Explore the multitudinous northern coves of Lake Mead by accessing this section of the lake from Callville Bay. This is more or less open water, but kayakers will prefer to stick to the shelter of the internal coves along the coast to the north. This is an artificial reservoir in a former high canyon and the water is deep and can be choppy. Additionally, this is a highly popular area for water sports of all kinds and you’re likely to come across much larger crafts, so be careful and make yourself highly visible.

For high adventure lovers, this is an adventure that will tax even the most skilled and experienced. Travelling up the length of Lake Mead to the mouth of the Colorado River, you’ll be fighting current in many spots along the way, particularly as you get closer to the river mouth. Almost 57 miles one-way, this is a grueling but rewarding adventure. Finish your trek at the South Bay, AZ boat ramp, right near the river mouth on the east side of the river.

Starting at the Moapa end of the Overton Arm of Lake Mead near Overton and Fish island and travelling south past Echo Bay and then West to the Boulder Islands, this is one of the most challenging routes, particularly in terms of distance, along Lake Mead. This route does go with the flow of the river so you won’t have to fight its current, but winds, canyons, and boat traffic can add to the overall difficulty of this long distance adventure.

Lake Mead is located on the Colorado River and is one of the largest reservoirs in the country. The lake offers paddlers with miles and miles of water for exploration on the Arizona/Nevada border. The Kingman Wash launch is a more remote and less-developed dirt ramp that is a great starting point for accessing the western end of the lake. Lake Mead offers both open waters for paddling as well as many side coves and bays that can provide solitude and protection from the other boats and elements on the lake. The wind can pick up quickly on the lake causing choppy water so be cautious and watch the weather closely while on the lake.

Located on the border of Arizona and Nevada, Lake Mead is one of the largest reservoirs in the country and offers paddlers with miles and miles of water for exploration. The Temple Bar launch is a good centralized starting point for exploring up and down the lake. Lake Mead offers both open waters for paddling as well as many side coves and bays that can provide solitude and protection from other boats and harsh elements that can arise on the lake. The wind can pick up quickly causing choppy water so be cautious and watch the weather closely while paddling on the lake.

Located on the Colorado River, Lake Mead is one of the largest reservoirs in the country and offers paddlers with miles and miles of water for exploration. The South Cove launch is a great starting point for accessing the more remote east end of the lake. Lake Mead offers both open waters for paddling as well as many side coves and bays that can provide solitude and protection from the other boats and elements on the lake. The wind can pick up quickly on the lake causing choppy water so be cautious and watch the weather closely while on the lake.

For an easy and fun water adventure in the Las Vegas area, consider the Boulder Island kayaking route. Leaving from the Hemenway Harbor, you’ll paddle to the very nearby Big Boulder, Little Boulder, and Rock Islands and explore their ever-changing coastlines (due to rising and falling reservoir water levels). Waves on Lake Mead can be a bit bigger than on smaller water bodies, upping the difficulty of cross-lake travel, but this is still a good adventure for novices.

If you’re looking for a water adventure but don’t feel up to the rigors of Lake Mead, this course in Lake Las Vegas is for you. Public access to the lake is found at a parking lot on the east side of the lake. Other access points can be found but may be limited by private ownership of launch spots. This is a popular spot, so be on the lookout for other boats, particularly larger and faster moving craft.

Recently established as an official aquatic recreation spot, the Carson River Aquatic trail in Carson City is a great place to get out on the water. The Trail is divided into two portions, the upper and the lower, the upper being a short Class I easy area, and the lower portion being a longer and more difficult Class III. Beware of high water from spring runoff.

Exploring the western arm of Lake Mead known as Las Vegas Bay, this is a great adventure for those who want to get away from the traffic of the more eastern sections of Lake Mead. Access this area from the Boulder Harbor boat launch and then head north. Other water craft will be present, including motorized craft, so be sure to watch out for these.