By Todd Schacherl
Hamblin Mountain
This 7-mile loop hike goes past fossils of shells when this area was a sea, past petrified wood, near a hogback ridge (geologists will know what that is) and of course Hamblin Mountain, which is an ancient volcano that split in half. The other half is about 10 miles or so east. Hamblin has a great view of Lake Mead and Las Vegas. This hike starts at mile marker 18 on Northshore Road. The trail starts across the road from the pullout parking area.
Arizona and Gold Strike Hot Springs
Gold Strike Hot Springs is on the Nevada side while the Arizona Hot Springs are on the Arizona side of the Colorado River. Gold Strike is accessed by exiting US 11 at exit 2 and making a right at the roundabout at the end of the offramp and parking in the dirt lot to the right. The trail starts just up the hill and from the lot back where the road ends. It’s just over 5 miles to hike down to the river and back. This is a great hike for the views; the pools are usable but not the best.
The Arizona Hot Springs are located at mile marker 4 on US 93 at White Rock Canyon Trailhead. There are two routes. Following White Rock Canyon to the river and then going down river for about a quarter mile and then back up to the springs. This route is every bit of 6 miles out and back. I prefer to come down this route but not go up as it’s mostly wash and like walking on sand. Not fun going uphill.
The short route brings you to the top of the springs and is 5 miles out and back. Go to the Arizona Hot Springs if you want a good soak. There are usually four pools that range from 114 degrees in the top pool to 96 degrees at the bottom pool. Both trails are closed from May 15 to Sept. 30 due to the heat.
Fortification Hill
This is that big, black, slanted mountain on the Arizona side of Lake Mead. It’s an extinct volcano that has some of the best views of Lake Mead, the dam and Las Vegas. The challenge with this hike is that a 4×4 vehicle is necessary for the last 2 miles up the wash to the trailhead. The hike itself is about 4-5 miles round trip.
Seven Dry Falls
There are several kayaking opportunities, mostly in the Black Canyon area, which is the area of the Colorado River from the dam to Willow Beach. There are two options: One can hire an outfitter that will put you in just below the dam, and from there it’s 11 miles to Willow Beach. There are quite a few canyons where hot water is running down them, not to mention the Sauna Cave, which was an exploratory tunnel blasted out during the construction of Hoover Dam. Now it’s a 100-yard tunnel with really hot water. Bring a headlamp.
One can also camp at the beach where the Arizona Hot Springs are located. The one thing to pay attention to when kayaking is the wind. One would think that paddling down the Colorado River would be easy, but the winds tend to blow upstream and the river is more like a lake than a river as the current only flows about 2-3 mph. Thus, any winds can actually blow a kayaker upstream if they stop paddling. Very frustrating. Winds above 13 mph and certainly above 15 mph are going to make kayaking very difficult.
From Willow Beach, a kayaker can go about 3 miles upstream to Emerald Cave, which under the right conditions, the water glows a bright emerald green. Later in the day, around 1-3 p.m., is the best time.
Going from Willow Beach downstream about 1 mile, one can find Queho’s Cave, where Queho’s remains were found in the 1940s. Queho was Nevada’s last “Indian Renegade” and Nevada’s first serial killer. It’s claimed that he murdered at least a few people and as many as 19. It’s a great story; look it up.
Anniversary Narrows
The start of this hike is at mile marker 16 on the Northshore Road in Lake Mead. It’s about 2 miles to the narrows through a mining area. Yes, there are mines you can check out, but be safe. The slot canyon itself is about a quarter mile long. This is one of the most spectacular slot canyons in the Lake Mead area.
Bowl of Fire
This is an area of red rocks that is accessible from the trailhead near mile marker 20 on Northshore Road. There are several hikes, including Raven’s Balcony which goes to the giant red rock wall at the back of the bowl and offers stunning views of the whole bowl as well as Lake Mead.
