Alerts & Conditions

2025 seasonal trail closures

To help keep both visitors and Search and Rescue staff safe during the dangerously high temperature summer months, Lake Mead National Recreation Area institutes annual seasonal closures to certain strenuous trails. The closures will be lifted once the daytime high temperature forecast for Willow Beach is below 93 degrees Fahrenheit (34 degrees Celsius), which usually happens by late September or early October.
 

• Goldstrike Canyon*

• White Rock Canyon

• Arizona Hot Springs*

• Liberty Arch

• Lone Palm*

• Sugar Loaf

* The Goldstrike Canyon, Arizona, and Lone Palm hot springs remain open and accessible by boat on Lake Mohave. The River Mountain Loop Trail and Historic Railroad Trail will also remain open. 

Declining water levels due to climate change and 20 years of ongoing drought have reshaped the park’s shorelines. As Lake Mead continues to recede, extending launch ramps becomes more difficult and more expensive due to the topography and projected decline in water levels. Lake Mead National Recreation Area encourages visitors to plan ahead and stay informed by checking current conditions and alerts.

Lake levels change regularly. Launching is at your own risk. Be prepared for longer wait times for launching and recovery. Always check your surroundings before launching. Ongoing maintenance and construction at ramps may require temporary closures.

Current Daily Water Levels for Lake Mead and Lake Mohave (Bureau of Reclamation)
Frequently Asked Questions

Status of Launch Ramps on Lake Mead

• Hemenway Harbor Launch Ramp - OPERABLE
  • One lane on concrete, shallow-hulled boats recommended, 5.5% grade

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• Echo Bay Launch Ramp - OPERABLE
  • Two lanes on concrete.

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• Callville Bay Launch Ramp - OPERABLE
  • Two lanes, one on concrete and one on pipe mat.

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• Temple Bar Launch Ramp - OPERABLE
  • Concessionaire launch operations on Mobi Mat are operable. Please contact concessionaire directly at 928-767-3214 to inquire about launch ramp status.

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• South Cove Launch Ramp - OPERABLE
  • The concrete launch ramp is closed as the lake has dropped below the end of the ramp, but a newly established dirt road from the concrete ramp to a beach launch on gravel is operable so long as the lake level does not drop below 1,035 feet. 

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Status of Launch Ramps on Lake Mohave

• Cottonwood Cove Launch Ramp - OPERABLE
  • 6 lanes on concrete.

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• Katherine's Landing Launch Ramp - OPERABLE
  • 2 lanes on concrete.

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• Willow Beach Launch Ramp - OPERABLE
  • 3 lanes on concrete.

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There are no active fire restrictions at this time.

Get current water temperatures, wind speeds, wave heights and more by clicking on the below links and then clicking on the observations tab.

Lake Mead

Lake Mohave

If a monsoon develops, which can happen rapidly, those on the water should find a sheltered cove or shore. Launch ramps become crowded after storms arrive. It’s also wise to write down current GPS coordinates, so rescue crews can locate you more quickly. If flash flooding occurs on land, visitors should seek high ground.