BOULDER CITY, Nevada - Over the summer, more than 3 million people visited Lake Mead National Recreation Area; many enjoying the clear blue waters of Lake Mead and Lake Mohave. Now that fall has arrived, more visitors will be exploring the park’s trails and campgrounds.
There are a few seasonal changes that visitors should be aware of.
Fire Restrictions Lifted
Seasonal fire restrictions were implemented June 1 across Southern Nevada public lands. As of Sept. 22, fires are permitted in Lake Mead’s backcountry; however, visitors must follow the below regulations:
* Fire size must be less than three feet in diameter.
* Fires must be at least 10 feet from the nearest beach logs, structure or vegetation.
* Chemically treated wood, painted wood, wood with nails or staples shall not be used.
* Fires must be above ground (no pit fires) and attended at all times.
* Fires must be completely extinguished with water, doused and stirred. Fires should not be covered with sand; as it will insulate the heat and create an unseen danger for wildlife and visitors.
* Rock Rings must be deconstructed and refuse must be removed from beach after visit
* Debris burning is not permitted.
* When shoreline camping, all charcoal ashes must be packed out and disposed of in park trash receptacles after ensuring that they are completely extinguished.
Trails Reopen
Goldstrike Canyon and Arizona Hot Spring Canyon trailheads were closed May 15. They will reopen Sunday, Oct. 1.
Goldstrike Canyon is a very strenuous hike, requiring bouldering and climbing. It leads to Goldstrike and Nevada hot springs and the Colorado River. The area known as White Rock Canyon has multiple trails leading to the Arizona Hot Spring, Liberty Bell Arch and the Colorado River. To view a list of the park’s less strenuous trails, visit https://www.nps.gov/lake/planyourvisit/hike.htm.
Although the restrictions are lifted and trails are opening, visitors are reminded to be aware of changing weather conditions. Temperatures are forecast to be in the low 90s Oct. 1. The temperatures in the canyons can be 10-20 degrees warmer. It is safest to hike in the morning, when temperatures are cooler. Hikers should bring at least a gallon of water per person.
Seasonal Restriction
Boating is restricted to vessels with 65-horsepower engines or less in the Black Canyon from Hoover Dam to Willow Beach between Labor Day and Memorial Day.
Concessions Hours
During the fall, winter and spring, concessioners at Lake Mead and Lake Mohave adjust their hours. Below are the planned changes. It is best to contact concessioners directly for the latest updates on their services.
Las Vegas Boat Harbor and Lake Mead Marina
There are no changes in hours, at this time.
Callville Bay
* Dockside grill is closed for the season, staring Sept. 25.
* Marina store is closed for the season, starting Sept. 30.
* Admin office, land store and boat rentals are open daily 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
* Fuel dock is open daily 8 a.m.-5 p.m., starting Oct. 1.
* Repair Shop is open Wednesdays-Sundays 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
* Lounge is open Sunday-Thursday noon to 8 p.m., Friday-Saturday noon-9 p.m.
* Land snack bar is open Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-noon.
Lake Mead Cruises
* From Nov. 1-Dec. 3, sightseeing cruises run daily at noon and on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2 p.m. No dinner or brunch cruises.
* From Dec. 4-Feb. 2, private charters only
* From Feb. 3-March 1, sightseeing cruises run daily at noon and on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2 p.m. No dinner or brunch cruises.
Lake Mead RV Village
* Boulder Beach store/admin hours are daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
* Echo Bay store/admin hours are daily 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Temple Bar
* Starting Nov. 1, the admin office will be closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The rest of the services continue daily 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Black Canyon Willow Beach
* Willow Beach Store is open daily 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. through Oct. 31. From Nov. 1 - Feb 28 the store is open daily 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
* Willow Beach Grill hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday -Sunday, until Nov. 1 when hours switch to 8 a.m. - 4p.m. Friday -Sunday
Cottonwood Cove
* Admin office is open daily from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
* Marina and boat facilities are open daily 8 a.m.-5 p.m. through Oct. 31. From Nov. 1-Feb. 15, services will be available at the motel front desk.
* Fuel dock is open daily 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
* Restaurant is open daily 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 3:30-6 p.m. From Nov. 1-Feb. 15, it will be closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
* Retail store and motel are open daily 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
* Warehouse and dry storage are open daily 8 a.m.-5 p.m. From Nov. 1-Feb. 15, they will be closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Katherine Landing
* Retail store and fuel dock are open daily 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., starting Oct. 2
* Bar, lounge, restaurant and boat shop are closed for the season, starting Oct. 2.
* Small boat rental is open daily 8 a.m.-4 p.m. through Oct. 29. It will be closed for the season starting Oct. 30.
* Motel will be closed for the season starting Oct. 30. During the closure, the accounting office will be open daily 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
-NPS-
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
