The Colorado River has a dam built on both sides forming Lake Powell in Utah and Lake Mead located on the border of Arizona and Nevada. The lake gets its name from Dr Elwood Mead. Lake Mead National Recreation Area saw major development in 1935 with the Boulder Dam completion. This dam was later christened Hoover Dam, after the United States’ 31st president. This dam is situated across Black Canyon, which is 25 miles apart from Las Vegas.

The dam’s construction and entry of thousands of workers legalized gambling in Nevada. This led to tremendous city growth. Before the construction of the dam, this region was an integral part of Mojave Desert in northern Arizona. The terrain was harsh and irregular with poor roads. The summer temperatures reached an all-time high. Presently, the lake is an integral part of Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The recreation area is spread over an area of 1.5 million acres. It includes the Colorado River, which stretches for 25 miles. Lake Mohave is also part of the recreation area.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area is created by Hoover Dam. When the Colorado River leaves the Grand Canyon it moves into the mammoth Lake Mead. There are several side canyons that beg to be explored. The Colorado River stretches for 45 miles through the exotic canyons before it reaches Lake Mohave. This lake is formed by the Davis Dam.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area offers wonderful opportunities for outdoor recreation. These include recreation in warm waters and exploration of the rugged countryside.

There are splendid views from the park roads, surface of the lake, and the numerous walks. The major recreational activities are surrounded by deep canyons, steep cliffs, lakes, dry washes, mountain ranges, rock formations, and soils in myriad colors. There are umpteen varieties of vegetation. Tourists can also indulge in a houseboat vacation at Lake Mead. Hiking along the desert is a popular activity.