Eldorado Dry Lake Bed

Dry Lake Bed Area

History of the Eldorado Dry Lake Bed:

In 1995, the city purchased over 100,000 acres of the former Eldorado Valley Transfer Area from the Colorado River Commission for the purposes of public recreation, solar energy uses, and a desert tortoise preserve. This addition brought the city’s total land area to approximately 200 square miles. 

On November 12th, 2019, the Boulder City Council designated approximately 1,429 acres in the Eldorado Valley as the Dry Lake Bed Recreation Area (Resolution 7034).  It is generally located west of U.S. Highway 95 and north of the Silver Peak Solar plant.

The Eldorado Dry Lake Bed has been used for weddings, film and photography shoots, and special events.

Rules and Regulations

  • Park Hours:  5am - 10pm
  • Permit required for large gaterings, live music, filming, and weddings (Res. 5122)
  • Overnight camping and flame fires prohibited without proper permitting
  • Dumping, littering, and refuse disposal prohibited (Ord. 972)
  • Dry Lake Bed closed July 3 - 5 (Res. 6124)

Want to film or host an event at the Eldorado Dry Lake Bed?

Online Reservation request

Film Permit Application

Please contact Boulder City Parks and Recreation Department for more information and permitting. Office hours:  7am – 6pm Monday through Thursday  702-293-9256