| Tourist Spots
HOOVER DAM
Hoover Dam, 726 ft high and 1,244 ft long, on the Colorado River between Nev. and Ariz.; one of the world's largest dams. Built between 1931 and 1936 by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the dam is named for President Herbert Hoover; from 1933 to 1947 it was known as Boulder Dam. A key unit on the Colorado, the dam is a major supplier of hydroelectric power and provides for flood control, river regulation, and improved navigation. Hoover Dam impounds Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States; water is used to irrigate more than 650,000 acres (263,000 hectares) in S California and Arizona, and c.400,000 acres in Mexico. Hoover Dam is part of Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Boulder City, Nev., was built to house workers on the project.
Lake Mead
Lake Mead is 110 miles long and has over 550 miles of shoreline along the Colorado River by Hoover Dam. Lake Mead National Recreation Area offers a wealth of things to do and places to go year-round. The lake caters to boaters, swimmers, sunbathers, and fishermen while its desert rewards hikers, wildlife photographers, and roadside sightseers.
There are nine developed areas on Lake Mead and Lake Mohave that provide a range of visitor services and facilities. Within each area is a public launch ramp, ranger station and rest rooms. Also at each area is a park concessionaire which provides additional visitor services.
Red Rock
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area holds a special place in the hearts of thousands of Las Vegans. In marked contrast to a town geared to entertainment and gaming, Red Rock Canyon offers enticements of a different nature. Peace, serenity and beauty are just a few words that will barely begin to describe what you will experience here. The Mojave Desert is not barren as you might think. It is teeming with life and beauty that in my opinion is rare and unique.
Petrified sand dunes, frozen in time, offer you a unique perspective of nature as well as the effects of the passing of millions of years. The excitement of suddenly appearing waterfalls, cascading into the canyons, will make you appreciate the mysteries and the hidden dangers of the Mojave. Red tailed hawks search for their next meal while drifting on air currents high above the desert floor.
Whether you are a local Las Vegan, or just visiting, take some time out and enjoy the desert on a personal level. A word of caution, bring plenty of water and a good set of hiking shoes. You will definitely want to get out of the car and enjoy nature the way it was intended.
Valley of Fire
Valley of Fire is Nevada's oldest and largest state park. The valley derives its name from the red sandstone formations and the stark beauty of the Mojave Desert. Ancient trees and early man are represented throughout the park by areas of petrified wood and 3,000-year-old Indian petroglyphs. Popular activities include camping, hiking, picnicking and photography. The park offers a full-scale visitor center with extensive interpretive displays. Several group use areas are also available.
There are two campgrounds with 51 units, and these are located near the west end of the park. The sites are equipped with shaded tables, grills, water and restrooms. The park offers a dump station and showers.
Mt. Charlston
Mt. Charleston is extraordinary any time of year, with each season unveiling its own unique grandeur. This exciting tour takes you through the Toiyabe National Forest, into a majestic alpine setting. We stop at the charming Mount Charleston Lodge, nestled amid a spectacular forest of ponderosa pines.
Views of the jagged, towering cliffs, encompassed by the fir, spruce and aspen trees make this landscape simply gorgeous. Descending through Kyle Canyon, we venture off the highway for an excursion through the desert that exposes the true natural beauty of this one-of-a-kind region.
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