lake Mohave is tame but still enjoyable. One of the best ways is to ride with a guide. If you prefer to go alone you should note that permits are required to launch below Hoover Dam and can be obtained through the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation at 702-293-8204. You also can arrange for pickup at the end of your excursion. Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced Getting There: From Las Vegas, take I-215/95 to Hoover Dam for about 35 miles.

Type:Scuba Diving
Lake Mead National Recreation Area, which encompasses Lake Mead, Lake Mohave and a portion of the Colorado River, offers good diving opportunities for both novice and advanced divers. The National Park Service recommends diving during cool winter months (October to April), when visibility ranges from 20’ to 50’. During summer months (May to September), algae growth stimulated by warmer water temperatures results in reduced visibility. Divers should always be aware of boats and other hazards, such as brush snarled with hooks and fishing line (a dive knife is recommended). Aquatic life includes a variety of bass (some spear fishing is permitted), trout, perch, carp, crayfish, clams (which are legal to collect) and freshwater sponges.

Lake Mead
Lake Mead’s shorelines meander through coves, canyons and other desert features offering a vast array of underwater adventures for divers. Areas include Dive Park at North Boulder Beach, where vessels and other objects have been scattered about the bottom at depths ranging from 30’ to 110.’ At Boulder Islands, divers can explore a cement tank that once stored water during the construction of Hoover Dam in the 1930s. Saddle Island is a good area to see and collect freshwater clams. Other areas include Castle Cliffs-Gypsum Reef, Kingman Wash, Wishing Well Cove, Virgin Basin, Cathedral Cove and Black Canyon, a sheer wall that ascends some 500’.
Getting There: 32 miles from Las Vegas - U.S. 93 to NV 166.

Lake Mohave
At Lake Mohave, divers can explore Black Canyon, which has excellent diving conditions. Advanced divers can check out Ringbolt Rapids, where swift water makes for an additional challenge. Work Barge on the Arizona side has a 38-foot tow barge that sank in 1946. Cabinsite Point has two boat wrecks to view.
Getting There: 100 miles south of Las Vegas

Colorado River
The Colorado River below Hoover Dam attracts divers to its currents and other attractions. The water stays a chilly 55 degrees since the water comes from the bottom of Hoover Dam, so most divers use wet suits and dry suits. Depths and currents of the Colorado vary with the season and other conditions. It’s advisable to go with a guide.
Difficulty: All levels
Getting There: From Las Vegas, take I-215/95 to Hoover Dam for about 35 miles.