LAKE MEAD NATIONAL RECREATION AREA's Temple Bar Marina is
just a short 15 minute drive from White Hills Equestrian Estates.
The Lake Mead Recreation area offers a wealth of things to do and
places to go year-round. With 1.5 million acres, it is twice the
size of Rhode Island. Its huge lakes cater to boaters, swimmers,
sunbathers, and fishermen while its desert rewards hikers, wildlife
photographers, and roadside sightseers. Three of America’s
four desert ecosystems -- the Mojave, the Great Basin, and the
Sonoran Deserts -- meet in Lake Mead NRA. As a result, this seemingly
barren area contains a surprising variety of plants and animals,
some of which may be found nowhere else in the world.
TEMPLE BAR
The ever popular Temple Bar with all it has to offer not only in
its scenic grandeur but its recreational opportunities is only
45 miles from White Hills Equestrian Estates by paved
road or just 10 miles by dirt road. You can be at the marina in
15 minutes!
WILLOW BEACH
This is a fisherman’s paradise, just 30 minutes from White
Hills Equestrian Estates. With complete facilities
it's only 14 miles south of Hoover Dam along the Colorado River...
again, just minutes from your home at White Hills Equestrian Estates.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
The
Lake Mead National Recreation Area was established October
8, 1964, and as an established recreational area has many outdoor
activities to offer. Here are just a few:
Golf
and Tennis
There are several golf clubs in the area with both nine and 18 hole
courses. These range from municipal courses to those owned by the
hotels or casinos, which generally are open to the public. Public
tennis courts are located in Kingman; Boulder City; and Las Vegas.
Hiking
Short desert hikes allow you to experience places that few see. Hiking in the
Recreation Area almost always requires cross-country travel gear so
it is wise to be prepared. The best hiking months are October through
May.
Wildlife
Lake Mead NRA is home to bighorn sheep, mule deer, coyotes,
kit foxes, bobcats, ringtail cats, desert tortoise, numerous
lizards and snakes, and a wealth of bird species. Threatened
and endangered species such as the desert tortoise and peregrine
falcon are found here, as well as ancient Colorado River fish
species. A wildlife sanctuary located at the tip of the Overton
Arm of the lake is populated by a variety of birds. Bring your
binoculars and don’t forget your
camera!
Fishing
If you are looking for great sport fishing, look no further than
Lake Mead or Lake Mohave. Largemouth bass, striped bass ('stripers'),
rainbow trout, channel catfish, crappie and bluegill are found in
abundance.
A
fish hatchery, where trout are bred for Lake Mead and Mohave,
can be found three miles north of Lake Mead Resort, and is
open to the public seven days a week. Nearby, exciting and
fun-filled Las Vegas features gaming of all sorts, plus name
entertainment and stage reviews.
Water Sports
Houseboating and day boating are extremely popular within Lake Mead
NRA. The broad expanses of water are ideal for water-skiing, but
be sure to observe all safety laws. Kayaking and canoeing are excellent
options for those looking for a slower pace. The dependable desert
winds of the National Recreation Area has created an interest for
those seeking the thrill of sailboats and sailboards. Of course,
swimming is a major form of water recreation during summer months
when lake temperatures warm into the 80-degree range. Both lakes
are clear, clean and ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. No lifeguards
are present. Never swim alone.
Lake Mead, the largest man-made lake in the U.S. (based on storage
capacity) was created by the construction of Hoover Dam, one of
the country’s modern engineering wonders. Due to its overall depth,
Lake Mead stores more water than any other Colorado River reservoir,
including Lake Powell. Both land and boat tours of the dam are conducted
daily. The Desert Princess, a 250 passenger paddlewheel boat located
at Lake Mead Marina, is available for tours.
Nearby Towns and Day Trips
Besides being close to White Hills Equestrian Estates, three towns
are located in close proximity to Lake Mead. Overton is just a few
miles north of the tip of the Overton Arm; Boulder City is located
to the southwest of Boulder Basin, and very close to Hoover Dam;
Las Vegas is just few miles west. Overton, Boulder City and Las
Vegas all have supermarkets and medical facilities. Las Vegas, known
as the entertainment capital of the world, is just an hour away
by car from White Hills Equestrian Estates. The
nearby Grand Canyon is absolutely breathtaking and worthy of a day
trip. The Valley of Fire Park is also a worthwhile side trip by
car, located just few miles north of Echo Bay Resort. It was named
for the massive red rock formations. Many of these rocks bear ancient
Indian petroglyphs. Bring your camera.
Directions to Lake Mead National
Recreation Area By Car - There are nine paved accesses into Lake
Mead NRA. Temple Bar Marina is just a short 15 minute
drive from White Hills Equestrian Estates, and the Willow
Marina is also close.
