Boaters will find that they can see and reach many scenic areas that are inaccessible to those traveling by car. For example, boats can easily travel up the narrow, steep-walled gorge of Iceberg Canyon in Lake Mead or up the equally spectacular Black Canyon in Lake Mohave, which retains much of the character of the Colorado. Boaters can also investigate the numerous secluded coves formed by fingers of the desert jutting out into the water. Many of these coves are bordered by sandy beaches where you can picnic or camp. The beaches are particularly popular camping spots during the hotter months.

For those who want hours of uninterrupted waterskiing, the lakes' wide basins are perfect, especially when winds are light. Sailboarders will prefer near-shore areas and stronger breezes.

Six concession-operated marinas along Lake Mead and three on Lake Mohave offer a full range of boating services and supplies year-round. Free public launching ramps and parking areas are located at each. Parking is limited to seven days per stay. Marinas rent fishing boats, ski boats and waterskiing equipment, and houseboats.

Several different boat tours are operated by concessionaires. On Lake Mead, a variety of tours, including trips on a paddlewheel vessel, depart daily from Lake Mead Marina. Tickets are sold at the marina. On Lake Mohave one-day raft trips are offered through the slow-moving waters of Black Canyon from Hoover Dam to Willow Beach.

Special organized watersport events, including powerboat and waterskiing races, are conducted each year.

Largemouth bass, rainbow trout, striped bass, channel catfish, black crappie, and bluegill are all popular catches. There are differences between the lakes in the abundance of different species. In Lake Mead one of the most common and sought after fish is striped bass; specimens weighing 50 pounds and more have been caught. In Lake Mohave—especially in its upper reaches in Black Canyon—rainbow trout are the most popular catch; some very large ones have been hooked there. Before you go out you may want to stop by a ranger station and find out the current "hot spots ' for the fish you are angling for.

Nevada and Arizona share jurisdiction over Lake Mead and Lake Mohave. To fish from shore you must have a state fishing license. If you fish from a boat you are required to have a license from one state and a special use stamp from the other. Most marinas sell licenses and stamps. They also sell bait, tackle, and other fishing supplies and operate charter fishing boats. Fisherman should become familiar with catch limits and legal methods of capture.

Some beach areas, including Boulder Beach, are designated swimming beaches and have been marked with buoys to restrict boats from entering. These areas provide good swimming, but no lifeguards are present.

Other scenic roads pass through other wild landscapes. For example, the road to Pearce Ferry crosses one of the world's finest Joshua-tree forests. Unpaved backcountry roads penetrate even more remote regions. Check on road conditions before traveling these routes. Bring extra water for your vehicle and tools for emergency repairs. Driving off designated roads is prohibited. Drive only on paved roads or on unpaved roads that are marked with yellow arrows.

Several commercial bus companies in Las Vegas operate guided tours of the Lake Mead area. Some include a motor tour of the recreation area, a boat trip on Lake Mead, and a tour of Hoover Dam.

Spectacular displays of desert plant life can be just as elusive. The desert blooms year-round, but many of the blossoms are so tiny you have to lie on your belly to see them. A winter rain, however can trigger a burst of wildflowers the following spring that will conspicuously color the desert like a rainbow. Along the lakes a rich assortment of birds—out of place in the drylands but at home on the water— abound. Resident and migratory ducks, cormorants, geese, egrets, herons, and pelicans fish the waters, along with ospreys and bald eagles.