Lake Mead Day Trips from Las Vegas
For an experience with a difference in Las Vegas, don't miss a trip to Lake Mead. It's a short drive from the city and is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle and neon lights of the Strip.
Marko Erman
Lake Mead is one of the largest reservoirs in the United States, formed by the effects of the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River. It's a stunningly beautiful body of fresh water in the middle of the desert, and one of the best places to see in Las Vegas.
You can take a trip to this oasis for fun water sports, camping, a bird's eye view from a helicopter or a cruise on the lake. There are many options available. Here are some recommendations of the best tours for an exciting day on Lake Mead.
1. Lake Mead Kayak Tour
If you don't know what to see and do in Las Vegas in 5 days, book a tour to enjoy a kayak tour on Lake Mead. This tour is a beautiful and relaxing experience that requires no experience whatsoever. You'll be accompanied by a guide who will explain how to do it.
During this tour there are several stops for you to swim in the calm waters of the lake, so don't forget your swimming costume. Sail out to the Boulder Islands for a walk to look for seashells on the beaches or enjoy a picnic lunch to cap off a great day of kayaking on Lake Mead.
A professional guide will be on hand all day to give you instructions, tell you stories about the area and give you all the information you need. All you have to do is relax and enjoy the scenery, soak up the sun or swim in the crystal clear waters of the lake. How cool is that?
Interesting details
- Price: from 160 euros.
- Duration: about 4 hours.
- Means of transport: Bus from the hotel and a kayak for the tour.
- Advantages of this option: pick-up and drop-off at the hotel, professional guide who will accompany you during your kayak tour.
- Disadvantages of this option: pick-ups are usually done on the Las Vegas Strip. If you are not staying on the Strip, you will need to arrange a meeting point.
2. Lake Mead Off Road Tour
There are many excursions you can take from Las Vegas. One of the most popular is Lake Mead, a man-made lake that was created when the Hoover Dam was built on the Colorado River. When full, it is the largest water reservoir in the United States.
Lake Mead is also the centrepiece of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, an area protected by the National Park Service. If you want to enjoy this experience in a unique way, there's nothing better than touring the area in a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
Along the way, you'll find a number of places of interest and a guide will explain the history and importance of each one. You can also stop for a dip in the crystal clear waters of the lake, or simply take in the breathtaking views on this memorable excursion.
Interesting details
- Price: around 230 euros.
- Duration: almost 7 hours.
- Means of transport: off-road vehicle around Lake Mead and the surrounding area.
- Pros of this option: hotel pick-up and drop-off, expert guide and lunch included in some options.
- Cons of this option: this is a long and demanding tour, so it may not be suitable for young children or pregnant women.
3. Helicopter tour of the West Rim and Lake Mead
Have you ever thought about what it would be like to take a helicopter tour of Las Vegas? On this tour you can take home the experience of seeing the West Rim of the Grand Canyon from a different perspective, from the sky! You'll see the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead before flying to the west rim of the Grand Canyon.
Get ready for a bird's eye view of one of the country's most remarkable natural wonders on this panoramic tour over the Grand Canyon. You'll be picked up in a luxury shuttle from your Las Vegas hotel and taken to the airport where you'll board the helicopter.
You'll fly over the Grand Canyon's West Rim, passing over Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam. Fly over the Colorado River and enjoy the scenery as you fly into Arizona. From the helicopter you'll get breathtaking panoramic views of the rock formations and take the best photos of your trip to Las Vegas.
Interesting details
- Price: from about 350 euros.
- Duration: about 4 hours.
- Means of transport: transport from the hotel and helicopter over the West Rim.
- Advantages of this option: pick up and drop off at the hotel and helicopter flight of about 70 minutes.
- Disadvantages of this option: it is advisable to book in advance, as it is usually a very popular tour.
4. Hoover Dam and Lake Mead Tour
Looking for a different experience than the Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas? Las Vegas is surrounded by many natural landmarks, so you can take advantage of your stay to take a trip to the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. Explore one of America's most spectacular engineering fe ats on a Hoover Dam bus tour.
This is a great way to see Lake Mead if you're short on time and on a tight budget. Alternatively, you can combine the Hoover Dam tour with a trip to the Grand Canyon's West Rim or a leisurely cruise down the Colorado River. The dam is about a 30-minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip.
Guided bus tours cross the Hoover Dam bypass bridge and often make photo stops. There are also many guided tour options, including ranger-led hikes, cruises, raft trips, kayaking, and hunting and fishing excursions.
Details of interest
- Price: from 45 euros.
- Duration: 4 to 6 hours.
- Means of transport: bus with pick-up at the hotel in Las Vegas.
- Advantages of this option: pick-up and drop-off at the hotel. If you only have a few hours you can adjust the timetable. Lunch is included in most tours.
- Disadvantages of this option: Pick-ups are usually on the Las Vegas Strip, so if you are not staying here, you will need to arrange a meeting point.
5. Lake Mead tour and cruise
Add a cruise on Lake Mead to your list of things to do in Las Vegas in 7 days; it's the best option if you're looking for a relaxing experience. Cruising the clean, blue waters of Lake Mead and touring the Hoover Dam by boat offers a unique experience.
You'll love taking pictures of the colourful scenery, ever-changing skies and unparalleled panoramic views. Highlights include Fortification Hill, the site of an extinct volcano; the Arizona Paint Pots, made up of stunning lava fields and wildflowers; and the engineering marvel that is the Hoover Dam.
After a morning pick-up from your Las Vegas hotel, you'll board a bus that will take you to the Hoover Dam. Upon arrival, you can explore the Exhibit Gallery to learn more about the natural history of the region and the dam. On this Lake Mead cruise you'll enjoy the gentle breeze and sunshine or the absolute comfort of the enclosed, air-conditioned decks, with views of breathtaking scenery.
Details of interest
- Price: from 80 euros.
- Duration: almost 7 hours.
- Means of transport: bus for pick-up and drop-off at the hotel, boat on Lake Mead and the surrounding area.
- Advantages of this option: pick-up and drop-off at the hotel. Expert guide who will accompany you to explain the peculiarities of Lake Mead and its surroundings.
- Disadvantages of this option: pick-ups are usually on the Las Vegas Strip, so if you are not staying here, you will have to arrange a meeting point.
6. Lake Mead ATV Tour
If you're more of an adventure planner, you're going to love this quad tour of the Lake Mead and Colorado River Recreation Area from Las Vegas. Get ready for a breathtaking guided quad tour with spectacular views created by man and nature. To make sure you don't miss a single detail, an expert guide will be on hand the whole way.
This is a unique experience to explore all that the vast recreation area has to offer. Hike the nature trails while taking in the views of sparkling waters and majestic desert landscapes. At the halfway point, you'll have the opportunity to take a dip in the refreshing waters of the Colorado River.
Your tour guide will give you information and facts about Las Vegas, Hoover Dam, the Colorado River and Lake Mead National Park. See the Hoover Dam, the iconic landmark that spans the Arizona-Nevada border and represents one of the greatest and most complex architectural achievements in American history.
If this adventure has worked up an appetite, you can take a lunch break at the restaurant for some delicious American burgers. The best way to conclude this tour before returning to your Las Vegas hotel.
Details of interest
- Price: from around 200 euros.
- Duration: almost 7 hours.
- Means of transport: bus for hotel pick-up and drop-off, quad bike in and around Lake Mead National Park.
- Advantages of this option: hotel pick-up and drop-off. Expert guide who will accompany you to explain the peculiarities of Lake Mead and its surroundings.
- Disadvantages of this option: Quad biking tours can be demanding and may not be suitable for young children or pregnant women.
7. 3-hour Lake Mead small group tour
If you're short on time and don't know what to see and do in Las Vegas in 3 days, take the opportunity to take a 3-hour tour of Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam. You'll be able to take in the sights of the largest reservoir in the United States with the peace of mind of a small group.
This tour is ideal for those who are short on time or just want to visit the Hoover Dam without spending a whole day there. You don't have to worry about a thing; you'll be picked up in Las Vegas and driven to the Hoover Dam in an air-conditioned vehicle for the 40-minute drive.
You'll arrive in Boulder City, a town built for the Hoover Dam workers. You'll also stop at Hemenway Park to see the desert bighorn sheep. Don't miss this small group experience and learn more about the lake's history and current issues.
Details of interest
- Price: from around 70 euros.
- Duration: approximately 3 hours.
- Means of transport: air-conditioned small group transport.
- Advantages of this option: pick up and drop off at the hotel. Expert guide who will accompany you to explain the peculiarities of Lake Mead and its surroundings.
- Disadvantages of this option: it is advisable to book in advance, as it tends to be a very popular tour.
Tips for visiting Lake Mead
Before you book a crazy tour, try to plan the activities on your trip to Las Vegas around the weather. If you're visiting Lake Mead in summer, book your tour before 10am and after 5pm. Bring plenty of water and drink frequently.
Lake Mead is experiencing historically low water levels. As a result, access to recreational activities on the water may be affected. Check the NPS website for the most up-to-date information. Remember to always wear a life jacket for water activities. They can also be rented at the park.
Stop by the Lake Mead Visitor Centre before setting out on your adventure. Maps and brochures are available. The staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
When is the best time to visit Lake Mead?
Spring at Lake Mead is one of the best times of the year to visit. Due to the warm, sunny days and the possibility of spring wildflowers, camping, hiking and fishing are some of the most popular activities.
Temperatures in April, May and June reach daytime highs of between 27 and 37 degrees Celsius. Night-time lows reach 10 degrees Celsius. In summer, temperatures can reach over 43 degrees Celsius. Water temperatures can range from 7 degrees in winter to 29 degrees in summer.
The park covers an area of 1.5 million acres, so the weather can vary between 20 and 30 degrees from north to south. It is therefore advisable to check the weather conditions on the date of your trip.
What will I see and do on a trip to Lake Mead?
Lake Mead National Recreation Area is one of the most unique places in the Las Vegas area. It also offers a wide variety of outdoor activities to choose from. If you want to take a break from the flashing neon lights of Las Vegas and find a natural respite, there's nothing better than a trip to Lake Mead.
One of the most impressive day trips from Las Vegas will pick you up at your hotel, about 40 minutes from the park, to discover all the great things to do at Lake Mead.
See the Hoover Dam
Visiting the Hoover Dam is one of the highlights of these tours. Day tours are available from Las Vegas to enjoy this historic landmark. The most famous dam in the country, it spans the Arizona-Nevada border and was built during the Depression between 1931 and 1936.
From this feat of engineering came Lake Mead, which provides water for millions of people in Nevada, California, Arizona and even Mexico. Today, it controls the Colorado River and sends power and water to the southwest. The views from the dam are breathtaking. The best place to take your photos.
Visit the lake overlook
Tiny boats are illuminated in the last golden light at sunset at Hemenway Harbor on Lake Mead. One of the best things to do on Lake Mead is to watch a sunrise or sunset from the Lakeview Overlook.
It's located next to the Hoover Dam access road. From here you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of Lake Mead and Hemenway Harbour. You can also see Rock, Boulder and Saddle Islands.
Stroll along the historic rail trail
In addition to enjoying the waters of the lake, there are many hiking trails to hike in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. A good route is the Rail Trail about 300 metres from the Lake Mead Visitor Centre.
It's a fairly easy route. Out and back, the trail is 11.5 kilometres long. It can be walked and cycled. Don't forget to bring plenty of water, as temperatures can be high in summer.