Hiking Las Vegas

We took this time before the intense heat of Vegas summer to hike many of the trails we always liked, as well as trails we have yet to explore. We re-explored the historic rail trail following the track bed that brought all the material needed to build Hoover Dam back during the Depression. Kona liked the 5 tunnels through the mountains because they came with their own shade.

We learned from News 3 that the Gold Strike Canyon Trail, which usually would close for the sumer on June 15 due to the heat, was going to close in two days because of construction closures resulting from I-11 corridor issues. The Canyon was spectacular, a deep slot canyon that obviously carries water to the Colorado River every time it rains. It was long given the heat and had 3 fairly extreme scrambles down boulders (2 of them complete with ropes that were needed to get down and up), but we enjoyed it thoroughly.

To wrap up the new hikes we headed to Lake Mead Recreational Area to find Liberty Bell Arch with our friends Ron and Teresa. Despite the assurances in some postings on the web, as well as the extremely limited signage we found, our hike for the day ended up being closer to 10 miles in total, not the 2 miles out and 2 miles back that everyone seemed to suggest.

The trail had just about any kind of terrain that you could imagine. First, we headed down a wash created slot canyon with smoothed and swirling sandstone walls. Next, we climbed up steep rocky mounds to abandoned mining shafts complete with abandoned mining equipment. Finally, we made the long slog up to the base of the Arch. 

The Arch was just as advertised. From the proper angle there was no question as to how it go

t its name. You could even imagine the clapper extending below the rim of the bell, as well as the distinct brace at the top where it was originally attached in the belfry. I tried really hard to pick out the crack, but I guess I had to leave that to my imagination as well.

We brought out lunch as we read that a mile past the Arch there was a gorgeous overlook of the Colorado River. As advertised, it was there, so we downed our lunch watching the guided raft tours drift by. From up here we could see not only the Colorado River, but we could see the I-11 corridor as well as the I-11 bridge over the Dam itself. All in all, it was a great view before we began the long slog back to the car.

As far as exploring new Vegas hiking, mission accomplished!

Talk to you soon!