The National Park Service has provided an update on conditions within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area for those who may be visiting over the long Labor Day weekend.
First of all, temperatures will be warmer than user so visitors are cautioned to be prepared by bringing plenty of water, shade, and to exercise extreme measures in the heat to protect against heat-related illnesses. You can find more information HERE and HERE to help protect yourself and your family during your visit. Remember, heat illness can be deadly.
Second, drinking alcohol and boating do not mix. Operating a boat or other watercraft while under the influence is a crime. Park Rangers will be out in the park conducting tests for impairment. Don’t ruin your weekend with a trip to jail.
Third – and this is also very important – pool toys like rafts and water slings are prohibited on the lake. These items can give a false sense of security and have led to several drownings at the lake. These deaths are preventable. Don’t bring inflatable pool toys to the lake.
Fourth, do not trespass into native desert areas. It was recently discovered that someone graded an unapproved launch and parking area near Echo Bay.
As far as boat launches are concerned, there will likely be capacity closures, especially at Willow Beach. Plan to arrive early (before 11:00AM) or later (after 3:00PM) to avoid this. Make sure you have alternative launch locations mapped out if you plan to visit. Some alternatives are listed below.
Las Vegas Boat Harbor/Lake Mead Marina will only have one restaurant open at a time. You can call ahead for a schedule. The number for the Las Vegas Boat Harbor is (702) 293-1191. The number for Lake Mead Marina is (702) 262-8464.
All visitors are advised to be extremely cautious along the shoreline, as receding water has created wet silt and mud in the area.
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- If you see an animal trapped in the mud, please contact the non-emergency dispatch number with the location: 702-293-8998. We will send out trained staff to help.
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- If a vehicle is stuck in the mud, call Southern Nevada Off Road Recovery (SNORR): 702-706-2330, or send a message in Facebook Messenger @snorr702.
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- If a person is stuck in the mud and needs help or there is an emergency, call the Lake Mead emergency dispatch number: 702-293-8932.
If you find that Willow Beach is closed at the time of your visit, these are additional options:
- Boulder Beach is an approximately 2-mile stretch of beach near Hemenway Harbor includes multiple beaches adjacent to one another (including Special Events, Canoe/Kayak, PWC, and Swim Beaches). There are bathrooms and plenty of beach space and parking. Bring your own shade.
- Kingman Wash is recommended if you have high clearance and 4wd vehicles. This Arizona beach overlooking the Boulder Islands is smaller and can get crowded. A bathroom is about 1 mile from the water. Bring your own shade.
- Cottonwood Cove is located on Lake Mohave’s Nevada side. This cove can get quite busy early in the day, so plan accordingly.
- North Arizona Telephone Cove is typically one of the last to fill up at Katherine Landing.
- If you want to use paddle craft and not hang out along the beach, consider Temple Bar.
- If you are leaving from Las Vegas and want to use paddle craft, consider Echo Bay.
Have a safe and happy holiday on Lake Mead!
