There are no restrictions in effect above and beyond standard park regulations related to wood campfires, charcoal, and other open flames. For more details, see section 2.13 of the Superintendent's Compendium.
2026 seasonal trail closures
To help keep visitors and first responder staff safe from dangerously high temperatures during the summer months, Lake Mead National Recreation Area institutes an annual seasonal closure of certain strenuous trails from May 15 to September 30. Temporary closures can take place outside of these dates when temperatures are
forecast to reach 95 Fahrenheit or higher at Willow Beach (AZ).
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Goldstrike Canyon*
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White Rock Canyon
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Arizona Hot Springs*
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Liberty Arch
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Lone Palm*
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Sugar Loaf
* The Goldstrike Canyon, Arizona, and Lone Palm hot springs remain open and accessible by water on Lake Mohave. The River Mountain Loop Trail and Historic Railroad Trail will also remain open.
Declining water levels due to climate change and 20 years of ongoing drought have reshaped the park’s shorelines. As Lake Mead continues to recede, extending launch ramps becomes more difficult and more expensive due to the topography and projected decline in water levels. Lake Mead National Recreation Area encourages visitors to plan ahead and stay informed by checking current conditions and alerts.
Lake levels change regularly. Launching is at your own risk. Be prepared for longer wait times for launching and recovery. Always check your surroundings before launching. Ongoing maintenance and construction at ramps may require temporary closures.
Current Daily Water Levels for Lake Mead and Lake Mohave (Bureau of Reclamation)
Frequently Asked Questions
Status of Launch Ramps on Lake Mead
- Hemenway Harbor Launch Ramp - OPERABLE
- One lane on concrete, shallow-hulled boats recommended, 5.5% grade
- Echo Bay Launch Ramp - OPERABLE
- Callville Bay Launch Ramp - OPERABLE
- Two lanes, one on concrete and one on pipe mat.
- Temple Bar Launch Ramp - OPERABLE
- Concessionaire launch operations on Mobi Mat are operable. Please contact concessionaire directly at 928-767-3214 to inquire about launch ramp status.
- South Cove Launch Ramp - OPERABLE
- The concrete launch ramp is closed as the lake has dropped below the end of the ramp, but a newly established dirt road from the concrete ramp to a beach launch on gravel is operable so long as the lake level does not drop below 1,035 feet.
Status of Launch Ramps on Lake Mohave
- Cottonwood Cove Launch Ramp - OPERABLE
- Katherine's Landing Launch Ramp - OPERABLE
- Willow Beach Launch Ramp - OPERABLE
Get current water temperatures, wind speeds, wave heights and more by clicking on the below links and then clicking on the observations tab.
Lake Mead
Lake Mohave
If a monsoon develops, which can happen rapidly, those on the water should find a sheltered cove or shore. Launch ramps become crowded after storms arrive. It’s also wise to write down current GPS coordinates, so rescue crews can locate you more quickly. If flash flooding occurs on land, visitors should seek high ground.
