Anniversary Ridge | Muddy Mountains Wilderness, Nevada

Anniversary Ridge, the highest overlook point in its area on the Eastern border of the Muddy Mountains Wilderness, offers a spectacular aerial view of the Bowl of Fire, almost immediately below, and views all the way to Lake Mead. Ascending Anniversary Ridge involves a rather involved unmarked approach route and finally, traversing a very narrow ridge with dramatic drop-offs on either side. Route details: 10 mi RT; **Some Trail, Some Wilderness** Click image or title above for more…

Anniversary Narrows, Muddy Mountains Wilderness, Nevada

Anniversary Narrows in The Muddy Mountains Wilderness of Nevada is one of the most beautiful slot canyons in the state. If you’re into slot canyons, Anniversary Narrows is a must see no matter where you’re from. The intricate turns in the canyon along polished rock walls carved into millions of unique shapes lit up by a narrow slit 100s of feet above change in color with the advance of the sun throughout the day. It’s like wandering through a magical maze with a new, unexpected view beyond your wildest imagination around every turn. Route details: 10 mi RT; **Some Trail, Some Wilderness** Click image or title above for more…

Kingman Wash Access Road | Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Arizona

This section of Kingman Wash Access Road is about 4 miles in length. It’s an unpaved road that leads down to the shore of Lake Mead at Temple Bar Marina where there is boating, fishing and hiking. I traveled it by mountain bike. There are 3 additional unpaved roads splitting off to the right. The first is South Mine Access Road; second is North Mine Access Road which later connects with South Mine Access Road and continues on as South Mine Access Road. The third road splitting off from Kingman Wash Road near its end and to the right of a restroom structure is the unpaved Fortification Hill Road which leads to Fortification Hill Trailhead. Route Details: 7 Miles | 1,197 > 1,465; ** Good Unpaved Road** Click image or title above for more…

Fortification Hill | Lake Mead National Recreation Area | Arizona

Fortification Hill on the Arizona side of Lake Mead, like Black Mesa across Lake Mead on the Nevada side has the most incredible view of Lake Mead to be found anywhere. From the flag-topped summit you can see the full panorama of Lake Mead minus the Overton Arm stretching below, the Mt. Charleston Wilderness including Griffith Peak, Charleston Peak, Fletcher Peak and Mummy Mountain, the Rainbow Mountains on the West side of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Potosi Mountain, Hoover Dam, Mt. Wilson, the Muddy Mountains and many other features in Nevada and Arizona. However, getting there involves 4WD roads. Route details: 4mi | 2,313 > 3,717ft; **Mostly Trail – Sometimes Faint** Click image or title above for more…

Southern Bowl of Fire | Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada

You can stand in the midst of the Bowl of Fire and see the entire Bowl of those beautiful Aztec formations in one of the most incredible 360 degree vistas available anywhere. And then proceed through a gentle valley to the North surrounded on both sides by more formations. Route details: 5-6mi | 1,965 > 1,905ft; ** Some Trail, Some Wilderness** Click image or title above for more…

Northern Bowl of Fire | Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada

The Northern Bowl of Fire is a massive Aztec red rock cliff system rivaling any other red rock formation in Nevada. The red rock is composed of frozen sand dunes from the Jurassic era, and the red coloring is caused by iron that leached up through the sand before it solidified into rock. The route I describe here offers spectacular 360 degree views of the Overton Arm of Lake Mead, the Hamblin Mountain area, portions of Lake Mead, the Southern Bowl of Fire, Anniversary Ridge, and the Muddy Mountains. Route details: 8mi RT | 1,887 > 2,568ft; ** Some Trail, Mostly Wilderness** Click image or title above for more…

Arizona Hot Spring | Liberty Bell Arch | Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Arizona

Arizona Hot Spring is a natural hot spring nestled in a narrow slot canyon about 1/4th mile above the banks of the Colorado River. It’s a popular hang out for many fans of the hot spring who make it a day adventure. Liberty Bell Arch is a pretty impressive natural arch spanning an open area beneath that actually has taken on the shape of the Liberty Bell. Route details: 8-10mi | 1,536 > 661ft; **Mostly Good Trail** Click image or title above for more…

Frenchman Mountain Overlooking Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada

There is no more commanding view of both the Las Vegas Valley and Lake Mead National Recreation Area than the summit of Frenchman Mountain, Nevada. From the summit one can look down on the Las Vegas Strip, across to the West to the Rainbow Mountains on the far side of Red Rock National Park, the La Madre Mountains and the Mt. Charleston Wilderness. To to Northwest one can see Gass Peak and the Sheep Mountain Range. To the Northeast one can see the Muddy Mountains and then gaze East and Southeast to see the Jimbilnan Wilderness, Virgin Ridge, Gold Butte, Lake Mead and the Hualapai Mountains. Route details: 5mi | 2,184 > 3,972ft ** Excellent Trail/Service Road** Click image or title above for more…

Lava Butte | Volcanic Cone Between Las Vegas and Lake Mead, Nevada

Lava Butte is a distinctive stand-alone volcanic cone below Frenchman Mountain and to the East. It can be seen from many high points in and around the Lake Mead National Recreation Area including Fortification Hill, Mt. Wilson, Frenchman Mountain and others. It’s a fun, challenging climb to go up one side and down the other, weaving around huge volcanic boulders. Route description: 7mi | 1,835 > 2,871ft; ** Service Road / Lava Ridge** Click image or title above for more…

01 Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada, Overview

Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Nevada and Arizona offers multiple recreational opportunities from climbing desert mountains and hills, canyons, ridges and plateaus with spectacular views to hiking, biking, boating, kayaking and swimming to picnicking and camping and much more. Don’t miss the great interpretive center at the Southshore Road Park entrance. We’re systematically exploring both popular and largely unknown adventure destinations and adding these to LasVegasAreaTrails.com. Best time of year for adventures here: Mid-Fall to Mid-Spring. When temperatures in the Las Vegas Valley rise above 75-80 degrees these destinations can become uncomfortable and even dangerous. However, during the Winter months expect comfortable mid-day temperatures around 60-70 degrees. Follow thumbnail images to view the details you will need to plan your adventures here. Follow thumbnail images to view the details you will need to plan your adventures here. Click image or title above for more…