Lake Mead National Recreation Area stands out as a prime destination for outdoor lovers, nature enthusiasts, and history buffs alike. Its vast expanses of shimmering water, rugged canyons, and historic sites make it a natural playground for various tours. We’re especially fond of the SUP Yoga Lake Mead because it offers a peaceful way to connect with the water while practicing yoga. The calm, emerald waters and stunning mountain scenery provide a perfect backdrop for relaxation and physical activity. Plus, the option to extend your experience with a free paddleboard rental makes this tour both refreshing and versatile.
While many visit Lake Mead for the scenery, these tours add a layer of adventure, culture, or wellness to your trip. Whether you’re paddling, exploring ghost towns, or hiking to hot springs, each offers a snapshot of what makes this area special. Now, let’s explore the top three tours that give you a taste of what Lake Mead has to offer.
Quick Overview
Our list features three standout experiences suited for different interests:
- A private SUP Yoga session blending balance, relaxation, and scenic views at Lake Mead. SUP Yoga Lake Mead
- An historic Ghost Town & Gold Mine Tour exploring Nevada’s Gold Rush past, including the Techatticup Mine and Nelson Ghost Town. Ghost Town (Eldorado Canyon) with Gold Mine Tour
- An adventurous hike to Goldstrike Canyon’s hot springs, waterfalls, and sauna cave with river plunges and rope climbs. Hot Springs Hike at Goldstrike Canyon
Now, let’s dig into each experience to see what makes them special.
1. SUP Yoga Lake Mead
Offering a private 1.5-hour SUP Yoga session, this tour combines the soothing practice of yoga with the gentle movement of paddleboarding. It’s priced at $79 per person and lasts about 2.5 hours. The session takes place right on Lake Mead’s tranquil, emerald waters, providing a serene setting for all levels—beginners or seasoned yogis.
What makes this tour stand out is the personalized experience. The private setting ensures a peaceful environment, while the instructor guides you through poses that help improve balance, build strength, and promote relaxation. After your yoga session, you get a free 1-hour paddleboard rental, giving you time to explore the calm lake and soak in the stunning scenery at your own pace.
This experience is ideal for travelers seeking wellness and tranquility with a touch of adventure. The small-group setting and the scenic water add a unique dimension to your visit. The only potential downside might be the need for some basic comfort with water sports, but the session is suitable for all levels.
Bottom Line: If you want a peaceful, scenic way to unwind and get some gentle exercise, this SUP yoga combo is a top choice that offers great value and unforgettable views.
$79 per person
2. Ghost Town (Eldorado Canyon) with Gold Mine Tour
At number two, the Ghost Town (Eldorado Canyon) with Gold Mine Tour takes you back in time to Nevada’s Gold Rush days with an approximately 5-hour journey from Las Vegas. This tour includes a visit to the Techatticup Mine, where you’ll learn about miners’ harsh working conditions during the Gold Rush era, and the Nelson Ghost Town, a well-preserved relic of the past.
During the tour, you’ll explore rusty relics, abandoned cars, wooden buildings, and antique props. The mine tour is particularly engaging because it shows what life was like for miners, with guides sharing stories that bring history to life. The ghost town itself offers a photogenic landscape of old structures and artifacts, perfect for history buffs and photography enthusiasts.
While this tour is priced at $159 per person, it offers a rich, immersive experience into Nevada’s rugged mining history. It’s ideal for travelers interested in history, photography, or exploring off-the-beaten-path locales. The tour’s length and depth make it best suited for those with a full day available and an interest in rugged outdoor exploration.
Bottom Line: For history and photography lovers, this tour delivers a vivid taste of Nevada’s mining past, with the added thrill of exploring a vintage ghost town.
$159 per person
3. Hot Springs Hike at Goldstrike Canyon
Finally, for the active and adventurous, the Hot Springs Hike at Goldstrike Canyon combines hiking, swimming, and natural relaxation over roughly 6 hours. The adventure starts with a hike through the slot canyon, featuring rope climbs and steep steps that challenge your fitness level, culminating in hot springs that flow into the Colorado River.
Once at the springs, you can soak in 100°F pools, enjoy plunges into the Colorado River, and swim through rain caves and sauna caves. The highlight is the message about bringing a small boat — which could add another layer of fun if you’re into boating or want to extend the adventure.
This tour is perfect for those who enjoy physical activity combined with relaxation in nature. It’s a longer, more strenuous experience but offers an unmatched mix of adrenaline and serenity. The tour’s price of $115 per person makes it a good value considering the extensive hiking, swimming, and scenic views of Hoover Dam.
Bottom Line: For active travelers craving an energetic day with natural hot springs and waterfalls, this hike promises a memorable day of adventure and relaxation.
$115 per person
How to Choose the Right Tour
When planning your visit, consider your interests, fitness level, and available time. If you prefer a relaxing water-based experience, the SUP Yoga is hard to beat, especially with its private setting and scenic backdrop. For those drawn to history and photography, the ghost town and mine tour offers a deep dive into Nevada’s past. If you’re looking for physical challenge and outdoor adventure, the goldstrike canyon hike is the way to go.
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular tours like the SUP Yoga, which has a limited number of private sessions, or the Goldstrike Canyon hike, which may require permits or small-group availability.
For a well-rounded trip, you might want to combine a relaxing yoga session with a full-day historic tour or adventure hike—each adds its own flavor to your Lake Mead experience.
Final Thoughts
Lake Mead National Recreation Area offers a range of tours suited for different tastes and activity levels. If you’re after peaceful water therapy, SUP yoga provides a unique blend of relaxation and scenery. History buffs will enjoy the ghost town and gold mine exploration, and the Goldstrike Canyon hike is perfect for those craving outdoor adventure.
No matter which you choose, early booking ensures you won’t miss out. With options from calm waters to rugged canyon climbs, Lake Mead’s tours promise memorable experiences that will leave you with stories to tell long after your trip ends.