Lake Mead National Recreation Area - Exploring the Backcountry-Lake Mead National Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service)

Approved Backcountry Roads

A network of backcountry roads has been developed to provide access to the lakeshore and other areas of interest in the backcountry. Approved roads are signed with a yellow arrow. The black number in the center of the arrow designates the road number. Driving on roads or trails not marked with the yellow arrow is prohibited.

Driving off roads, in washes, or cross country damages the fragile desert soil and is prohibited by National Park Service regulations. Please check with local rangers on the road conditions before driving into the backcountry.

A view of mountains within a Lake Mead National Recreation Area wilderness site

A view of Lake Mead NRA wilderness

For more information regarding the designated wilderness areas in Lake Mead National Recreation area, please visit the Wilderness page.

If you have any questions or comments about the backcountry, please contact park rangers at a ranger station or on patrol, or visit the visitor center. They will be glad to help you.

Please help preserve Lake Mead NRA by staying on approved roads, respecting the rights of other visitors, and carrying out all trash and litter. Many rangers and all the marinas carry trash bags.

Backcountry Maps located on Map page

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Grand Wash Area

Information and Regulations

All motor vehicles, including All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV), All-Terrain Cycles (ATC), and All-Off Highway Vehicles(OHV) operated within Lake Mead NRA must be licensed and insured for highway use ("street legal"). Vehicle operators must have a valid operator's license in their possession.

Vehicle camping is permitted at designated backcountry campsites only. Driving off of designated roads is prohibited. Do not cross berms or barriers. Maximum stay in any backcountry camping area is 15 days.

Backpackers may camp anywhere in the backcountry unless the area is posted as a "No Camping" area. Campsites must be at least 1/2 mile off of designated roads and 100 ft. from any spring, water-hole, seep or other water. Maximum stay in any backcountry camping area is 15 days.

Hunting is allowed in the recreation area except in those areas posted as "No Hunting" zones. Loaded weapons are prohibited unless hunting. Target shooting is prohibited throughout Lake Mead NRA.

Hunting Maps located on Map page

Geocaching is not a permitted activity at Lake Mead NRA.

Collection and removal of natural, historical or cultural objects is prohibited. Please report any resource violations to our dispatch office (702) 293-8998.

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Quick Tips

Tell someone your plans including the exact destination and length of stay.

Always carry extra water for you and your car.

Drink water even if you don’t feel thirsty.

Carry a map.

Bring a spare tire with a jack and lug wrench.

Camping in wash bottoms is hazardous because of the possibility of flash floods.

Always be aware of changing weather conditions and move to high ground when it is raining where you are, or near by.

Road conditions change. Ask a park ranger for current road conditions.

Desert heat can kill; carry plenty of water and shade equipment!

Know basic desert survival skills and practice them.

Never hike alone.

For More Information

For Lake Mead National Recreation Area information, please call the Alan Bible Visitor Center at (702) 293-8990 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The Alan Bible Visitor Center is located four miles east of Boulder City, at the intersection of U.S. Highway 93 and Lakeshore Scenic Drive.

National Park Service dispatch is on duty 24-hours a day.
For Emergencies Only!
Call: 1(800) 680-5851
or (702) 293-8932

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