Arizona is famous for its hot summers. After all, it’s at a lower elevation and has a desert landscape. Average temperatures around the state range between 90-120°F. When the heat rises to those temperatures in the summer, it can be quite dangerous to be outside for long periods of time. The risk of dehydration and heat stroke (and, in extreme cases, death) rises, so it’s best to exercise caution during the summer in Arizona. The National Park Service which oversees Lake Mead is closing some of the Lake Mead hiking trails in anticipation of the summer heat. Here’s what you need to know along with some alternative hikes you may want to try:

Straddling the Arizona-Nevada border is Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Centered around Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam is 1.5 million acres that provide a playground for recreational enthusiasts.
No machine-readable author provided. Kjkolb assumed/Wikimedia Commons
Among the recreation visitors can enjoy here are boating, fishing, swimming, biking, hunting, camping, and hiking. However, due to the extreme heat in the summer months in Arizona, several trails will be closed from May 15, 2023 through September 30, 2023.
esudroff/Pixabay
Among the closed trails are Goldstrike Canyon in Nevada and White Rock Canyon Trail, Arizona Hot Springs Trail, Liberty Arch Trail, Lone Palm Trail, Sugar Loaf Trail, and the Lone Palm and Sugar Loaf surrounding areas in Arizona. But if you're intent on hiking around Lake Mead this summer, there are some alternatives.
One alternative hiking trail is the 5.2-mile out-and-back Bonelli Bay trail found in Willow Beach, Arizona. It's a relatively easy hike and the trail is never crowded.
Dina Fisher/AllTrails
To get to the trailhead, it's best to have a 4x4 vehicle.

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Also near Willow Beach, Arizona is the Crane Nest Road Hike. This 5-mile out-and-back trail has a moderate rating and also doesn't experience that much foot traffic. You will also need a 4x4 vehicle to get to this trail.
Elisa Marcheschi/AllTrails
Perhaps your best bet for an alternative hike option is the Lake Mead and Hoover Dam Walking Tour.
Kathy Pyrtle/AllTrails
This hike will take you over the Hoover Dam between Arizona and Nevada. You'll have some extraordinary views of Lake Mead and you can visit it year-round including the summer months.
Shana Clemente/AllTrails

 

Do you plan on trekking along any of the Lake Mead hiking trails this summer? If so, please exercise extreme caution even on the open trails. Bring plenty of water, food, and sunscreen with you. Check out our Ultimate Hiking Packing List for items you may need for a hike.

You can learn more about the Lake Mead trail closures on the National Park Service website.

 

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