Plan Your Visit
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Desert Hiking
Although most visitors
are attracted to Lake Mead National Recreation Area because of Lakes
Mead and Mohave, more than 87% of the park protects a vast area of
the eastern Mojave Desert. Perhaps the best way to explore this diverse
ecosystem is on foot, traveling across open expanses of rock formations
that contain all the colors of the rainbow. Here, canyons and washes
abound, offering a challenge to even the most experienced hiker.
The best season for hiking
is November through March when temperatures are cooler. Hiking during
the day time in the summer months is not recommended because temperatures
can reach 120 degrees F in the shade. Ranger guided hikes are offered
year round. Free backcountry road maps and hiking information handouts
for recommended hikes may be obtained at the Alan Bible Visitor Center
located at the junction of US Hwy 93 and Lakeshore Scenic Drive, and
at Ranger Stations.
 Safety
Tips
Hiking in the desert
can be an enjoyable experience. It can also be a hazardous adventure
if you travel unprepared. Never hike alone, and tell someone where you
are going and when you plan to return. Carry plenty of water; at least
½ gallon of water per person. Drink often!
Signs of heat exhaustion
include cool, moist, pale or red skin, headache, nausea, dizziness,
and exhaustion. Treatment includes moving the victim to a cool shaded
area and giving him water to drink. If heat exhaustion progresses, the
body temperature continues to rise and the victim may suffer from heat
stroke, a serious condition.
Know your limits.
Hiking in the desert often means traveling over rough, steep terrain
with frequent elevation changes.
Try to pick a route
that best suits your abilities. Distances are often deceiving. Be sure
to check the weather forecast before departure. Sudden storms can cause
local flashflooding. Seek high ground if thunderstorms threaten and
be prepared to take cover from lightning.
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Equipment
Essential equipment
includes sturdy walking shoes and proper clothing. Long pants are
suggested for protection from rocks and cactus. A hat, sunscreen,
and sunglasses are recommended. Carry a small daypack to hold such
items as water, lunch, first aid kit, map, jacket, and flashlight.
Remember, never hike alone and leave your itinerary with someone.
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Desert
Dwellers
Watch for signs of animals
along the way. Because desert regions have such harsh climates, animals
often spend the daylight hours sleeping in burrows or resting in shaded
areas. Antelope ground squirrels, often confused with chipmunks, are
more tolerant of the heat and may be seen scurrying under the bushes.
Desert bighorn sheep
may be observed walking along rocky ledges in small groups of two or
three.
Poisonous animals
such as snakes, spiders, and scorpions are not often seen because they
are most active after dark. Speckled rattlesnakes are common but not
aggressive. Scorpion stings are no more harmful than a bee sting unless
you are allergic. Black widow spiders are shy and secretive and are
most often found around man-made structures.
Bites and stings
many be more harmful to small children. Watch where you place your hands
and feet and don't disturb obvious hiding places.
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Minimum
Impact Hiking
Many desert soils are fragile
and take a long time to recover if disturbed. Darker surfaces that
crumble easily indicate cryptogamic soils. Here mosses, lichens,
and bacteria bind the soil surface, forming a crust that serves
to prevent wind and water erosion. Take special care to avoid these
areas.
Gypsum soils are often marked by lightcolored
barren areas and are an ideal habitat for the endangered bear
paw poppy and the sunray, one of the most impressive members of
the sunflower family. Walk gently here!
Canyons and washes accessible from the lakeshores
often contain a surprising diversity of plants. Spring wildflowers
are most abundant during April and May.
Desert springs support a unique community
of plants and animals. These springs are often the only source
of water for many miles. Be careful not to contaminate them with
trash and other human waste.
Because the park is a protected area, rockhounding
and collecting plants or animals is prohibited.
The National Recreation Area contains a wealth
of cultural resources, including petroglyphs carved on the rocks
many hundreds of years ago by early Indian inhabitants. Although
the meaning of these rock drawings are the subject of much debate,
they are an irreplaceable key to the past. If you see anyone defacing
a petroglyph or damaging an archeological site, please report
it to a National Park Service ranger.
Help protect the desert and the plants by
cleaning up your trash, treading lightly wherever you explore,
and taking only memories of the park when you leave. Leave
No Trace.
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Weather
Weather in the recreation
area is unpredictable. Flash floods may occur during summer thunderstorms.
Visitors should keep an eye on the weather and seek high ground if thunderstorms
threaten. Hikers should avoid deep canyons and dry washes during strong
or threatening weather. Sudden high winds occur. Extreme summer temperatures
can reach 125 degrees F., making water an important supply to keep on
hand while traveling in the desert. Summer hiking is not advised.
Lake Mead National
Recreation Area has few established hiking trails. When cooler weather
prevails from November through March, National Park Service guided
hikes and walks are conducted in various areas throughout the recreation
area. (Ranger-led programs)
Visitors familiar
with the area often take "cross-country" trips by foot, employing various
U.S. Geological Survey Maps (topographic quadrangles). Free backcountry
road maps and hiking information handouts for recommended hikes may
be obtained at the Alan Bible Visitor Center located at the junction
of US Hwy 93 and Lakeshore Scenic Drive. USGS topographical maps and other literature
are sold at the visitor
center for your convenience
and enjoyment. Go
to the Weather page
for more in depth information, including average minimum and maximum
temperatures throughout the year in Boulder City, Nevada.
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Hikes
and Hiking Trails
Arizona Hot Springs
Railroad Hiking Trail
River Mountain Loop Trail
Northshore Hikes
Katherine Hikes
Grapevine Canyon
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