National Parks
Death Valley National Park
Grand Canyon Nat’l Park – 602-638-7888
Great Basin Nat’l Park
Hoover Dam – 702-293-8367
Lake Mead Nat’l Recreation Area – 702-293-8990
Mt. Charleston – 702-872-5500
Red Rock Nat’l Conservation Area – 702-515-5350
For the latest information on go to the National Park Service website at http://www.nps.gov/parks.html
Lake Mead
110-miles long, with a surface area of 274 square miles, Lake Mead has more than 500 miles of shoreline for the thousands of people who boat, swim, water ski, hike, and fish it every day. Lake Mead National Recreation Area is located about 30 miles south of Las Vegas via U.S. Highway 93.
The lake and surrounding areas have five beaches and marinas with campgrounds and other amenities, including Overton Beach, Echo Bay, Callville Bay, Las Vegas Bay, Temple -Bar and Boulder Beach. Boating of all kinds and personal watercraft use are popular within Lake Mead NRA. Water skiing is a favorite activity, along with kayaking and canoeing. Of course, swimming is a major form of water recreation during summer months when lake temperatures rise into the 80-degree range. No lifeguards are present so use caution when swimming. Fishing enthusiasts can find some excellent fishing at Lake Mead, including varieties like largemouth bass, rainbow trout, striped bass, channel catfish, black crappie, and bluegill. There are only a few designated trails within the park, allowing those with experience to go out and explore on their own.
The designated trails range from 0.5 to 1.25 miles. Desert hikes can lead to places you will never see from a boat or car. One such place is the area of colorful sandstone formations near Red Stone Picnic Area along Northshore Road. Another is a canyon where Indian petroglyphs were carved in a rock wall hundreds of years ago. There are eight camping sites at Lake Mead – Boulder Beach, Hemenway, Las Vegas Bay, Katherine, Echo Bay, Callville Bay, Temple Bar and Cottonwood Cove, and there are six RV campgrounds with hookups at Lake Mead NRA. Paddlers can take two river trips, one runs from Hoover Dam south through Black Canyon on Lake Mohave; the other begins in upper Lake Mead and explores the western parts of the Grand.
TOURS AND RENTALS
Forever Resorts – 800-255-5561
Operates houseboat and powerboat concessions at Callville Bay on Lake Mead and Cottonwood Cove on Lake Mohave. Min. rental time for houseboats is three days, and for power boats, two hours. Houseboats rentals $995-$3,595 for three or four nights; $1,200- $4,500 for seven nights, depending on season. Powerboats, 16 and 20 foot, rent for $400-$1,100 per week, $60-$350 per day and $60.00 per hour, all year.
For more Lake Mead info: http://www.nps.gov/lameCanyon.
Seven Crowns Resorts – 800-752-9669
Operates houseboat and powerboat concessions at Lake Mead Marina, Echo Bay, Temple Bar, Arizona, and Katherine Landing on Lake Mohave, near Laughlin. Daily houseboat rental rates range from $300-$400 depending on season and size of the boat. Weekly rates, $1,095 – $1,975. Houseboats sleep 6-10 people. Bass, patio, small fishing and ski boats. Ski and fishing tackle rentals.
Hoover Dam
Hoover Dam is 727 feet high, 1,244 feet long, 660 feet thick at the base, and 45 feet thick at the crest. It weighs 5,500,000 tons and contains 3,250,000 cubic yards of concrete. Hoover Dam is located 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas on State Highway 93. A 400 passenger parking garage is adjacent to the Visitor Center. Hoover Dam Visitor Center is open every day of the year except for Thanksgiving and Christmas from 9 am to 5 pm.
• Fees
Parking $10.00 Adults 17 to 61 $10.00 Adults over 62 $8.00
Military $8.00 Kids 7 to 16 $4.00
Kids under 6 Free
Your admission fee entitles you to the use of all facil¬ities and services, which include: a 35 minute guided tour, a 25-minute historic film, exhibit hall and scenic overlook (If you wish not to take the tour, an exhibit ticket only is available for $4) For Tour Reservations call 702-293-8367 The tour through the dam and power plant is a ½ mile and lasts for approximately 35 minutes. The tour is fully accessible and wheelchairs are available. You start the tour by descending 520 feet into the canyon wall and then walk through a tunnel into the power plant. The tour is not recommended for those who suffer from claustrophobia or for those who use pacemakers or defibulators. For more information go to the Hoover Dam website at https://www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam/
RED ROCK CANYON
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is located 20 miles west of Las Vegas. Within the boundaries of the 197,000-acre area is a 13-mile scenic drive, many hiking trails, picnic areas and a visitor’s center with exhibits and bookstore.
Red Rock’s most significant geological feature is the Keystone Thrust Fault. About 65 million years ago, two of the Earth’s crustal plates collided with such a great force that part of one plate of grey limestone was propelled up and over the younger red sandstone. The fault extends from the Cottonwood Fault north to the vicinity of La Madre Mountain. The 13-mile Scenic Drive is a one-way road that also allows bicycle traffic. Sightseeing and hiking trails can be accessed from the parking areas on the side of the road. The Scenic Drive is open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The entry fee is $5 per carload, and you can purchase a $20 pass that is valid for 12 months. Admittance is free for those who walk or ride their bicycles through the gate. Golden Age, Golden Access, and Golden Eagle Passes are all valid at Red Rock. Bicycles are permitted only on designated roads and trails. The BLM advises cyclists to wear helmets, bright colored clothing, carry water, obey traffic laws and pay attention to drivers.
FAVORITE SPOTS
Spring Mountain State Park
Spring Mountain Ranch, a 520-acre area located at the base of Wilson Cliffs, offers historic tours, picnic sites, and summer plays. The main house and historic grounds are open on select days. The picnic sites are open from 8 a.m. to dusk.
Wildlife
Numerous varieties of wildlife inhabit Red Rock Canyon. BLM officials ask visitors not to feed any of the wild animals because they may be dangerous, especially the burros. Feeding burros encourages them to congregate on roadways where many have been killed or injured by vehicles.
More info on Red Rock: http://www.nv.blm.gov/vegas/redrock/red2.htm
Bonnie Springs – Old Nevada
A privately owned enterprise that features a reproduction of an 1880 western mining town with gunfights, hangings, melodramas, silent movies, saloons, restaurants, and display
RECREATION CENTERS CITY OF LAS VEGAS
Valley View Recreation Center
500 Harris Street
702-565-2121
The center boasts a 40,000 Square Foot space, Gymnasium, 3 Racquetball/Volleyball Courts, 6 Meeting/Classrooms, Multi-Fitness Room, Multi-Use Room, Game Room, and Vending Area. The 1st full-service recreation center to open in the City of Henderson, the Lorna J. Kesterson Valley View Recreation Center services the Valley View area. Located adjacent to Morrell Park. This center services all ages in all areas, however, it is best known as being the home for Henderson’s Civic Symphony. Monday through Friday 8 am to 9 pm, Sat 9 am to 5 pm, and Sunday 1 pm to 5 pm.
Chuck Minker Sports Complex
(Next to Rivera Park)
275 X. Mojave Rd.
702-229-6563
The Sports Complex features a Gymnasium, 8 Racquetball courts, Cardiovascular equipment, sauna & Jacuzzi, 2 weight rooms, free & machine weights, multipurpose room, video games, and locker rooms. Gym and a multipurpose room for rent. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 9:30 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Doolittle Community Center
(Next to Doolittle Park)
1950 North J St.
702-229-6374
This recreational center features a fitness room, full-sized basketball court, game room, gymnasium, 3 meeting rooms, a conference room, and kitchen facilities. Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. For more information please call.
HENDERSON RECREATION CENTERS
Black Mountain Recreation Center and Aquatic Complex
599 Greenway Road
702-565-2880
The Black Mountain Recreation Center/Aquatic Complex is the first to sport a zero-depth entry aquatic complex which features a three loop slide, interactive water apparatus, and raindrop waterfall. The complex amenities include 41,000 square Foot Gym, 3 Racquetball/Volleyball Courts, 3 Meeting/Classrooms, Multi-Fitness Room, Multi-Use Room, Game Room, Vending Area, and Beach-entry pool. Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m
Silver Springs Recreation Center
1951 Silver Springs Parkway
702-435-3814
Serving the Green Valley area of Henderson. Whether it’s tots, senior citizens, teens or adults, you’ll find it at this recreation center which like any of the City’s full-service recreation centers is open seven days a week throughout the summer months, take a dip in the Silver Springs Outdoor Swimming Pool as well. Features include 36,000 square feet of space, Gym, 3 Racquetball/Volleyball Courts, 6 Meeting/Classrooms, Multi-Fitness Room Multi-Use Room, Game Room, Vending Area, and Clubhouse. Monday through Friday 8 am to 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a. m to 5 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Whitney Ranch Recreation Center & Aquatic Complex
1575 Galleria Drive
702-450-5885
The centers features include 41,000 square feet of space, Gym, 3 Racquetball/Volleyball Courts, 2 Meeting rooms/ 3 Classrooms for Dance & Aerobics, Conference Room, Game Room Vending Area, Computer Lab, and a Boys & Girls Club Satellite. It is the first to have a Boys & Girls Club Satellite Center and a computer lab. Monday through Friday 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve & Water Reclamation Facility
2400 Moser Drive
Henderson, NV
Following the mapped trails you’ll find several observation stations with benches and signage available for the convenience of bird watchers and all those interested in enjoying the wonders nature has to offer. Large school and community groups are welcome. To make appointments for guided tours call 566-2939. OPEN DAILY from 6 a.m. -3 p.m
Summerlin
The Trails Park
A 28-acre linear park in The Trails Village. The Trails Park includes three lighted baseball fields, a community center, swimming pool, children’s play area, a meadow area and numerous picnic areas.
The Arbors Sports Park
This 60-acre joint-use facility was designed and constructed by the City of Las Vegas, Clark County School District, and The Howard Hughes Corporation. The park incorporates the 42-acre campus of Palo Verde High School and an 18-acre sports complex. The complex features include an Olympic-size swimming pool, locker facilities, children’s play area, picnic area, soccer field and two additional softball fields. The sports complex complements the facilities and amenities available at the high school, which include a football field, soccer field, baseball field, eight tennis courts and outdoor basketball courts. Plus a 40,000-square-foot community center.
The Gardens Park and Recreational Center
The center is located on 20.6 acres in The Gardens. It is a large oval shaped park with a variety of different uses including an active recreational area with basketball and tennis courts and Summerlin’s first roller hockey rink and rollerblade area; a community center with gardens, bocce, horseshoe and shuffleboard courts; and a large open festival lawn area.
North Las Vegas
Recreation Center
The center is located on 20.6 acres in The Gardens. It is a large oval shaped park with a variety of different uses including an active recreational area with basketball and tennis courts and Summerlin’s first roller hockey rink and rollerblade area; a community center with gardens, bocce, horseshoe and shuffleboard courts; and a large open festival lawn area.