Scott Chandler
Wildness is a necessity- John Muir
- Joined
- Jan 4, 2014
- Messages
- 1,099
4/11/16
I had to go down to Las Vegas for a fifteen minute job prep meeting, weird how the federal government doesn't have significant facilities within 100 miles of St George... Anywho, I wasn't going to go all that way for so little and the city doesn't interest me so I decided to extend my trip with some hiking. There were a few options nearby and ultimately I decided to go to the Lake Mead NRA and see something other than the dam. Last year I had visited The Anniversary Narrows just north of the NRA and it left me wanting to see some more.
In my option research I thought a hike to the south of Hoover Dam would yield some nice sights. Starting a trail next to a highway was interesting but heading down the wash quickly became pleasant. Well, pleasant view wise. When a cloud moved the humidity made me swear, quite a few times. I'm a desert boy with no time for humidity!
Mojave Aster
Phacelia
While I could have continued down the wash all the way to the Colorado River and some hot springs, the stormy weather around didn't make that seem wise. Instead I left the wash and started on a trail across the hills.
Ore transport from a WWII magnesium mine
After a couple miles of walking the namesake for this trail came into view: Liberty Bell Arch. At first the name made no sense to me, but eventually it made sense.
Continuing on the trail ascended a nice hill past neat plants. Some people really dislike the Mojave Desert, personally I find it gorgeous. You just have to look past the tough front it puts up.
Rock Nettle
Once on top of the hill the trail ended at a view of the Colorado River. It was pretty awesome to say the least. Its not every day that you see the great river of the southwest without all it's sediment and the green contrasted against the rock perfectly.
Note the new bridge to the north, Hoover Dam is right around the corner.
After a lunch at the overlook it was a quick retreat to the car. The storms to the west were very intimidating and a deluge didn't sound pleasant. Oddly, the rain never did hit me, it's like the storm was lingering over the mountains.
I then proceeded to drive the North Shore Drive along Lake Mead. It's a great drive through the desert and I think there are lots of wandering opportunities along it. It may be a great winter spot to spend some time in.
There won't be as many flowers in the winter though. While I was mostly driving home, I had to stop at a short trail where it looked like the spring bloom was going good.
Globemallow, one of my favorite desert flowers
Indigo Bush
No idea. Anyone know??
Mojave Aster
The trail topped out at a view across into a "Bowl of Fire," another spot that with some cross country travel looks really neat.
Spring in the Mojave! I highly recommend witnessing it if you ever get the chance. It made a begrudging trip to a city I dislike a great day.
I had to go down to Las Vegas for a fifteen minute job prep meeting, weird how the federal government doesn't have significant facilities within 100 miles of St George... Anywho, I wasn't going to go all that way for so little and the city doesn't interest me so I decided to extend my trip with some hiking. There were a few options nearby and ultimately I decided to go to the Lake Mead NRA and see something other than the dam. Last year I had visited The Anniversary Narrows just north of the NRA and it left me wanting to see some more.
In my option research I thought a hike to the south of Hoover Dam would yield some nice sights. Starting a trail next to a highway was interesting but heading down the wash quickly became pleasant. Well, pleasant view wise. When a cloud moved the humidity made me swear, quite a few times. I'm a desert boy with no time for humidity!
Mojave Aster
Phacelia
While I could have continued down the wash all the way to the Colorado River and some hot springs, the stormy weather around didn't make that seem wise. Instead I left the wash and started on a trail across the hills.
Ore transport from a WWII magnesium mine
After a couple miles of walking the namesake for this trail came into view: Liberty Bell Arch. At first the name made no sense to me, but eventually it made sense.
Continuing on the trail ascended a nice hill past neat plants. Some people really dislike the Mojave Desert, personally I find it gorgeous. You just have to look past the tough front it puts up.
Rock Nettle
Once on top of the hill the trail ended at a view of the Colorado River. It was pretty awesome to say the least. Its not every day that you see the great river of the southwest without all it's sediment and the green contrasted against the rock perfectly.
Note the new bridge to the north, Hoover Dam is right around the corner.
After a lunch at the overlook it was a quick retreat to the car. The storms to the west were very intimidating and a deluge didn't sound pleasant. Oddly, the rain never did hit me, it's like the storm was lingering over the mountains.
I then proceeded to drive the North Shore Drive along Lake Mead. It's a great drive through the desert and I think there are lots of wandering opportunities along it. It may be a great winter spot to spend some time in.
There won't be as many flowers in the winter though. While I was mostly driving home, I had to stop at a short trail where it looked like the spring bloom was going good.
Globemallow, one of my favorite desert flowers
Indigo Bush
No idea. Anyone know??
Mojave Aster
The trail topped out at a view across into a "Bowl of Fire," another spot that with some cross country travel looks really neat.
Spring in the Mojave! I highly recommend witnessing it if you ever get the chance. It made a begrudging trip to a city I dislike a great day.
