A few of the most breathtaking places in Arizona, such as The Wave, Monument Valley, and Lake Mead, share borders with other states. The latter stretches westward into Nevada and features sights such as an emerald cave, railroad tunnels, and the incredible Hoover Dam. Let’s explore, shall we?

Situated right along the Arizona-Nevada border, Lake Mead National Recreation Area is a 1.5 million-acre park offering activities both in the water and on dry land.

Flickr/Murray Foubister It spans two lakes, nine wilderness areas, mountains, canyons, and valleys.

Lake Mead is America’s first and largest national recreation area.

Flickr/Iris Donovan Its enchanting rocky landscape and deep blue waters create the perfect atmosphere for boating, hiking, swimming, fishing, and camping.

A trip to Lake Mead just wouldn’t be the same without kayaking Emerald Cave in the Black Canyon.

TripAdvisor/Evolution Expeditions Evolution Expeditions is one of several companies that offer guided tours, taking the most scenic route and drawing attention to interesting sights along the way. It’s like the Land of Oz right here in the Southwest!

Need to stretch your land legs a bit? There are plenty of non-water activities to enjoy, like the gorgeous River Mountains Trail Loop.

Wikipedia/Lake Mead NRA Public Affairs It’s 34 miles long, but you can stop at any point and turn around (or bring a bike and conquer the whole thing). The juxtaposition of tropical and desert views is truly a scene worth marveling at.

Another worthwhile adventure is the Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail, which dates to the early 1930s.

Wikipedia/Lake Mead NRA Public Affairs There are a whopping five tunnels carved out of the rock, and it’s an relatively easy 7.5-mile walk through them all.

You can also pay a visit to the incredible Hoover Dam while you’re in the area.

Wikipedia/Mariordo (Mario Roberto Durán Ortiz) Behind it is the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tilman Memorial Bridge, which, at nearly 900 feet high, is the tallest bridge in Arizona.

If you’re looking to turn the trip into a full-blown vacation, consider renting a houseboat!

Wikipedia/Andrew Cattoir Cottonwood Cove has several spacious options that sleep between two and twelve. They have watercraft available, as well!

Certain portions of the park may be temporarily closed, so keep up with the official website or Facebook page before heading out.

Flickr/Murray Foubister

It spans two lakes, nine wilderness areas, mountains, canyons, and valleys.

Flickr/Iris Donovan

Its enchanting rocky landscape and deep blue waters create the perfect atmosphere for boating, hiking, swimming, fishing, and camping.

TripAdvisor/Evolution Expeditions

Evolution Expeditions is one of several companies that offer guided tours, taking the most scenic route and drawing attention to interesting sights along the way. It’s like the Land of Oz right here in the Southwest!

Wikipedia/Lake Mead NRA Public Affairs

It’s 34 miles long, but you can stop at any point and turn around (or bring a bike and conquer the whole thing). The juxtaposition of tropical and desert views is truly a scene worth marveling at.

There are a whopping five tunnels carved out of the rock, and it’s an relatively easy 7.5-mile walk through them all.

Wikipedia/Mariordo (Mario Roberto Durán Ortiz)

Behind it is the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tilman Memorial Bridge, which, at nearly 900 feet high, is the tallest bridge in Arizona.

Wikipedia/Andrew Cattoir

Cottonwood Cove has several spacious options that sleep between two and twelve. They have watercraft available, as well!

Have you ever been to Lake Mead? If so, what’s your favorite thing about it? Let us know, and check out our previous article to learn more about the Emerald Cave: There’s An Emerald Springs Hiding In Arizona That’s Too Beautiful For Words.

Are there any restaurants, businesses, or other attractions in Arizona you think the world should know about? Head over to our nomination page and give them a shoutout — you just might see your submission featured in an upcoming article!

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Address: Lake Mead, United States