Lake Mead National Recreation Area · Arizona, Nevada

Northshore Summit

0.5 mi of trail, end to end · Hike the Northshore Summit Trail: 1 mi round trip in the Service's write-up · about 70 ft of climbing · 150 ft of descent · 2,373 ft–2,552 ft · native surface · trail class Minimally Developed · hiking

2,481 ft 2,481 ft · 0.3 mi high 2,552 ft

Trailhead Northshore Summit Trailhead 2,370 ft Drive there

Hike the Northshore Summit Trail 1 mi round trip · the Park Service's write-up

1-4 Hours · dogs allowed · entrance fee applies · season Remember heat kills, be summer-smart and opt to hike when temperatures are cooler. If you do choose to hike during the summer, rangers recommend starting early in the morning or later in the evening when the weather is slightly cooler. Remember to pack enough water for your entire trip.

A cloudy sky over a mountainous landscape.
Brilliant hues of red can be seen from atop the Northshore Trail. Photo: NPS/A. Cattoir

A perfect place to take in the desert in all its vastness and striking colors. After a short but steep climb, visitors are rewarded with views of the Muddy Mountains, Bowl of Fire, and the Bitter Spring Valley.

Trail Information

Trailhead: DIRECTIONS

Parking: Parking area past mile post 20 on Northshore Rd.

Distance: 1-mile round trip

Elevation Gain: 200 ft. elevation change

Difficulty: Moderate

THIS TRAIL IS NOT MAINTAINED

Services: Accessible pit toilets at the trailhead; trash/litter receptacles.

Accessibility This trail is an unmaintained route. It is 1.0 miles (1.6 km) on a natural earth surface with some uneven rocks and gravel. With about 200 feet of elevation change, this trail climbs up to a hilltop to a panoramic view of the surrounding area.

This hike on nps.gov

On the parks map

All 19 trails in Lake Mead National Recreation AreaFind a trailOn the parks mapPark on nps.gov

About this trail's facts

The lines are the National Park Service's public trails layer, the trailheads and the waterfalls, views, peaks and historic places along them the Service's public points of interest, read 2026-10-16 and simplified for the map; the length is the line's, end to end. The write-ups are the Service's own "things to do" text, unedited. Heights come from USGS 3DEP through Terrain Tiles on AWS (Mapzen/Tilezen), read along each line and rounded; a short trail on steep ground can be off by a few tens of feet. Closures change: check the park's own site before you go.