Whether it's your 1st time to skydive or 500th,  try one of the best Skydive drop zones in the country.    Taking off from nearby Boulder City airport it's a sure way to add variety to your Lake Mead visit.  Overlooking Lake Mead and Lake Mohave...... it's an experience you won't forget.

Scuba Diving

You'll be pleased to find there are some choice dive spots at Lake Mead.  In Boulder Basin there's even a restricted area next to Lake Mead Marina for divers only.  There are several wrecks at this location.  And on most weekends you can see divers flags floating all around Boulder islands, just about a mile east of Hemingway Launch ramp.  You can see the locations of these dive spots in our Boulder Basin close-up map.

Scuba Tank Air Fills

Boulder City Divers
1637A Nevada Hwy, Boulder City
(702) 294-5060

Great Divn Colorado River
1321 Nevada Hwy, Boulder City
(702) 293-6648

Biking, Hiking

Explore the historic Train tunnels  -  Generally speaking the opportunities around Lake Mead for bicycling are limited due to the rocky and sandy terrain.  But there is one mountain bike trail around 2.6 miles long that is scenic and a good ride or hike.  The trailhead is located near the Alan Bible visitor center.   See our Boulder Basin close-up map for the location.  The trailhead parking lot is located just past (about 100yds going NE) the Alan Bible visitor center entrance on Lakeshore Scenic Drive.  The trail was formerly the railroad connection between Boulder City and the Dam construction site.   It's a fairly level trail that goes through 5 tunnels that are 25ft in diameter.  As you travel the trail, look for ravens' and owls' nests, bighorn sheep, lizards, and antelope ground squirrels.   Be aware.....you may also see rattlesnakes and scorpions during the summer.

A few facts:

1931:    Lewis Construction Company began construction of the railroad under the Bureau of Reclamation.

1961:    Last year the railroad was used.

1962:    The tracks were dismantled and sold for scrap to Lucia Brothers.

1984:    Nominated to the National Register of Historic Places.

All the tunnels are about 300ft. in length.  The tunnels were oversized to fit penstock sections and large equipment being transported from Boulder City to the Hoover Dam construction site. 

Nine steam and four gas locomotives and 71 people were used to operate the system.    It was a standard gauge, 90 pound rail construction that used Oregon fir ties.

Short Hikes off Northshore Rd.

Please note:  Mileages listed below on Northshore Rd. are taken going north on Hwy 167 starting at where Northshore Rd., Lake Mead Dr., and Lakeshore Scenic Drive come together,  just west of Las Vegas Bay Marina.   You will notice mileage markers along Northshore Road to help you navigate.

The Wetlands Trail - Mile 1.2 on Northshore Road - Hike is 1.25mi, elevation change of 100ft.

Go north on Northshore Rd. from 147, drive across the bridge over the wash and turn into the gravel parking area on the right. The trail follows a dry wash down to the banks of the flowing creek.  Be sure to bring your binoculars to view the bird life.

The Callville Trail - Mile 11.1 (Callville Marina access road) on Northshore Road  - Hike is .5mi., elevation change of 200ft.

Drive 4 miles south to the entrance of the Callville Bay Campground.  Trail head starts at the dump station.  A short climb will reward you with a spectacular view from the summit.  To the south by Hoover Dam sits Fortification Hill, Boulder Basin, Hemenway Valley, Boulder city, and the River Mountains.   Looking west lies the Callville Bay developed area, Callville Mesa, and the Black Mountains.

Northshore Summit Trail - Mile 20.5 on Northshore Road - Hike is .5mi., elevation change of 200ft.

Look for hiking and photography signs just past the 20-mile marker on Northshore Road traveling north.  The parking area is on the left side of the road.  The trail climbs from the parking area to a nearby hilltop with a dramatic panoramic view of the Muddy Mountains, the red rocks of Bowl of Fire, Bitter Springs Valley, and the Virgin Basin.

The Redstone Trail - Mile 27 on Northshore Road.  Hike is .5mi., no elevation change.

The hike starts at the Redstone Picnic area.  Wind your way through red sandstone monoliths and learn about the geology of the area.   Interpretive signs are provided along the trail.

The Rogers Spring Trail - Mile 40 on Northshore Road.  Hike is .75mi., elevation change of 100ft.

Start this scenic trail at the Rogers Spring picnic area, a beautiful oasis and warm spring.  Cross the bridge over the stream and look for the trail leading up to the right.  An easy climb takes you up to a stunning overlook.

5 mile hike off Northshore Road.

Lovell Wash - Mile marker 16 on Northshore Road.  Hike is 5mi., elevation change of 500ft.

At mile marker 16 turn left onto a dirt road and  park just off the road.  Hike up the dirt road to Lovell Wash.  Hike gradually upstream (to your right) past the Anniversary Mine and through Lovell Wash Narrows, a very pretty area.   Hike only in spring, fall, or winter.  Never hike if thunderstorms threaten.  Take water, good shoes, hiking partner, first aid (just in case), hat, sunglasses, and map.