This summer, the National Park Service will begin construction to extend the Hemenway Harbor Launch Ramp at Lake Mead. The project supports continued lake access and recreational use as water levels change and is expected to run through the summer. While construction is underway, the ramp and courtesy docks will remain open to the public but reduced to one lane and one-half dock, respectively. A nearby shoreline area will be closed for construction staging.

Boaters are encouraged to plan ahead, especially during weekends and holidays, as wait times may increase. On-water fueling at Las Vegas Boat Harbor will remain open; those fueling at the marina should follow posted signage to avoid congestion. For more information or ramp status updates, visit nps.gov/lake.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

What will the Hemenway Harbor Extension Project accomplish?

This project is the first of several construction phases that support the NPS’s selected preferred alternative for the Sustainable Low Water Access Plan (the Plan) and Environmental Assessment (EA), which was approved in November 2023. Specifically, at Hemenway Harbor, the NPS committed to extending the launch ramp to 1,000 feet to ensure lake access for motorized boating and other water-based recreation services would be maintained if water levels were lowered.

Will the project close Hemenway Harbor?

Hemenway Harbor will remain open to all park visitors this summer. and operational during the extension project. There may be a limited number of necessary adjustments that may temporarily close the ramp during early morning hours or require crews to manage traffic flow. Any such event would be pre-determined, and theramp schedule would be shared with the public in advance. With the exception of these limited accessibility or safety changes, the launch ramp will be open to all park visitors this summer.

Why is construction being done during the park’s busy season?

Lake Mead’s current and projected water levels through Summer are favorable to complete phase one of the construction which will extend the launch ramp approximately 200 feet to an elevation of approximately 1,020 feet. Summer weather is also the most favorable to complete engineering and construction both above and below the water with as few disruptions as possible, like high winds and water clarity.

What impacts will the park’s visitors and recreators experience?

Hemenway Harbor Launch Ramp will remain open, and the ramp will be reduced to 1 lane and the ramp’s courtesy docks will be reduced to one-half. Traffic direction on the water will also be routed around the closed construction zone, cited by clearly marked buoys. As a result, visitors may experience extended wait times to launch and retrieve boats up to several hours on holidays and particularly busy weekends. On land, designated construction staging areas will have a limited impact on recreational access and restrict some shoreline and front-line parking spaces.

What should visitors do if they want to avoid longer wait times and area congestion?

We understand that long wait times can be discouraging. Recreators are encouraged to plan their visit when getting out on Lake Mead this summer. For shorter wait times, consider arriving during off-peak hours, or visiting the park on weekdays as wait times are likely to be shorter. There are five launching areas on Lake Mead: Hemenway Harbor, Callville Bay, and Echo Bay in Nevada, and Temple Bar and South Cove in Arizona. Boaters are also welcome to visit Lake Mohave.

Can I launch my boat from beaches to avoid long lines?

Boat launching and retrievals are multi-step processes that require attention to detail and safety guidelines that, if not followed, could have disastrous consequences. All launching when outside of a designated launch ramp area will be done so at the boater’s risk, as boats and people have been known to get stuck in the mud when launching from shore. The park urges boaters to use extreme caution and prioritize public safety.

Will the Las Vegas Boat Harbor and Lake Mead Marina be open and accessible from the water?

All visitor services provided by the Las Vegas Boat Harbor and Lake Mead Marina will be open and accessible during construction. However, boaters should expect increased vessel traffic and congestion throughout the project. Visitors are strongly encouraged to fuel their boats before arriving at the park and to routinely check the concessioner’s webpage for marina updates.

Why is the parking doing this project now, and was the public consulted?

Lake Mead NRA held multiple public meetings and comment periods to offer the public, gateway communities, businesses, and park recreators opportunities to discuss the EA before the Plan was approved. These conversations directly influenced the Plan’s necessary operations for Hemenway Harbor’s launch ramp, marina operations, facilities, and services. With respect to the Plan’s construction operations and phases, the NPS consults directly with project contract operators and engineers.

How is Lake Mead NRA ensuring visitor safety on the launch ramp and on the water?

Public safety is the ultimate priority for Lake Mead NRA and its partners, and the NPS will ensure that sufficient safety regulations and procedures are accounted for throughout the duration of the extension project. This includes buoys and other Aids-To-Navigation markers, ramp and marina traffic monitors, and routinely updated signage and news alerts in coordination with the Las Vegas Boat Harbor. If you experience or see an emergency and are in immediate danger when visiting Lake Mead NRA, dial 9-1-1 or the emergency Dispatch at 702-293-8932.

Who can visitors contact with questions or concerns about the construction project?

Visitors can contact Lake Mead NRA with project comments or questions in several ways. To connect virtually, the public can contact lakeinformation@nps.gov and all media-related requests can be sent to LAKE_Public_Affairs@nps.gov. Visitors may also submit questions in person via comment cards located at the park’s visitor center or postage mail to:

ATTN: Office of the Superintendent
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
601 Nevada Way
BouIder City, NV 89005

Where can visitors get updates on the Hemenway Harbor extension project status?

For project information and ongoing ramp status updates, visit nps.gov/lake.  Visitors should also follow the park’s social media to receive construction updates and safety announcements to help keep their park visits safe and enjoyable.