Most people come from the Las Vegas area to visit Lake Mead, which covers some 160,000 acres and includes over 500 miles of shoreline, on the extensively developed Nevada side. In contrast, the only access on the Arizona side is from Temple Bar, 19 miles south of Hoover Dam, then another 27 miles northeast on a good paved road. Here you’ll find a small marina with boat rentals and a motel (800/752-9669).

  Stretching to both sides of Hoover Dam, the Lake Mead Recreation Area also incorporates the smaller Lake Mojave, clearly visible from US-93 and accessible at Willow Beach on the Colorado River, 14 miles south of Hoover Dam and four miles west of US-93.