Tag: Lake Mead

Temple Bar Campground

Posted on by
Temple Bar Campgrond is located near Lake Mead
Lake Mead NRA

Lake Mead National Recreation Area, located in southern Nevada, near the Arizona border and includes Hoover Dam, the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge and the Black Canyon which is continually carved by the Colorado River. Temple Bar Campground is located in the back country of Mohave county, Arizona near Lake Mead on the southern shore of the reservoir. The campground is located across the water from Las Vegas. The further drive time from Vegas makes this campground a popular destination for boaters who wish to get away from it all.

The campground features 71 first come first serve campsites. The campsites feature tables, fire rings, and allow pets. Most of the sites have shade to provide some relief from the hot desert sun.

There are no sandy beaches as Temple Bar, however boat rentals offer water access and their are wonderful opportunities for fishing, hiking, water sports and star gazing.

This campground is operated by the National Park Service.

Campground Map

Campground Summary

NameTemple Bar Campground
LocationMohave County, Arizona
Latitude, Longitude36.031668, -114.325305
Elevation1,320 feet
Number of Sites71
AmenitiesAmphitheater, BBQ Grills, Boat Launch/Ramp, Store, Campground Host, Drinking Water, Dump Station, Fire Pit, Fire Rings, Grills, Tables, Flush Toilets

Resources

Boulder Beach Campground

Posted on by
Boulder Beach Campground is locate on Lake Mead
Lake Mead NRA

Located within 45 minutes to the Las Vegas strip, Boulder Beach Campground offers a camping opportunity near the shore of beautiful Lake Mead. The campground is located on a bluff overlooking the shoreline and Lake Mead. The campground offers views of the lake and amazing sailing, boating, fishing, swimming, fishing and hiking trails.

This is a year round campground which offers group camps, tent and RV Accommodations. During the summer moths the desert heat can be a factor, so be sure to plan ahead. Each site is equipped with fire rings and tables and palm trees may offer a break from the sun. Due to the location of the campground and the lower lake levels, the beach is located a bit further than normal.

Boulder Beach provides quick access to Hoover Damn, the Hoover Damn Bypass Bridge, the Visitor Center. The River Mountains Loop Trail and the Historic Railroad Trail provide are quick hikes which are also located near by.

The weather can vary from freezing temperatures in the winter months with summer heat the temperature of easily capable of over 110 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a first come first serve campground

Campground Summary

NameBoulder Beach Campground
LocationLead Mead, Clark County, Nevada
Latitude, Longitude36.036901,-114.802604
Elevation1,280 feet
Sites154
AmmenitiesTables, Fire Rings, Water, Bathrooms,

Campground Map

Resources

Nelson Nevada and Eldorado Canyon – Clark County Ghost Town

Posted on by
Rock spires carved by erosion located in Eldorado Canyon, Nelson, Nevada.
Rock spires carved by erosion located in Eldorado Canyon, Nelson, Nevada.

The ghost town of Nelson, Nevada, which is located in Eldorado Canyon along Lake Mojave, is a quaint destination which offers the visitor a brief glimpse into the past.

History

The Southwest Mining Company Quartz mill located just off the Colorado River.
The Southwest Mining Company Quartz mill located just off the Colorado River.

El Dorado Canyon has a long and storied mining history which includes 150 years of mining activities by Native Americans, Spanish Explorers and Mormons prior to 1861. In 1863, miners from nearby Potosi flooded the area and established four town sites in the narrow canyon, the establishment of which caused some excitement on the western coast.

Many structures are still standing, Nelson, Nevada.
Many structures are still standing, Nelson, Nevada.

In 1864, near the mouth of Eldorado canyon a ten-stamp stamp mile is built. This despite a six month lead time for supplied to arrive in the remote location. At the time, Eldorado canyon was part of the Arizona territory and the Eldorado mill was the first in the Arizona territory.

The steamboat Mohave departing the landing in El Dorado Canyon.
The steamboat Mohave departing the landing in El Dorado Canyon.

As the town grew, in 1865 the town added a post office. However the area was a rough camp with the nearest law about 300 miles away. Vigilantes dispensed justice to those who crossed the line.

Mill in Eldorado Canyon, circa 1890
Mill in Eldorado Canyon, circa 1890

Founded in 1905 Nelson, Nevada is located some seven miles west at the head of Eldorado Canyon. The town of Nelson slumped for two decades beginning in 1909, but the 1930’s found a resurgence in gold production. By 1941, the three cyanide mills processed 220 tons of ore daily. The population reached 600 persons, however increased costs caused the gold production to slow and eventually cease. The Techatticip mine produced over half of the total gold produced in the area. The gold produced by the region has an estimated valued at $10,000,000.00.

In 1951, Davis Damn is completed. The original town site in Eldorado canyon was buried and drowned by the rising waters of Lake Mojave.

A visitors center and store are open to those who travel here. Nelson, Nevada
A visitors center and store are open to those who travel here. Nelson, Nevada

Today

Today, the town of Nelson hosts some 37 people in the 2010 census. The older section of town hosts many old buildings, ruins, cars, mining equipment and all in all is an eclectic collection of mining and western history. The current occupants have a wonderful collection of old mining gear and western history, mixed with an eclectic collection of art.

Nelson, Nevada

The town was recently used as a movie set, and the a tour of the town is available to those interested.

Nelson, Nevada is a quiet destination worthy of a few hours if you are in the area.
Nelson, Nevada is a quiet destination worthy of a few hours if you are in the area.

Nelson and El Dorado trail map

Speckled Rattlesnake ( Crotalus mitchellii )

Posted on by

The Speckled Rattlesnake is fairly common pit viper found in southern California, southern Nevada, western Arizona and south-western Utah and down the Pacific coast into Baja California.  A moderate size snake, this animal typically does not exceed 39 inches in length.  As with most animals, the Speckled Rattlesnake is a master of disguise and commonly are colored to compliment the surrounding rock.  This viper can range from pink, cream, tan or pale blues and grays.  This feature I can personally attest to as I witnessed and entire Cub Scout Pack literally step over the specimen photographed below while hiking on a camping trip in the Valley of Fire State Park just outside of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Juvenile Speckled Rattle Snake found in Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
A Juvenile Speckled Rattlesnake found in Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
Continue Reading →

Bitter Springs

Posted on by

Bitter Springs is a 28 miles back country road which connects I-15 to the North shore Road highway 167 located inside Lake Mead National Recreation Area near Echo Bay.  The trail takes you by old mining roads and washes throughout the Muddy Mountains.

To reach the trail head, head North on the I-15 from Las Vegas. Exit the Valley of Fire offramp (exit 75), and turn right towards the state park, Valley of Fire. There is a lot of excellent camping in Valley of Fire.

Unless you have a need for fireworks or booze, proceed past the Moapa Indian Reservation store. After three miles the paved road bends left. The trail is the dirt road heading straight into the dessert towards the mountains.

Once you hit the Muddy Mountains, you will be greeted with large red rock out cropping. Keep on eye out on the right side of the tail for a small damn and water hole. Should you visit at the correct time, you will see tadpoles and frogs in the water.

As you proceed into and through the muddy mountains, there are numerous places to stop and picnic or camp. There is a small quarry that sits on the trail, so be sure to travel carefully if there are workers.

Once you are through the pass, the trail gradually follows the alluvial fan into a drainage. Once in the drainage section, the trails turns into pure sand. Be sure to check the weather when travelling this portion of the trail and keep an eye open for Big Horn sheep and wild horses.

Bitter Springs Trail Map