A Desert Swim
Lake Mead
The first and largest national recreation area in the country, Lake Mead delivers a year-round playground that lies on the Colorado River and extends across 1.5 million acres of mountains, canyons, valleys and water from Nevada to Arizona.
Situated at the junction of three desert ecosystems -- the Mojave, the Great Basin and the Sonoran deserts -- Lake Mead is home to a variety of animal and plant inhabitants, some of which are exclusive to this area alone.
Close your eyes and let the waves crash against rocks as the warm air envelops you, leaving your muscles relaxed and your mind at peace. While, at times, chilly waters allow you to briefly cool from the intense desert temperatures, the surrounding red sandstone and black lava rock rocks confirm that you are in-deed in the midst of a desert.
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From boating to nearby hiking and climbing, swimming and sun tanning; there’s a little bit of everything for the perfect desert aquatic escape.
Outside the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas, lies a desert oasis that offers a place for city lights to be forgotten and refreshing dive into desert waters. Isolated from the compact expansion of the neighboring urban area, Lake Mead is a mere 30-minute drive from the city and offers the chance to enjoy teal-blue waters from shore or craft.