This Lake Mead Boat Ramp Not Damp, Closed For Good
While the water situation at Lake Mead is better than expected, it’s still not where it should be. With the receding water comes the movement of infrastructure around the lake. The National Park Service just redecided one boat ramp will be getting permanently docked.
The Boulder Harbor boat ramp, open for decades, has closed to vehicles for good, the Park Service announced yesterday. The ebbs and flows of water level in the area became too much of a liability for visitors of the ramp, so they decided to put the permanent kibosh on things.
The ramp was initially closed in 2021 due to those dipping water levels, leaving Lake Mead with the potential of having no usable ramp access for boaters. Thankfully emergency funding from the feds came to the rescue to help open and re-open ramps, but Boulder Harbor seems too far gone.
In its place? Boulder Harbor Walking Trail. Sketchers are less sketchy than pick-up trucks, it seems.
Wait, I thought Lake Mead was doing alright?
As of noon on Wednesday, the measurement at the lake is 1061 feet, which far exceeds this point last year but pales compared to 2021. The second worst numbers for this part of the year doesn’t necessarily instill confidence in the water levels of the future, so rather than continue to extend the ramp, it was time to cut bait.
Where can I launch my boat on the lake now?
Don’t fret, there are plenty of places to unleash your vessel on Lake Mead. The National Park Service has a list of boat ramps on their Lake Mead Conditions page.
Among the ramps still available (at your own risk) are:
- Callville Bay
- Echo Bay (with limited width due to soft mud)
- Hemenway Harbor (not far from the closed Boulder Harbor)
- South Cove (on the Arizona side)
- Temple Bar (on the Arizona side)
10 Fun Things to Do at the Lake
Swimming in the cool waters
I grew up a swimmer, but some lakes are just too cold for my taste. That said, many people love a refreshing dip into crisp, cold water at their local lake. Just check temperatures before you jump in, because if it’s too early in the season, those temperatures could be dangerously cold.
Little kid swimming in the lake. Getty Images.
Camping near the shoreline
Water often attracts special wildlife that you won’t find anywhere else. That makes camping near a lake a very special experience and different from the typical campground. When you’re camping, make sure you check out the nature that blossoms around the lakes and wetlands, too.
Campsite with orange tent. Getty Images.
Fishing
When I was a little kid, I wanted to go fishing. My dad was not a fisherman by any means and was pretty clueless about it. So, he had a friend of his take us fishing, and it was so fun, even though I didn’t catch anything. That said, fishing is a great summer activity on the lake.
Father and son fishing on boat. Getty Images.
Paddleboarding, kayaking or canoeing
If you’re looking for an activity to help keep you in shape, paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing are all great exercise. All of those activities are harder than they look, too, so they can be challenging. But, in the end, you’ll have a good time and get in a real workout. Many lakes have places were you can rent a paddleboat, kayak or canoe, too.
Couple kayaking together. Getty Images.
Water sports
One of my cousins absolutely loves jet skiing. It’s always fun to hear him talk about the experience. I’m not much of a water sports enthusiast, but I can appreciate those who do partake. You don’t even have to have your own boat or jet skis, as they are often available for rent nearby.
Young man riding jet boat on a summer day at the lake. Getty Images.
Have a picnic
It’s always a charming activity to have a picnic by the lake. Invite some friends or family over and bring some delicious food to enjoy while looking at the water. Oh, and make sure to have ice cream. That’s a must.
Picnic by the lake. Basket with berries, bread. Getty Images.
Take a hike
Hiking near a lake can be extra lovely, as the water can offer glorious scenery to really make your hike memorable. As aforementioned, lakes often attract nature that you don’t find anywhere else, so hiking around the water can be a unique experience.
Woman with a small yellow dog standing on pier by the mountain lake. Getty Images.
Party with friends
Parties by the lake are always fun. So, get out a grill and invite a bunch of friends down to the beach to enjoy a day or night of partying by the water. But, don’t get wasted, because drinking and swimming can be a deadly combination.
Happy friends doing selfie swimming in the sea with sail boat in background. Getty Images.
Sunbathing
Here’s my top choice, even though you’ll likely find me doing it in the shade: sunbathing. If the water is too cold of you’re just not up to more challenging activities, you can get some sun and lay on the beach. But, remember the sunscreen.
Women relaxing at the lake. Getty Images.
Lakeside games
Lakeside games are definitely a thing, and there are many quirky games that you can play by the lake. A few enjoyable lake games include water balloon fights, bean bag tosses, horseshoes and more. Pick a game and dig in.
Family on dock splashing feet in lake. Getty Images.
