The Iconic Arizona Lake Recreation Area That Becomes Very Dangerous To Hikers Seasonally

Arizona is a drop-dead gorgeous place that has no shortage of arresting natural attractions. Even the scenic road trip to the Grand Canyon is just as gorgeous as the destination itself. The same goes for the underrated Crescent Moon Picnic Area, a scenic site near Sedona, Arizona, that boasts plenty of red rock beauty. This Southwestern state is known far and wide for its deep desert splendor. Arizona is a land of vivid colors, dazzling sunsets, and impossibly wide skies. Despite the fact that it is indeed a very arid place, there are also spots to cool off on or along the water.

At the top of that list is the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Straddling Arizona's Northwestern border with Nevada, Lake Mead was created when construction of the Hoover Dam across the Colorado River was finished in 1936. Today, the national recreation area that shares its name totals 1.5 million acres of desert, mountains, canyons, and also the smaller Lake Mohave.

Millions of people flock to the Lake Mead National Recreation Area each year to take part in an array of outdoor activities such as boating, swimming, watersports, hiking, and mountain biking. While the vast majority of visitors come away with terrific memories (and perhaps a suntan), a few tourists — most notably hikers — have the opposite experience. The area around Lake Mead sees extreme desert temperatures at certain times of the year, making it a potentially hazardous place for people who hit the trail unprepared.

In April of 2025, extreme heat at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area claimed one hiker's life and sickened the other five members of the party, who had to be evacuated via helicopter (via SFGate). The next day, per CBS affiliate KTVL-10, a group of three adults and 25 children from a local school fell victim to heat distress and had to be rescued as well, prompting park rangers to close two popular hiking routes: the Hot Springs Trail and the Gold Strike Trail.

Even though it was early spring, temperatures soared well into the 90s, which isn't uncommon in the area. Both groups were unprepared to trek in such taxing conditions, and given how suddenly the hot temperatures came on, they also didn't have time to acclimate to the heat. The hikers underestimated just how potent a force sizzling temperatures can be in the Lake Mead area, which is a common mistake.

According to the National Park Service (via Valiente Mott Injury Attorneys), six people died from hyperthermia (overheating) at Lake Mead between 2007 and 2024. While drowning certainly remains the biggest risk when visiting Lake Mead (and also makes it the deadliest National Recreation Area), extreme heat can be lethal. This means that you should be prepared: Pack plenty of water, apply sunscreen, wear loose, light-colored clothing, as well as a sunhat for shade. You should also only hike in the morning or evening, when the temperatures are a bit more moderate, and avoid heading out if it's over 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Created in 1965, Lake Mead National Recreation Area was the nation's first, and it still attracts millions of visitors keen to experience its rugged and diverse landscapes. The reserve is home to more than 900 campsites spread out over 15 locations, boasting both lakeside and raw desert views, along with restrooms, running water, picnic tables, grills, and shade. There are also a number of private campgrounds with full RV hookups for those averse to roughing it.

When it comes to outdoor activities, Lake Mead National Recreation Area offers an array of choices. Many choose to get out on the water, as both Lake Mead and Lake Mohave are havens for boaters. Lake Mead's shoreline also features 750 miles of hidden coves that are perfect for exploring via paddleboard, canoe, or kayak, or you can choose to lazily float down the Black Canyon National Water Trail along the Colorado River. The waters of the recreation area are also full of fish, drawing anglers who hope to hook into a fat rainbow trout, sunfish, or trophy striped bass.

If you properly prepare and exercise sound judgment, Lake Mead National Recreation Area is also a hiker's paradise, with scores of trails heading out into the hills, canyons, and lakeshore of the Eastern Mohave. Notable routes include the Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail, a moderate route that features old railway tunnels, the Goldstrike Canyon Trail, a challenging path that heads through a colorful canyon to some natural hot springs, and the Liberty Bell Arch Trail, which offers stunning views of the Colorado River. Lake Mead is just a stone's throw from the dazzling lights and action of Las Vegas, as well, proving that there are also things to do in Vegas that aren't gambling.