Anniversary Narrows Update

Unlike the old days you can now drive a passenger car all the way down into the wash that leads to Anniversary Narrows. Due to the mining operation starting up again the gravel road that leads to the wash is in great shape. In fact the road is in such great shape you can miss the wash and drive up the other side. See photo below.

I don't recommend driving into the wash, instead park just before the road curves to the right and descends steeply. This is the indicator that the wash is just ahead.  There's something about seeing cars in the wash that takes away from the wilderness experience.

This is a great family hike and more adventurous hikers can continue the hike to Anniversary Narrows Peak. For complete details click here.

click to enlarge

Lake Mead Entrance Fee to Increase Jan. 15th

Lake Mead Entrance fees will increase on Jan 15th.

• The 5 day pass was $5. It will change to a 7 day pass and cost $10
• The annual pass was $20. It will increase to $30
• All National Park Passes are accepted.
• The Red Rock pass is NOT honored at Lake Mead.

There is no daily pass.

The best bet is a National Park Pass. They are $80 per year and are good at all National areas. The only places I know of that they are not accepted are state parks.

You can still purchase an annual pass for Lake Mead at the current price of $20 until Jan. 15th

No pass is need to do AZ hikes: Liberty Bell Arch, Mt. Wilson, AZ Hot Springs, Fortification Hill, Lone Palm, and Fire Mtn.

Lots of Changes Around Lake Mead

Wow! Where to start? First the gravel road to Anniversary Narrows is closed and for good reason. The recent rains created an almost four foot sheer dropoff within the first 100 yards of the gravel road. Of course you can park just off of Northshore Road and walk nearly 1.25 mile to Lovell Wash, which leads to Anniversary Narrows. If fact, hikers who do not have a high clearance vehicle have to do this.

Anniversary Narrows coupled with Anniversary Narrows Peak is one of the best hikes around Lake Mead. We just did this hike today. Since we parked just off of Northshore Road, from the Anniversary Narrows Peak we descended south of the peak down into the Bowl of Fire. From there we hiked over a small ridge just west of Murphy's Peak and then down into Callville Wash. From there it was about a 15 minute walk to the car. A great round trip hike!



AZ Hot Springs:
The parking area has changed. Once on south 93 you will drive over the new bridge and soon see a "Welcome to AZ" sign. Drive another 3.1 miles and turn left into the paved parking lot. It's just before mile marker 4 and there's a sign on the highway indicating the turn. It reads: White Rock Canyon Trailhead Access. You then follow a hiker's path under the highway to the old trailhead sign, which was been moved! The start of the official trail is actually about 100 yards south up a small hill. It's much easier to follow the official trail than the wash.

There's only one deep pool at the hot springs currently. The second pool is only about one foot deep due to gravel from the recent rain.

Gold Strike Hot Springs:
The hot springs is completely dry. The other springs are very small due to gravel washed into them. Hopefully they will be repaired soon.

Liberty Bell Arch Trailhead:
The parking is near an animal and hiker's walkway over the highway. You have to drive to the turn for White Rock Canyon Trailhead and do a "U" turn to get to the unmarked trailhead.

Other Hikes and Trailheads:
Not sure currently, but will let you know as soon as I know.

Note: If you are hiking around north Lake Mead you need a pass. All National Park Passes are accepted. You must have an ID also.

Red Rock Canyon - Hiking Coming to an End - Lake Mead Hikes Starting

With the forecast for temperatures in the low 40's for Vegas, Red Rock will have lots of ice due to all the rain. I do not recommend any scrambling hikes once the cold weather sets in. Instead I would head out to Lake Mead area. It's always warmer out there and almost never has ice or snow.





Here are some of the better Lake Mead Hikes:

• Northshore Peak
• Hamblin Mountain
• Dry Falls Loop Peak
• Fortification Hill
• Bowl of Fire

Although the peaks around Lake Mead are not high, they do offer some nice views. There's no death defying scrambling or crowds.

Challenge: Can you name all seven peaks in the photo above? 

Snow On A Lake Mead Hike

I never thought snow would be an issue while hiking around Lake Mead. But this is not a normal December. Today 12 hikers made it to the summit of Dry Falls Loop Peak, one of the better routes near Lake Mead.

This is a cool route with eight dry falls to climb and an airy climb to the summit, which has outstanding views of Lake Mead and the surrounding mountains. The descent is along a wild looking ridge with lots of down climbing. This is one of the best scrambling routes in the Lake Mead area.