Lake Mead

National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Park Newspaper Lake Mead National Recreation Area www.nps.gov/lake Lake Mead National Recreation Area Spring 2017 Welcome to America's Most Diverse National Recreation Area Historic Railroad Trail National Recreation Trails Improved Lake Mead National Recreation Area’s two National Recreation Trails, the Historic Railroad Trail and River Mountains Loop Trail, received $380,000 in surface and drainage improvements in 2016 to ensure that the trails are in good condition for years to come. In this desert environment, trails especially highuse trails like these are subject to a lot of use and abuse from the daunting desert environment. The improvements will extend the overall life of the trails, preserving them for future generations. The Historic Railroad Trail was graded and received a new layer of decomposed granite and upgraded drainage that will improve the visitor experience. Accessibility of the trail was also improved by adding compact surface and extending the surface material to cover the rest areas. “The Historic Railroad Trail was designated as a National Recreation Trail a few years ago, and it needed to be made more accessible,” said Carl Bush, park civil engineer and project manager. “The existing trail surface was loose, and there was old railroad ballasts debris from when the tracks were removed. We realized that strollers and wheelchairs struggled with the surface.” Ed Price from the Accessible Trails Foundation was impressed with the improvements. “I did the 2.1 miles from the trailhead to the Bureau of Reclamation boundary and back in my wheelchair. This trail was previously off limits to me. I liked the firmness and its natural, esthetically pleasing appearance. It is beautiful,” he said. “I was especially pleased with the consistent evenness through the tunnels which gave me confidence while safely rolling through the nearly dark places,” he added. “In the spirit of universal design, the trail will be more comfortable for hikers and families because there are no protruding rock tripping hazards or loose coarse gravel.” The River Mountains Loop Trail is a paved trail that connects Lake Mead National Recreation Area, the City of Henderson and Boulder City with 34 miles of trail that surrounds the River Mountains, 17 miles of which are in Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Ten of the 17 miles of trail were repaired, resurfaced or replaced. Over 4,000 square feet of asphalt was poured and 10,000 feet of cracks were sealed according to Bush. The entire 17 miles within the park also received a slurry seal coat to help protect the surface from the damage of harsh summer temperatures that can crack the asphalt. “The River Mountains Loop Trail is a shining example of what can be accomplished when great agency partners like the National Park Service and the community comes together,” said Ron Floth co-chairman, River Mountains Loop Trail Partnership. “The River Mountains Loop Trail provides people from all walks of life an opportunity to experience the vast beauty of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, River Mountains and the Las Vegas Valley. We are constantly receiving compliments on the trail and how lucky we are to have such a great resource right in our own backyards.” While we’re known for our hiking, biking, boating and more, in this issue, we’d like to share some of our park’s lesser-known stories, providing you a more complete picture of the experience you can have in the park. This park was established after the construction of the Hoover Dam. It became the first national recreation area within the National Park Service. In addition to protecting the natural resources across the park’s 1.5 million acres, we have the responsibility to preserve its recreational opportunities. We go to great lengths to help you have a quality, enjoyable experience during your visit to Lake Mead and Lake Mohave. Turn to page 5, to learn how you can visit a town that became covered by water after the construction of the Hoover Dam. On page 6, we share the lesser-known contributions and achievements African Americans made to the construction of the Hoover Dam. For even more history and to view artifacts from our cultural collection, visit www.nps.gov/features/lake/museum to tour our virtual museum. Thank you. Have a safe, enjoyable visit. Lizette Richardson - Superintendent National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Lake Mead National Recreation Area America’s Most Diverse National Recreation Area Lake Mead National Recreation Area provides diverse public recreation, benefit and use on lakes Mead and Mohave and surrounding lands in a manner that preserves the ecological, geological, cultural, historical, scenic, scientific and wilderness resources of the park. Vision To inspire and challenge everyone to find their connection to Lake Mead National Recreation Area and enjoy the adventure. Superintendent Lizette Richardson Park Information 702-293-8990 Emergency Dial 911 or 702-293-8992 Mailing Address 601 Nevada Way Boulder City, NV 89005 Website www.nps.gov/lake Social Media Facebook.com/LakeMeadNPS Instagram.com/LakeMeadNPS Twitter.com/LakeMeadNPS YouTube.com/LakeMeadNPS Flickr.com/photos/LakeMeadNRA Email lake_info@nps.gov E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A™ Safety: What You Need to Know We want your trip to Lake Mead National Recreation Area to be safe and enjoyable. Ultimately, your safety is your responsibility. This information will help you prepare. IN CASE OF EMERGENCY If you are in an area with cell service and you have an emergency, call 911 and ask the dispatcher to transfer you to Lake Mead. If you are on a vessel, call for help on your marine band radio on channels 16 or 22A. Report suspicious activity and non-emergencies to 702-293-8998. Emergency call boxes are located through the park. See the map on the back page for locations. WEAR IT FOR LIFE Life jackets save lives. We recommend wearing one at all times while you are on or in the water. Children ages 12 and younger must wear a life jacket while on board a vessel. Each person aboard a personal watercraft must also wear a life jacket. Due to the cold water temperatures and currents between Hoover Dam and Mile 43 on Lake Mohave, all occupants of hand-propelled craft in this area must wear life jackets when underway. PREVENT BITES & STINGS Lake Mead is home to snakes, scorpions and spiders. These animals are less active in winter, but may still be present on a warm day. Avoid problems by paying attention to your surroundings. Never step or reach into places you cannot see. BRING WATER Water is available at all developed areas in the park. STAY HYDRATED & EAT SALTY SNACKS We recommend drinking a minimum of one gallon (about 4 liters) of water per person, per day. You will need more fluids if you are active. Hiking or cycling can cause you to lose water and salts at a rate of 1 ½ quarts per hour. Replace these fluids and electrolytes by drinking water or sports drinks and consuming salty foods. CELL PHONES ARE UNRELIABLE Most of Lake Mead National Recreation Area is remote, and there is limited to no cell coverage. Do not count on your phone for navigating or in case of emergency. Tell your friends and family what time you expect to return from your visit to the park. CLIMB AT YOUR OWN RISK With the exception of the ladder at Arizona Hot Spring, the National Park Service does not inspect, maintain or repair bolts or other climbing equipment in the park. Climb at your own risk. NEVER FEED WILDLIFE Consuming human food is unhealthy for wildlife and may encourage aggressive behavior. Coyotes and other animals should be left alone to rely on natural sources for food. All human and pet food and trash must be stored or disposed of so animals cannot access them. PREPARE FOR CHANGING WEATHER Prepare for temperature extremes by dressing in layers. Temperatures this time of year can range from 100F(37C) to 20F(-6C). Desert weather changes fast and the landscape offers little shelter. TURN AROUND DON’T DROWN Flash floods occur when monsoon thunderstorms pour large amounts of rain over a short time. Avoid canyons and washes during rainstorms and be prepared to move to higher ground. While driving, be alert for water running across the road. Wait for floodwaters to subside rather than trying to drive through them. TREAT EVERY VISIT AS IF IT’S YOUR FIRST The Western U.S. is experiencing a drought, which has led to lowering lake levels on Lake Mead. Aids to Navigation crews mark hazards appearing throughout the lake. They are not able to mark every hazard, so treat your visit to the lake as if it’s your first because conditions change daily. If you see a navigation hazard that’s not marked, call 702-293-8778 to report it. Visit www.nps.gov/lake/ learn/news/lakeconditions.htm for current lake conditions. DRIVE SAFELY Use caution when passing other vehicles. It may be difficult to see around large trailers and boats. Only pass in designated areas. Cyclists are required to ride in single file. When passing cyclists or runners, use caution. Don’t drink and drive. Rules and Regulations Fires Fires are permitted using fire pits in developed areas. Campfires are permitted throughout the backcountry except when fire danger is high (watch for notices). When shoreline camping, all charcoal ashes must be packed out and disposed of in park trash receptacles after ensuring that they are extinguished. Pets Pets are allowed on all trails and beaches within the park unless there is a sign that says otherwise. Pets must be under physical control on a leash no longer than six feet at all times. Pets should not be left in cars. Please consider your pet’s needs for water and shade in the desert heat. Firearms Federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state and local laws to possess them in the park. Firearms are prohibited in federal buildings, such as visitor centers and ranger stations. It is the responsibility of the visitor to understand and comply with all applicable firearm laws before entering the park. Target shooting is prohibited. No Drones The launching, landing or operating of an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of the park is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent. Radio-controlled model aircraft are allowed at the designated airfield on Hemenway Drive in the Boulder Beach area. Don’t Litter All trash must be disposed of properly. Dumpsters are located throughout the park. The tan dumpsters are for food, clothing, diapers, pet waste and extinguished ashes. The green recycle dumpsters are for everything else. Clean, Drain, Dry Help keep aquatic invasive species from spreading. Before and after entering the lakes, clean plants and mud from all equipment; drain water from bilge, live-well, engine and ballast tanks; and dry all equipment. Styrofoam and Glass The possession of glass beverage containers and Styrofoam is prohibited in the park except at food and beverage service areas or within vehicles. There have been a number of reported injuries caused by glass. Styrofoam does not breakdown and can be a problem for wildlife. Alcohol The consumption of alcohol is allowed in the park, except for at the end of Approved Road 47 and within a one-mile radius of Placer Cove, Nevada. It is against the law to drink and drive or operate a boat. Designate a driver or operator. 22 Lake Mead National Recreation Area Lake Mohave Northshore Lakeshore Hikes Distance Elevation Difficulty round trip Change Trailhead Location 7.5 mi 12 km 445 ft Wide and flat gravel trail through five tunnels to Hoover Dam. Trailhead is east of the visitor center on Lakeshore Road just off U.S. Highway 93. 750 ft Paved path is 12 feet wide. Surrounds the River Mountains connecting Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, Henderson and Boulder City. * Total 34 miles Historic Railroad easy River Mountains Loop easy Owl Canyon moderate 2.2 mi 3.5 km 300 ft Trailhead is located at first parking lot on left from 33 Hole turnoff. Beautiful slot canyon. Bluffs moderate 3.9 mi 6.2 km 145 ft Trailhead starts next to site #72 in the Las Vegas Bay Campground. This area is ideal to bird watch, so be sure to bring your binoculars and camera. moderate 1.5 mi 2.4 km 110 ft Trailhead is located on Northshore Road just past mile post 1. This area is ideal to bird watch, so be sure to bring your binoculars and camera. Callville Summit moderate 2.7 mi 4.3 km 150 ft Trailhead is located next to the Callville dump station across from the picnic area. A short climb will reward hikers with a spectacular lake view. Northshore Summit moderate 1.0 mi 1.6 km 200 ft Trailhead is located on Northshore Road past mile post 20. Hiking to the top requires some rock scrambling and there are steep cliffs. easy 1.1 mi 1.8 km 80 ft Trailhead is located at the Redstone Picnic Area on Northshore Road. Hikers can wind through large, red sandstone rocks. St. Thomas moderate 3.9 mi 6.6 km 85 ft Northshore Road just past mile post 46 and turn onto Old St. Thomas Access Road that takes you to a historic ghost town. Grapevine Canyon easy to moderate 3.4 mi 5.5 km 400 ft Highway 163 to Christmas Tree Pass Road. Go north 1.8 miles to Grapevine Access Road. Trailhead is at west end of parking lot. Visible petroglyphs. closed May 15 to Sept. 30 strenuous 5.5 mi 8.9 km 275 ft Trailhead is located just off U.S. Highway 93, south of Hoover Dam, before mile post 4. View a natural arch and the Colorado River. May 15 White Rock Canyon closed to Sept. 30 very strenuous 6.5 mi 10.5 km 885 ft Trailhead is located just off U.S. Highway 93, south of Hoover Dam, before mile post 4 and leads to the Arizona Hot Spring and Colorado River. closed May 15 to Sept. 30 very strenuous 5.0 mi 8.1 km 750 ft Trailhead is located just off U.S. Highway 93, south of Hoover Dam, before mile post 4 and leads to the Arizona Hot Spring and Colorado River. moderate 4.7 mi 7.6 km 115 ft Trailhead is located next to the Katherine Landing day use area, on the west end of parking lot B facing away from the main road. easy 1.8 mi 2.8 km 35 ft Follow road to Katherine Landing Marina then take last left turn. Trailhead is between boat shop and employee housing. Wetlands CLOSED FOR REPAIRS Redstone Liberty Bell Arch Hot Spring Canyon Lake View Fisherman's Easy - Obvious, well-marked trails with gentle grades and few obstacles Moderate - Steep elevations over short distance and uneven terrain with obstacles Lake Mead Campgrounds Lake Mohave 16.2 mi * 26.1 km NPS Strenuous - Steep elevations, loose rocks, difficult terrain with obstacles and long distances Very Strenuous - Extremely steep elevations with loose rock, difficult terrain, scrambling over boulders and longer distances Total Campsites RV Hook-ups Showers Phone Per Night Boulder Beach Campground 702-293-8990 $20 146 tent/RV NO NO Boulder Beach Group Camping 702-293-8906 $80 5 group tent NO NO Lake Mead RV Park 702-293-2540 $30-45 115 RV YES YES Las Vegas Bay Campground 702-293-8990 $20 86 tent/RV NO NO Callville Bay Campground 702-293-8990 $20 81 tent/RV NO NO Callville Bay RV Park 702-565-8958 $22.40 5 RV YES YES Echo Bay Campground 702-293-8990 $20 138 tent/RV NO NO Echo Bay RV Park 702-394-4000 $28-30 55 RV YES YES Temple Bar Campground 702-293-8990 $20 153 tent/RV NO NO Temple Bar RV Park 928-767-3211 $25-30 10 RV YES YES Willow Beach RV / Campground 928-767-4747 $20-35 9 tent - 28 RV YES YES Cottonwood Cove Campground 702-293-8990 $20 145 tent/RV NO NO Cottonwood Cove RV Park 877-386-4383 $32-45 72 RV YES YES Katherine Landing Campground 702-293-8990 $20 157 tent/RV NO NO Lake Mohave RV Park 928-754-3245 $30 24 RV YES YES Managed by National Park Service - Available first-come, first-served - 50% discount with Senior/Access pass Spring 2017 3 Exploring Lesser-Known Stories National park units and programs contain a variety of stories and experiences that aren’t widely recognized. These stories contribute to a more complete picture of the American experience. A New Type of National Park The National Park Service was created in 1916 to conserve the scenery, natural and historical objects and wildlife within 14 national parks and 21 monuments. Through the Organic Act, the park service was to provide enjoyment of these resources in a manner that would leave them unimpaired for future generations. As the agency evolved, so did its protected resources. In 1930, as the Hoover Dam was being built, an assistant engineer with the park service recommended that the area surrounding the Hoover Dam be categorized as a national recreation area within the agency. At the time, establishing a national park around a man-made structure was unpopular. Officials thought the precedence might endanger existing national parks, but they recognized that the area should be made available to visitors for recreation. Although not formally established as a unit of the National Park Service, in 1933, the agency began providing visitor services in the area for the Bureau of Reclamation and Secretary of the Interior. By 1936, the National Park Service and Bureau of Reclamation formalized a memorandum of agreement, assigning the park service responsibility for recreational areas on Lake Mead and along its shoreline. The foundation remnants of the once very popular Hannig Store and ice cream parlor at St. Thomas The Ghost Town of St. Thomas Within the park boundaries lies a ghost town that was once a thriving farming community. In January 1865, the town’s namesake, Thomas Smith and nearly a dozen Mormon men and women arrived at the confluence of the Virgin and Muddy rivers to build the community. Although most of the original settlers left in the 1870s, the town eventually grew to a population of a few hundred people. There was a school, post office, grocery stores, church, ice cream parlor and several garages for the new invention of the automobile. When the Hoover Dam began construction in 1928, town folk were told that they would need to relocate. Some were in denial that the dam would cause the Colorado River to back up to St. Thomas because it was about 65 miles away. By 1938, the town became inundated with the waters of Lake Mead. 4 Lake Mead National Recreation Area The lake level of the reservoir fluctuates regularly, as is evident by the many times St. Thomas has surfaced and become submerged. After remaining underwater throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the town reappeared in 2002. Today, visitors can roam the ghost town remains and immerse themselves in the rich history of a once-thriving Mormon pioneer town. See it for yourself by walking the scenic 2.5-mile loop that winds through the historic roads of St. Thomas. Discover how the land was shaped by the generations that passed before. It is protected under the Archaeological Protection Act of 1979, which means that no one should move, remove, deface, walk on or excavate the remnants of this historic town. Be prepared for desert hiking: take a hat, sunscreen and water. There is no shade on this trail. Boulder Dam National Recreation Area, as it was called at the time, became the first federal recreation area of its kind, and signified the expansion of the park service mission. In 1947, the area was expanded to include the lands surrounding the Davis Dam and the soonto-be Lake Mohave. The national recreation area was renamed Lake Mead National Recreation Area; however, it was still not an official unit of the National Park Service. After decades of debate, Congress formally established Lake Mead National Recreation Area as the National Park Service’s first national recreation area Oct. 8, 1964. Like existing national parks, Lake Mead National Recreation Area was established to preserve scenic, historic, scientific and other important features of the area. However, its establishment also required the Secretary of Interior to preserve, develop and enhance the recreational potential within the area. Since its establishment, more than a dozen additional national recreation areas exist across the country and are visited by tens of millions of people each year. Lake Science Brought to 'Surface' Why is Lake Mead so blue? Mainly because the water is so clear. The clarity of the water, coupled with the lake’s depth, sunny skies and abundance of dissolved minerals, give the lake its signature blue color. What is the white ring around Lake Mead? African Americans work at the Hoover Dam construction site to assist with building one of the most impressive engineering feats in the world. Around 21,000 people were hired to build the dam from 1931 to 1936. The Diversity of Hoover Dam The white ring is made of minerals deposited on the rock walls when the lake’s water level was higher. The ring-line symbolizes a lake in the midst of more than 15 years of drought. We’re in a desert. Where does all of this water come from? Lake Mead wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for the 21,000 men who worked to construct the Hoover Dam from 1931 to 1936. work you’ll ever see anywhere in the country. Parker said the crew would only work for Rose because “Charlie Rose knew how to treat them.” About 97 percent of the lakes’ waters begin as precipitation in the Rocky Mountains. This was a challenging time for America. It was during the Great Depression when millions of people were unemployed. People across the nation were struggling to find work. The dam project provided opportunity for hope. A handful of Native Americans were hired for the project, as well. Some worked with former sailors and circus acrobats as high scalers. This was often considered one of the most dangerous jobs. Fun science facts like these are now available through the park’s online magazine, The Surface Project. As the contractor, Six Companies, Inc. began hiring workers, none of the first 1,000 were African American. This was a time when housing, bathrooms and drinking water were segregated. The Colored Citizens Labor and Protective Association of Las Vegas and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People met with the contractor and Secretary of Interior Ray Wilbur to discuss diverse hiring. Within a few months, a couple dozen African Americans were employed. According to Bob Parker, as documented in the book Building Hoover Dam: An Oral History of the Great Depression, one of the jobs involved brushing the scale and rust off of steel. He said the black men did it with a rhythm going back and forth while singing hymns. He also recalled Charlie Rose’s crew. Rose was a white man who supervised the black crew in the Arizona gravel pits. Parker said the crew built the parapet walls along the highway and spillways, adding that it’s the most beautiful piece of rock The men would climb down the canyon walls with ropes. Once in place, 44-pound jackhammer drills were lowered down to them. They drilled holes into the rocks and loaded the holes with dynamite. Although women were not key workers at the project site, many women worked hard to provide suitable living conditions for the men and children. A makeshift town was created in an area that now rests under Lake Mead’s Boulder Basin. Within “Ragtown,” women would create furniture from anything they could find. They would also hike to the Colorado River for water, so they could keep their babies cool with damp cloths amid the scorching desert heat. The National Park Service takes great pride in telling the stories of America and our nation's history. Without the perseverance and dedication to the hard work it took to build the dam, we wouldn’t have Las Vegas, Henderson or Boulder City as they're known today. Thanks to the workers that built the dam, Lake Mead can supply many cities with water, electricity and recreation. The project takes readers below the surface of lakes Mead and Mohave to explore the science behind the trillions of gallons of water within the park. The lakes are learning labs where research happens every day. This includes everything from studying biological processes, to water chemistry, to impacts of fluctuating lake levels. Federal, state, and local agencies and universities work together on a continual basis to monitor and assess water quality and the lake ecosystems. Visit the link below to learn how the smallest organisms are critical to birds of prey, how prehistoric looking fish are fighting to survive and about the shallow sea that covered the desert before lakes Mead and Mohave were created. As readers browse through each science story, they can click to dig deeper into the scientific research. The site even includes an education corner that can be developed into curricula by teachers. The Surface Project www.nps.gov/lake/learn/surface-project.htm Spring 2017 5 Plan Your Visit A tour group taking in the scenery at Lakeview Overlook 1 Hour TAKE IN THE VIEW Just before arriving to the Hoover Dam, be sure to turn into the Lakeview Overlook. From here, you can learn about the creation of Lake Mead and get an elevated view of the Boulder Basin. WATCH THE PARK FILM At the Lake Mead Visitor Center, you can view the award-winning film, “Life in the Desert.” The film provides insight from recreationists and Native Americans about the wonders of the Mojave Desert. ENJOY A MEAL ON THE LAKE All of the marinas on Lake Mead and Lake Mohave have restaurants with views of the lakes. Las Vegas Boat Harbor and Lake Mead Marina have floating restaurants with fullservice menus. Young cyclist travels the tunnels of the Historic Railroad Trail 1/2 Day A view of the spectacular geology along Northshore Road 1 Day HIKE THROUGH HISTORY Learn about the history of the Hoover Dam as you hike or bike along the old railroad route used during the construction of the Hoover Dam. The Historic Railroad Trail, which is a National Recreation Trail, travels through five tunnels from the Lake Mead Visitor Center to the dam. It offers panoramic views of the lake. CRUISE TO HOOVER DAM Lake Mead Cruises offers a variety of sightseeing cruises to the Hoover Dam. Experience a mid-day cruise, or enjoy a champagne brunch or dinner cruise. For reservations, visit lakemeadcruises.com. TAKE A DIP Lake Mohave has numerous sandy beaches where you can swim, fish and soak up the sun. TAKE A SCENIC DRIVE Lake Mead National Recreation Area covers 1.5 million acres with more than 200 miles of paved roads and 800 miles of unpaved roads. Pearce Ferry Road travels through fields of Joshua trees. Northshore Road offers scenic views of geology. FLOAT DOWN THE COLORADO RIVER See the Hoover Dam from its base with Black Canyon River Adventures. Raft trips depart daily and travel down the Colorado River through the Black Canyon, a National Water Trail. Visit blackcanyonadventures.com for reservations. RENT A BOAT All of the marinas on Lake Mead and Lake Mohave offer a variety of boat rental options, so you can explore the lakes and escape to your own secluded cove. Ranger Programs March 11 – Ranger Hike to St. Thomas Join a ranger and walk back in time to the days before Lake Mead covered the small farming community of St. Thomas. Explore the remnants of life in earlier times and learn about the lifestyles of times gone by. To register, call 702-293-8990. March 11 – Cottonwood Cove Eco Walk Trout Stocked at Willow Beach Fishing is extremely popular at Willow Beach, which is located 12 miles downstream of the Hoover Dam on the Arizona side of the Colorado River. The Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery releases around 1,000 rainbow trout into the Colorado River near Willow Beach Marina every Friday. The stocked fish are around 12 inches long. Along with trout, anglers may also catch striped bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, walleye and crappie from the Willow Beach area. Anglers will find an accessible fishing pier just downstream from the hatchery that is open 24 hours a day, along with a fish-cleaning station. The marina store sells fishing supplies and bait. To obtain a fishing license, visit https://www.azgfd.com/license. 6 Lake Mead National Recreation Area Come and help the park clean up the Cottonwood Cove area. Volunteers are needed to clean up the roadway from the Cottonwood Cove entrance station to the shoreline. Lunch will be provided by Forever Resorts. For information and to register, call (702) 293-8714 or email LAKE_Volunteer_Coordinator@nps.gov. March 18 – Bats of the Night Ranger Program Join a ranger at 5 p.m. at the Boulder Beach Amphitheater to learn about the many Mojave Desert bats that call Lake Mead National Recreation Area home. A variety of bats migrate through the park during the year, including the Mexican Free Tail bat. For more information, call 702-293-8990. April 1 – Great American Cleanup Join the Great American Cleanup and help clean up a popular area of the park. Individuals, families and groups are welcome. For information and to register, call (702) 293-8714 or email LAKE_Volunteer_Coordinator@nps.gov. April 15 – Junior Ranger Day Numerous free, family-friendly activities will be held at the Boulder Beach Picnic Area from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. so kids can explore, learn and protect the resources of Lake Mead. When kids complete the activities they will be sworn in as a Junior Ranger and receive a Junior Ranger badge and certificate. Free park passes will be handed out to fourth graders. Commercial Services Lake Mohave Lake Mead Callville Bay Resort and Marina Black Canyon/Willow Beach Adventures 702-565-8958, rentals: 800-255-5561 www.callvillebay.com Marina/boat slip rentals Launch ramp Café Fuel (auto/boat) Snack bar Boat rental Restaurant Campgrounds Lounge Trailer village Aquatic invasive RV park (dump station) species removal station Pump-out Fish cleaner Store (gift/convenience) Showers Dry boat storage Laundry Boat repair Store (gift/convenience) Dry boat storage Fish cleaner Showers Lake Mead Cruises 702-293-6180 www.lakemeadcruises.com Cruise on a climate-controlled Mississippi-style paddle wheel to Hoover Dam and back. Scenic, brunch and dinner cruises and private charters available. Lake Mead RV Village 702-293-2540 www.lakemeadrvvillage.com RV park (dump station) Activity center/meeting room Store (gift/convenience) Dry boat storage Showers Laundry Las Vegas Bay 702-565-9223 www.boatinglakemead.com Fuel (auto) Campgrounds Cottonwood Cove Resort and Marina Cottonwood Cove Resort and Marina Las Vegas Boat Harbor Marina Echo Bay 702-394-4000, 800-255-5561 www.lakemeadrvvillage.com Launch ramp Fuel (auto) Campgrounds Trailer village RV park (dump station) 702-294-1414 www.blackcanyonriveradventures.com Scenic flat water raft trip through Black Canyon with views of Hoover Dam. 702-293-1191 Las Vegas Boat Harbor Marina 702-293-3484 Lake Mead Marina www.boatinglakemead.com Boat repair Marina/boat slip rentals Café Launch ramp Restaurants Fuel (boat) Lounges Boat rental Aquatic invasive species Pump-out removal station Stores (gift/convenience) Dry boat storage Banquet/meeting room Temple Bar Marina 928-767-3211, rentals: 800-255-5561 www.templebarlakemead.com Marina/boat slip rentals Dry boat storage Launch ramp Boat repair Fuel (auto/boat) Restaurant Boat rental Lounge Motels/cabins Aquatic invasive species Campgrounds removal station Trailer village Fish cleaner RV park (dump station) Showers Pump-out Laundry Store (gift/convenience) Nevada Department of Wildlife Dry boat storage Fish cleaner FREE Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) inspection and removal at Callville, Hemenway and Cottonwood. Free AIS removal, 702-757-5757 AIS decal, 866-703-4605 702-297-1464, rent