Welcome to the Lake Mead National Recreation Area bi-weekly operations update! These updates are intended to help LAKE staff, partners, and the public navigate changes, events, and closures that might impact their activities.

Annual Scheduled Lake Mohave Draw-Down

The annual Lake Mohave draw-down began August 29 and will continue to drop until mid-October. The Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) will lower the water slowly to an anticipated level of 633 feet, about a 10-foot total drop. The lowest water level will be held for about two weeks in mid-to-end of October. Water levels will slowly rise back to normal levels by mid-January 2023.

Water levels are lowered every fall in Lake Mohave to improve the habitat and spawning cycle of two endangered fish, the Boneytail Chub and Razorback Sucker. This annual process is in no way related to declining water levels on Lake Mead and Lake Powell.

Boaters are urged to use caution when operating on Lake Mohave as hazards may shift or appear in areas that were previously passable. Motorized boat operations may be impossible north of White Rock Canyon at the lowest lake levels.

Road Work 

Looking Ahead: (Dates and times are approximate and may be adjusted due to inclement weather, staff, or mechanical issues.)

During monsoon season crews will be responding to damaged roads from flash flooding as needed. Please be prepared for delays and drive with caution in the presence of road crews.

• Work will be occurring during the week of 9/10 – 9/17 on Pearce Ferry and Echo Bay roads.
• Work will be occurring during the week of 10/17– 0/24 on Katherine Landing and Cottonwood Cove roads.

Marinas/Ramps/Harbors/Beaches 

Looking Ahead: (Dates and times are approximate and may be adjusted due to inclement weather, staff, or mechanical issues.)

• As of August 1, public vehicle access to the shoreline at Boulder Harbor is no longer available. The area is now the Boulder Harbor Walking Trail.
• Hemenway Harbor currently has two docks and four lanes open. The ADA parking has moved to the dirt parking lot and no parking is allowed on the ramp. Docks and berms will be moved weekly to accommodate water level changes. Be prepared for partial closures. Launch at your own risk.
• Echo Bay is open with two lanes on cement. Launch at your own risk.
• South Cove launching is available off the dirt road south of the launch ramp. Launch at your own risk. Four-wheel-drive recommended.

For the most current launch ramp status check: https://www.nps.gov/lake/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

Trail and Other Closures

• Seasonal trail closures are from May 15 through September 30. The following trails are closed:
  • Goldstrike Canyon (hot springs remain accessible by water)
  • White Rock Canyon and Trail
  • Arizona Hot Springs Trail (hot springs remain accessible by water)
  • Liberty Arch Trail
  • Lone Palm Trail and surrounding areas
  • Sugar Loaf Trail and surrounding areas
• The River Mountain Loop trail repairs have re-started. The loop will be closed between mile 11.5 to 19 through October 11.

Concessioners 

(Listed alphabetically)

• Callville Bay Marina – With elevated water levels the concrete boat ramp at Callville Bay is currently open and being managed by the marina. The ramp has been widened to include a dirt turn-around area and a new courtesy dock has been installed at the bottom of the ramp.
  • Boat rentals, fuel dock, and store on the water are open seven days per week 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • The land store and lounge are temporarily closed.
  • The snack bar on the water is open seven days per week from 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
  • Please contact marina at 702-565-8958 for more information.
• Cottonwood Cove – The Cottonwood Cove Cafe is open.
• Desert Princess, Hemenway Harbor –Lake Mead Cruises/Desert Princess operates from March 16 – November 30, Tuesday-Sunday for lunch cruises. Dinner cruises occur on Saturday evenings, July 1-November 25, at 5:30 pm. They are closed on Mondays.
• Echo Bay – Hours of operation for the RV Park Office: Daily 8am – 4pm.
  • Hours of operation for the Store: Daily 8am – 4pm.
  • Land Fuel is available daily from 8am-4pm. Pay at the store first before trying to pump gas.
• Katherine Landing – Off season hours have begun.
  • The retail store, fuel dock, and pump-out station are open daily from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • The No Bad Days Bar and Grill is open Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Mondays, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., and Thursday and Sunday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Live music has stopped for the season except on Saturday, October 14 for the kick-off of the U.S. Open Bass Fishing Tournament.
• Las Vegas Boat Harbor/Lake Mead Marina Restaurants – During regular business hours the marina will continue to only have one restaurant open at a time. Please contact the marinas ahead of time for a schedule. Las Vegas Boat Harbor: 702-293-1191; Lake Mead Marina: 702-293-3484.
• Temple Bar Marina – Temple Bar has installed a portable Mobi-Mat for boat launching which is being managed by the marina. It is currently recommended to launch boats smaller than 40’. Please contact 928-767-3211 with any questions.
  • Regular hours for the fuel dock are from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • The store is open daily from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • The motel is open.
  • The restaurant is now closed for the season. The bar is open Friday and Saturday 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. until October 1.
• Willow Beach Marina – The store and marina are open from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. 7 days per week.
  • The Black Canyon Grill hours are Monday – Thursday from 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Friday – Sunday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Black Canyon Adventures rafting tours are operating for the season.

Events

These are larger events occurring within the next month that may impact crowds and slow access to these areas.

• 09/15 (Friday)
  • Las Vegas Bay – Fishing Tournament
• 09/16 (Saturday)
  • Las Vegas Bay – Fishing Tournament
  • Temple Bar – Fishing Tournament
• 09/17 (Sunday)
  • Temple Bar – Fishing Tournament
• 09/29 (Friday)
  • Boulder Beach, S. and N. Access Road, Lakeshore Blvd, River Mountain Loop Trail – Triathlon
• 09/30 (Saturday)
  • Boulder Beach, S. and N. Access Road, Lakeshore Blvd, River Mountain Loop Trail – Triathlon
  • Cottonwood Cove – Large Private Event
  • Swallow Bay – Large Private Event
• 10/01 (Sunday)
  • Swallow Bay – Large Private Event
• 10/07 (Saturday)
  • Temple Bar – Fishing Tournament
• 10/11 (Wednesday)
  • Red Stone – Private Event
• 10/13 (Friday)
  • Katherine Landing – Fishing Tournament
  • Las Vegas Bay – Fishing Tournament
  • River Mountain Loop Trail – Run
• 10/14 (Saturday)
  • Katherine Landing – Fishing Tournament
  • Las Vegas Bay – Fishing Tournament
  • River Mountain Loop Trail – Run
• 10/15 (Sunday)
  • Katherine Landing – Fishing Tournament
  • Las Vegas Bay – Fishing Tournament
• 10/16 (Monday)
  • Katherine Landing – Fishing Tournament
• 10/17 (Tuesday)
  • Katherine Landing – Fishing Tournament
• 10/18 (Wednesday)
  • Katherine Landing – Fishing Tournament
• 10/19 (Thursday)
  • Katherine Landing – Fishing Tournament

Water Levels 

• As of Tuesday (09/12), the current water elevation at Lake Mead is: 1066.20’
• Current water levels can be found at the Bureau of Reclamation website.
• The BOR 24-month most probable projection for end of the year 2023 (based on August Data 2023 data) is 1065.27’.

Shoreline Safety with Water Level Changes 

• Be wary of parking vehicles close to the water’s edge. Rising waters may compromise the integrity of the shoreline, resulting in potential collapse.
• In areas with visible mud, humans, vehicles, and animals may become trapped.
• If you see a vehicle or animal trapped in the mud or fallen in the water, please contact the non-emergency dispatch number with the location 702-293-8998. We will send out trained staff to help.
• If there is an emergency, call the Lake Mead emergency dispatch number: 702-293-8932 or call 911 (which will route you to this dispatch number.)