When you visit Vegas, especially for the first time, I’m sure that the image you come with is that it’s a mecca of lights, non-stop action, and entertainment. After all, it’s the Entertainment Capital of the World.
But Lake Mead is a natural wonder that might surprise you. This great Vegas natural attraction receives over 6 million visitors annually. It’s arguably one of the most frequently visited units of the Park Service.
Here are eight reasons why you should take a trip to Lake Mead when you come to Sin City:
#1. It’s only 30 minutes from Vegas.
Many visitors don’t realize that the entrance of Lake Mead is only 30 minutes away from the Strip. You can book a tour or rent one if you don’t have a car. You can easily fit this trip into your busy schedule and won’t have to make many adjustments. You can experience the outdoor beauty.
#2. It offers beautiful photography opportunities.
Lake Mead is one of the best locations for both professional and aspiring photographers. You can capture grassy areas, mountains, water, flowers, and rugged desert landscapes. It has the most beautiful sunset and sunrise.
#3. You can enjoy outdoor and recreational water activities.
If you are the kind of person that enjoys the outdoors, then Lake Mead has a wide range of activities for you and your friends. When visiting this wonderful place, you can boat, ski, kayak, canoe, sport fish, hike, and swim. If you don’t have the right equipment, you can rent it.
#4. It’s a perfect place for families.
Vegas is an amazing place, but there are some things that you can’t do together as a family. Taking a trip to Lake Mead is one of the few things you can do together. You can escape the hustle and bustle that characterizes Sin City for a few hours of relaxation.
#5. It’s a pet-friendly park.
Lake Mead is a pet-friendly park. What this means is that you and your family can bring your pet and enjoy the fun. But you must keep it on a six-foot leash or shorter. You cannot leave your dog unattended and must pick after it.
#6. You can enjoy a cruise on the paddlewheel boat.
There are not many people that can boast of being in a traditional paddlewheel boat in the middle of the desert. You can be one if you go to Lake Mead. You’ll enjoy the calm, cool waters as you take your relaxing cruise with your family and friends.
#7. You can see Hover Dam from Lake Mead
Hoover Dam is a historic landmark and the second-largest freshwater reservoir in the country. Lake Mead was formed as a direct result of Hoover Dam on the Colorado River. The Dam took six years to build, and it diverts water from Lake Mead into many steel pipes that support the generation of hydroelectric power.
Most tours offer a visit to Hoover Dam and Lake Mead as a package because of their proximity to each other.
#8. You can get delicious food at Lake Mead.
There are many places where you can grab lunch near Lake Mead. So, don’t think you’ll remain hungry when visiting the area. Temple Bar Marina, Boulder Dam Brewing & Co., Fountain Site Lounge, Momo Sushi, The Tap, and many others exist.
