Las Vegas is known for its fancy and showy ways, but did you know it’s also a great spot for outdoor activities? Yup, it’s true! Being smack dab in the middle of the Southwest means plenty of natural beauty surrounds the city and many ways to explore it if you’re the adventurous type.
You can go hiking in Red Rock Canyon or try your hand at rock climbing in Mount Charleston.
But to see the area’s beauty in all its glory, you must check out the lakes. They’re just a short drive away from the city and offer fun activities like boating, fishing, hiking, and camping. So whether you’re looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of the city for just a day or planning a whole weekend away, the lakes near Las Vegas are worth a visit.
This guide will dive into the best lakes near Las Vegas and all the cool stuff they offer. So grab your sunscreen and get ready for some serious outdoor fun!
1) Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Get ready to be amazed by the largest man-made reservoir in the USA – Lake Mead. Did you know it’s named after the bigwig Elwood Mead, who played a crucial role in the dam’s development?
Distance From Las Vegas
Experience the Majestic Beauty of Lake Mead National Recreation Area – Only 30 Minutes from the Las Vegas Strip!
Things To Do and Places To See
It’s a wondrous place where the great outdoors come to play. You won’t believe your eyes when you see the magnificent aquatic beauty created by the Hoover Dam construction on the Colorado River.
You’ve got some fantastic activities, like boating, fishing, hiking, camping, and swimming. It’s like Disneyland but with nature as its main attraction. I mean, what else could you ask for, am I right? It’s the perfect destination for all you nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. So pack up your gear, and let’s explore Lake Mead’s beauty!
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Lake Mead is in the spring and fall when temperatures are just right and the crowds are small. But if you’re daring, you can always brave the scorching summer heat, with temperatures climbing over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Just make sure you stay hydrated and keep cool with some water activities.
2) Lake Mohave: A Hidden Gem Just Outside Las Vegas
If you’re hunting for outdoor fun, look no further than Lake Mohave.
Distance From Las Vegas
This stunning lake is tucked away in the Black Canyon on the Colorado River, just a short distance (about 1 hour from the bright lights of Las Vegas).
Things To Do and Places To See
For the more adventurous souls, there are some exciting nearby attractions to check out. Katherine Landing offers fantastic camping and hiking opportunities, while Christmas Tree Pass boasts breathtaking rock formations that will leave you in awe.
Lake Mohave is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. With fishing, boating, kayaking, swimming, and hiking, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The lake is home to various fish species, including striped bass, catfish, and rainbow trout, making it a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts.
Best Time To Visit
For the best experience, plan your visit to Lake Mohave during the cooler months from October to May. Avoid the scorching summer heat and enjoy the great outdoors without a sweat.
3) Sweet Lake Called Havasu
This body of water can only be described as a huge pool, no exaggeration! And the cherry on top? Its water boasts a mesmerizing hue of blue-green that will undoubtedly leave you breathless.
Distance From Las Vegas
The total driving distance from Las Vegas, NV, to Lake Havasu City, AZ, is 153 or 246 kilometers.
Things To Do and Places To See
Thrill-seekers may ride a high-speed jet ski, gracefully glide on a wakeboard, or leisurely paddle a kayak. For those inclined to fish, the lake is teeming with diverse species, including the ever-popular bass, catfish, and bluegill.
Nonetheless, if your inclinations lean towards terra firma, you can always go camping or hiking. Take heed, though – you must ensure ample snacks to avoid trouble. The iconic London Bridge was transported from England in the 1960s and currently resides in this city. It is a fascinating piece of history right in your backyard! Alternatively, you can visit the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge for the nature enthusiast.
Best Time To Visit
Visiting when the temperature is mild, without excessive heat or cold, is recommended. Therefore, avoid the summer months and visit in the spring or autumn, when the crowds are less overwhelming. Unless, of course, you delight in roasting akin to a turkey and acquiring a sunburn.
4) The Most Stunning Lake, Las Vegas
Discover the breathtaking Lake Las Vegas, a stunning man-made lake just a short drive from the buzzing Las Vegas Strip.
Distance From Las Vegas
This picturesque oasis in Henderson, Nevada, can be reached by car about 30 minutes from the center of Las Vegas.
Things To Do and Places To See
When you arrive at Lake Las Vegas, be prepared to be amazed by the awe-inspiring sight of shimmering blue waters surrounded by majestic mountains. This alluring destination offers many activities and attractions to visitors and locals alike.
There are tons of exciting water sports that you can engage in, such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and boating. If you prefer land-based activities, you can go hiking or biking on the trails that offer stunning views of the lake and the surrounding landscape.
Lake Las Vegas has many luxurious resorts and spas where you can unwind and relax. You can indulge in lavish spa treatments, take a refreshing dip in the pool, or bask in the warm sun on the beach.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Lake Las Vegas is during the mild and pleasant spring and fall months. Summer can be scorching hot, with temperatures soaring above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Nevertheless, the lake provides a refreshing escape from the sweltering heat, making it a popular summer destination.
5) Echo Canyon Reservoir:
Echo Canyon Reservoir is an enchanting hideaway that offers the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas. Want to know more? Keep reading!
Distance From Las Vegas
Located just a stone’s throw away from Las Vegas (okay, maybe more like a two-hour drive), Echo Canyon Reservoir is nestled in the heart of Lincoln County, Nevada. The quickest way to get there is via Highway 93, but if you’re feeling adventurous, take the scenic route through the historic Pahranagat Valley. Trust us; it’s worth it.
Things To Do and Places To See
There’s something for everyone at Echo Canyon Reservoir! If you’re a fishing fanatic, you’ll be thrilled to hear that the reservoir is teeming with rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and catfish. But wait, there’s more! Kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming are also popular activities.
And if you’re a nature lover, you’ll be delighted to explore the surrounding landscape, which offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and birdwatching. The reservoir is home to many bird species, so don’t forget your binoculars!
Best Time To Visit
While Echo Canyon Reservoir is a year-round destination, the best time to go is spring and fall when the weather is just right. If you visit in the summer, prepare to sweat bullets as temperatures can soar above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. At least you can cool off in the refreshing reservoir waters, right?
6) The Gorgeous Colorado River
If you’re looking for a good time in the western United States, look no further than the mighty Colorado River! I’m here to give you the scoop on exploring the Colorado River near Las Vegas, so saddle up, and let’s ride!
Distance From Las Vegas
This gorgeous river is located 177.3 miles from Las Vegas.
Things To Do and Places To See
The Colorado River is like a giant playground for grown-ups (and kids, too, I guess). You can go rafting or kayaking if you’re feeling wild or kick back and do some fishing if you feel more chill.
And if you’re like me and just want to enjoy crazy sights, you can go on a boat tour and check out all the cliffs and rock formations that line the riverbanks. Ain’t that a sight for sore eyes?
You ain’t gotta rough it out in the wilderness, folks. Plenty of amenities near the Colorado River include campgrounds, restaurants, and shops. If you’re looking for a place to rest your head, the nearby town of Boulder City has covered you with accommodations and dining options.
Plus, it’s a stone’s throw away from the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead National Recreation Area, so you can keep the good times rolling!
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit the Colorado River depends on what kind of shenanigans you want to get into. If you want to go rafting or kayaking, the spring and early summer are your best bet.
But if you’re more of a fisherman (or fisherwoman, I don’t discriminate), you’ll want to come in the fall and winter when their fish are more active.
7) Spring Mountain Ranch State Park
Spring Mountain Ranch State Park is a natural beauty outside Las Vegas.
Distance From Las Vegas
Now, I know what you’re thinking, “How do I get there?” Well, it’s just a hop, skip, and jump away via State Route 159. A quick 30-minute drive from the Strip, you’ll find yourself in the heart of this oasis.
Things To Do and Places To See
If you’re a fan of hiking or just love breathtaking views, this is the spot for you! The park offers several hiking trails that wind through the stunning landscape. You can take in the beauty of the mountains and valleys surrounding you. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even explore the 19th-century ranch house and blacksmith’s shop!
Spring Mountain Ranch State Park also hosts cultural events and performances yearly. You can catch a glimpse of the local arts scene and immerse yourself in the park’s rich history.
Best Time To Visit
Spring and fall are the prime months to experience the park’s mild temperatures and pleasant weather. Summers can get pretty toasty with temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit! But fear not; there are plenty of shaded picnic areas and indoor tours of the historic buildings to keep you cool.
8) Floyd Lamb Park, Nevada
Las Vegas, Nevada, is home to Floyd Lamb Park, one of the most mesmerizing natural oases.
Distance From Las Vegas
This park extends over 2,000 acres and is an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, located 20 miles from Las Vegas.
Things To Do and Places To See
There’s a lot of stuff to do and many places to explore in Floyd Lamb Park. It boasts four small lakes, making it an ideal spot for fishing, boating, and picnics. Visitors can also hike along the trails and indulge in the gorgeous scenery.
If that’s not enough, the park has many picnic areas, barbecue grills, and playgrounds scattered throughout its grounds, making it the ultimate destination for families to spend an entire day together.
Best Time To Visit
If you’re planning a visit, spring and fall are the perfect seasons to visit the park. The weather is mild and comfortable, making it an ideal place to unwind. However, during the summers, temperatures can shoot above 100 degrees, making it difficult to enjoy the outdoors.
9) Upper Pahranagat Lake, Nevada
Distance From Las Vegas
Upper Pahranagat Lake is, like, totally awesome! It’s this pretty spot in Nevada, like a hundred and fifteen miles from Las Vegas. You must see it to believe it.
Things To Do and Places To See
There’s tons of stuff to do around Upper Pahranagat Lake; you won’t be bored for a second! You can catch rainbow trout, channel catfish, and largemouth bass if you’re into fishing. If not, don’t worry; kayaking and paddleboarding are super popular too!
The lake is calm, so it’s perfect for those activities. There are also a bunch of hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the mountains around the lake.
Best Time To Visit
If you’re planning a visit, the best time is spring or fall when it’s not too hot or cold. It can get up to a hundred degrees in the summer, which is a real bummer. And the lake might freeze in winter, but you can still go skiing or snowboarding in the mountains nearby!
10) Goose Lake, Arizona
Have you all heard of Goose Lake? It’s a hidden gem located in the northeastern part of Arizona.
Distance From Las Vegas
It is located approximately 400 miles from Las Vegas. And let me tell you; it’s a paradise for those who want to unwind and soak in the natural beauty!
Things To Do and Places To See
Now, there are many things you can do and places to see around Goose Lake. You can fish your heart out since rainbow trout, brook trout, and cutthroat trout are in the lake. And the best part? The forest around the lake is a haven for wildlife, including elk, deer, and black bears. So, if you’re lucky, you might just spot them and snap some dope photos!
But wait, there’s more! You can also hike along the West Baldy Trail, which leads to the top of Mount Baldy, the highest peak in Arizona. If you’re more into history and culture, you can head to the nearby towns of Eagar and Springerville, where you can check out some old-school historical sites and soak in the local flavor.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Goose Lake is during the summer when the weather is chill and relaxed. But don’t be fooled! In the winter, the lake freezes over, making it a no-go zone. However, fear not, for the surrounding mountains offer opportunities for skiing and snowboarding for all.
11) Searles Lake, California
If you’re ever in the Mojave Desert of California, you’ve got to check out Searles Lake. It’s wild, it’s beautiful, and it’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before.
Distance From Las Vegas
Searles Lake is a unique destination in the Mojave Desert of California, approximately 120 miles from Las Vegas.
Things To Do and Places To See
If you’re into rock collecting, this is your paradise. Plus, there’s the Trona Pinnacles nearby, a crazy geological formation that looks like it’s from another planet.
You can also go hiking on some awesome trails around here. The Indian Wells Canyon Trail is my favorite–it has the most epic views of the mountains. And if you want to check out some cool local stuff, hit Ridgecrest and Trona. They’ve got the Ridgecrest Petroglyph Festival (where you can see some ancient rock carvings) and the Trona Railway Museum (which is just plain cool).
Best Time To Visit
You want to come here in the fall or winter because the summers are brutal. Like, 100 degrees-plus brutal. But you can see breathtaking sunrises and sunsets over the lake in the cooler months.
12) Mono Lake, California
The lake is famous for its unique and downright fascinating geological formations, and many critters call it a home sweet home.
Distance From Las Vegas
Mono Lake is a darn impressive spot in the Eastern Sierra region of California, roughly 300 miles from Las Vegas. The lake is famous for its unique and downright fascinating geological formations, and many critters call it a home sweet home.
Things To Do and Places To See
There are many things to do and sights to see around Mono Lake. For starters, visitors can take a leisurely walk down the Mono Lake South Tufa Trail, which is chock-full of some pretty sweet views of the lake’s special tufa formations.
If you’re feeling adventurous, check out the nearby Panum Crater, a volcanic crater that’s sure to blow your mind. And for you bird nerds out there, keep your peepers peeled for some of the 300-plus bird species that flock to the lake, including the California Gull and the Wilson’s Phalarope.
Best Time To Visit
If you want the best time possible at Mono Lake, I highly recommend heading there during the summer and fall months when the weather’s primo. In the winter, the lake might freeze, making it a tad trickier to access. But the winter months also offer up some pretty breathtaking snow-covered landscapes.
13) Walker Lake, Nevada
Walker Lake is a pretty cool place situated out west in Nevada. When you get there, you’ll be blown away by the stunning view of the crystal-clear waters and the mountains surrounding the lake. It’s like a real-life postcard!
Distance From Las Vegas
It’s a bit far from the big city of Las Vegas, about 300 miles or so. But don’t let the distance discourage you; it’s worth the trip!
Things To Do and Places To See
Around the Walker Lake area, you can do and see a lot of stuff. Check out the Hawthorne Army Depot Museum nearby if you’re into history and cool military stuff. It’s full of tanks, guns, and other military equipment.
If you’re more into rocks and minerals, the Mineral County Museum in the town of Hawthorne is also worth visiting. And if you’re feeling lucky, try your hand at the El Capitan Casino in town.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Walker Lake is in the spring or fall when the weather is just right. Summer can be pretty hot, so you might want to avoid it. But if you decide to visit in the fall, you’ll see some of the most beautiful sunsets you’ve ever seen.
Conclusion
So, you may know that Las Vegas is like the Mecca of casinos and nightlife, but let me tell you, it’s also got some of the best lakes around for all sorts of outdoor activities.
To wrap it up, these three lakes are just the ticket for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Vegas and enjoy the great outdoors. You can do pretty much anything you want at these lakes, so get your bags packed, grab your gear, and get ready for some serious adventure!