Crimes, destruction prompt Aug. 1 end to Government Wash road access at Lake Mead

LAS VEGAS ( KLAS ) — Roads to Government Wash at Lake Mead will be blocked beginning Thursday, Aug. 1, as officials work to stop criminal activity at the site.

Motor vehicle access and overnight camping will be prohibited until further notice. Boating access to the shoreline will be unaffected, according to a National Park Service news release on Friday. Government Wash Road and 8.0 Mile Road — access roads into Government Wash from North Shore Road — will be blocked.

“Hiking, biking, and shoreline access by boat for recreation within 100 feet of the shoreline will remain available,” according to the news release.

“In the past five years, there have been 1,365 incidents in that area alone, requiring park law enforcement or firefighting personnel response,” according to Trouper Snow, chief ranger at Lake Mead.

It’s a popular spot not far from Las Vegas, and it’s the site of the iconic speedboat that’s sticking out of the lakebed . That boat became a symbol of the water shortage in recent years as Lake Mead dropped to record low levels.

But it’s also a trouble spot that is attracting “long-term visitors,” officials said.

“As water levels declined, residential-type visitors have moved in, and the area does not have sufficient infrastructure, facilities, or services available to support their use. This use has resulted in natural and cultural resource damage, high rates of serious criminal activity, illegal and unauthorized road creation, and an overall declining visitor experience and negative reputation for the area,” according to the National Park Service.

Park officials say they are committed to finding a solution that includes “designated roads, camping infrastructure, and resources the park needs to protect the area’s natural beauty while preserving cultural artifacts.”

But for now, they are restricting access. “It is a first step to address a range of challenges presented by increased unregulated visitor use in the Government Wash area,” the news release said.

“We have seen unacceptable levels of resource damage and crime, which is a drain on our park staffing as it draws resources from traditional high use areas. The myriad of illegal roads and long-term encampments have created an unwelcoming environment for those who recreate throughout the Government Wash area,” Snow said.

Community meetings are being planned for the fall, and public input is welcome any time prior to the meetings at by emailing lake_public_affairs@nps.gov .

For additional information, including frequently asked questions, photos, and a map of the area, please visit https://www.nps.gov/lake/government-wash-area-information.htm .

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