A break from the bright lights
BOULDER CITY, Nevada — Las Vegas is a must-see destination, luring visitors from around the world with its bright lights, gambling and flamboyant shows.
But even the most die-hard revellers can get worn out from the neverending party on The Strip.
Two of the top destinations for Vegas visitors who need a break from the action are just 30 minutes to the southeast at the Arizona-Nevada state line: Hoover Dam and Lake Mead.
A rundown of what you’ll see at these popular tourist destinations:
Hoover Dam
Built between 1931 and 1936, Hoover Dam is an architectural marvel, considered one of America’s seven modern civil-engineering wonders.
The dam spans 379 metres across Black Canyon and rises 221 metres from the Colorado River.
But like the Grand Canyon or Niagara Falls, Hoover Dam is a sight that descriptions or pictures don’t do justice; it’s some- thing that has to be seen to truly appreciated.
The visitor centre offers details about the dam’s history, but to get a true appreciation, take the tour to see the inner workings.
The 30-minute power plant tour includes viewing the nine-metre penstock pipes, which control the flow of water, along with massive generators and access to the visitor centre. The hour-long dam tour has the same elements, but visitors also get to explore the various tunnels throughout the dam and peer out the air vents facing the downstream face.
More information at usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam
Lake Mead
At full capacity, Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the United States. It hasn’t been at capacity in decades, though, with water levels dropping more than 60 per cent due to drought conditions in the Southwest.
Even with low levels, Lake Mead is still one of the largest man-made lakes in the country — and there’s plenty to do.
“Once you get to the water, nothing has changed,” said Kevin Turner, Interpretation and Education Operations Chief at Lake Mead National Recreation area.
“The water is still just as fun to be in and there’s a lot of it out there. Even though we’re down, it’s still a huge reservoir. It’s not like a trickle of water out there.”
During the summer, the main attraction is the water: Boating, water skiing, jet skiing, swimming, fishing, house boating.
The park has nine wilderness areas and several campgrounds dotting the shore- line, including some that back right up to the water.
Though most of the nearly seven million visitors to Lake Mead come during the summer, other times of year offer activities like hiking, biking, off-roading, camping and fishing.
The low water levels have revealed new beaches and coves, along with a few new sights, including the ruins of St. Thomas, an Old West town that previously had been submerged.
More information at nps.gov/lake/index.htm