Temple Bar Boat Ramp: Open Or Closed?

The Temple Bar Marina in Arizona is a popular destination for watercraft owners from Arizona, California, and Nevada. It offers a boat ramp to launch personal watercraft or boats into the blue waters of Lake Mead, surrounded by colorful desert landscapes. In recent years, Lake Mead has faced declining water levels, impacting boat launch ramps and recreational activities. As of April 2024, the Temple Bar Launch Ramp is operable, and boats can be rented through the concessionaire. Visitors are advised to check the Alerts & Conditions webpage for the most up-to-date information on closures and lake levels before their trip.

The Temple Bar boat ramp is open, but there is a fee to use it

The Temple Bar boat ramp is a convenient option for boaters who want to escape the city and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Lake Mead. The lake offers a unique experience with its blue waters and colorful desert landscapes. Boaters have the option to launch their own boats or rent a boat, kayak, or jet ski by the hour, day, or week. Additionally, there are cabins, a motel, and campgrounds available for those who wish to extend their stay.

To access the Temple Bar boat ramp, take U.S. Highway 93 and head south from the Hoover Dam for about 20 miles, or north from Kingman for about 50 miles. It is important to note that the turnoff to Temple Bar is not easily accessible, and it may take some time to reach the destination.

The boat ramp at Temple Bar is a valuable asset for recreational boaters and anglers, especially considering the lowering water levels at Lake Mead. The National Park Service has worked closely with the concessionaire, Guest Services, to provide this facility for a fee. While there may be longer wait times for launching and recovery, the ramp is expected to be usable until the lake drops to 1,015 feet in elevation.

It is important to prioritize safety when using the Temple Bar boat ramp and engaging in any boating activities. Life jackets are mandatory for each person on board a personal watercraft or anyone being towed behind a vessel. Additionally, children under 13 years old must wear life jackets at all times when underway in a vessel, unless they are in a fully enclosed area. Boaters must also comply with applicable state and federal boating requirements, including carrying all the required equipment on their vessels.

There is only one launch lane available

The Temple Bar Marina in Arizona provides access to Lake Mead for boaters seeking a getaway from the city. The marina features a boat ramp that allows boaters to quickly get their personal watercraft or boat into the water.

In 2021, the Temple Bar boat ramp experienced temporary closures and reduced lanes due to lower water levels. Beginning in the week of May 23, 2021, the Temple Bar boat ramp had only one launch lane available on a pipe mat. The National Park Service (NPS) recommended that boats over 25 feet consider launching at other locations, suggesting Boulder Harbor as a temporary alternative for lake access.

The availability of only one launch lane at Temple Bar was expected to result in longer wait times for boaters. The NPS advised visitors to frequently check conditions, as water levels could change rapidly, impacting launch ramp availability and potentially leading to temporary closures.

To address the challenges posed by low water levels, a concessionaire at Temple Bar constructed a new launching ramp, which opened in 2022. This ramp, located on the shrinking shores of Lake Mead, provides a much-needed facility for recreational boaters and anglers, allowing them to access the lake for a fee.

It is important to note that the Temple Bar boat ramp may not be the ideal option for larger boats when there is only one launch lane available. In such cases, boaters with vessels over 25 feet are advised to consider alternative launch locations to avoid potential delays and challenges during busy periods.

The ramp is made from a Mobi-mat, a roll-out polyester beach access mat

The Temple Bar boat ramp in Arizona is open, offering access to Lake Mead for boaters seeking a respite from city life. The site is managed by the National Park Service, which recommends that visitors always check the Alerts & Conditions webpage for the most up-to-date information on closures.

The Mobi-mat installation process is straightforward. Users can simply drive up and use it like any standard launch ramp. However, it is important to note that the Mobi-mat has only one lane, which may result in slightly longer wait times, especially during peak periods. This single-lane design is a temporary measure implemented due to lower water levels at Lake Mead.

The Mobi-mat is a valuable addition to the Temple Bar Marina, providing a stable and reliable surface for boaters to enter and exit the water with their vehicles. It is a testament to the efforts of the National Park Service and other stakeholders to ensure that recreational areas like Lake Mead remain accessible and enjoyable for visitors, even amid challenges posed by changing water levels.

The Temple Bar Marina is located on the shrinking shores of Lake Mead

The Temple Bar Marina is a popular boating and recreation destination on the shrinking shores of Lake Mead. Located in Arizona, it attracts watercraft owners from the surrounding states of California and Nevada. Lake Mead's water levels have been declining in recent years, impacting boat launch ramps and access to the lake.

In response to the lowering water levels, the National Park Service (NPS) and the concessionaire at Temple Bar have worked to ensure continued access to the lake for recreational boaters and anglers. In 2024, a new launch ramp was constructed at Temple Bar, providing a usable entry point to the lake for a fee. This launch ramp is expected to remain operational until the lake drops to 1,015 feet in elevation.

The Temple Bar Marina offers a range of amenities, including boat rentals, cabins, a motel, and campgrounds. Visitors can launch their own boats or rent a boat or kayak by the hour, day, or week. The marina also provides fuel services, parking, and restrooms. It is important to note that lake levels change regularly, and visitors should always check for updates and approach the shore with caution.

In addition to the efforts at Temple Bar, the NPS is actively working with the Bureau of Reclamation to address the lower water levels at Lake Mead. While the lake's water levels continue to pose challenges, the Temple Bar Marina remains a popular destination for boaters seeking to explore the blue waters and surrounding colorful desert landscapes of Lake Mead.

There are cabins, a motel, and campgrounds for visitors to stay in

The Temple Bar Marina in Arizona offers a range of accommodation options for visitors looking to enjoy the blue waters of Lake Mead and the surrounding colourful desert landscapes. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or prefer more comfortable lodgings, Temple Bar has something for everyone.

For those who enjoy being one with nature, the campground option is ideal. Imagine pitching your tent under the stars, with the peaceful desert landscape as your backdrop. It's the perfect opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with nature.

If you're seeking a more rustic experience, the cabins at Temple Bar offer a cosy retreat after a day of boating or kayaking. Picture yourself curling up by the fireplace or enjoying a warm meal with your travel companions. The cabins provide a welcoming atmosphere to unwind and create lasting memories.

For visitors who prefer more traditional accommodations, the motel at Temple Bar provides a comfortable stay. Here, you can rest and recharge after a day of exploration. The motel rooms offer a respite from the outdoors, ensuring you get a good night's rest before your next adventure.

In addition to these options, Temple Bar also offers houseboat rentals, providing a unique opportunity to stay right on the lake. Imagine waking up to the gentle rock of the houseboat and witnessing breathtaking sunrises and sunsets from the comfort of your floating accommodation. It's the perfect choice for those seeking an extraordinary and memorable stay.

Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a relaxing getaway, Temple Bar's cabins, motel, and campgrounds cater to your needs. So, whether you plan to launch your own boat or rent one of theirs by the hour, day, or week, you can rest assured that you'll have a comfortable place to rest your head at the end of each day's adventure.

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