An Overnight Along the North Shore of Lake Mead and a Return to Valley of Fire State Park

February 29, 2016

After our hike in Anniversary Narrows we spent the night at Government Point, near the northwest corner of Lake Mead. We had actually found our spot before we left for the hike so on the return to camp we stopped for a quick walk out to the fringes of the so-called Bowl of Fire, an area of exposed red sandstone a little more than a mile walk from the Northshore Road. After a day under the sun however we decided to head back for a late afternoon beer and a view of the sunset by the lake.

Morning brought the opportunity to explore the shore of the lake up close. Along the way we walked past multiple families emerging from tents and trailers, sharing breakfast, and baiting fishing rods, as well as groups of new acquaintances chatting by the boat ramps. And out on the water I could see the few fishing boats that had already launched and watched as thermoses were passed from bow to stern and back in two different boats. I’ve been in many a campground but that day I found myself taking note of the people gathered around the lake, enjoying the company of family and friends. I almost never take photos of people I don’t know but I found myself wanting to capture all these moments of connection and relationship. Ultimately however, I just felt it would have been really strange to walk around taking photos of strangers in such close quarters so I didn’t. After walking awhile I spotted Tom and Abby across an inlet and headed in the direction to rejoin them; together we continued our walk for almost another hour hour before leaving.

Driving the Northshore Road, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada

View from the Northshore Road, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada

Us walking near Bowl of Fire, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada

Near Bowl of Fire, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada

Enjoying the last of our Canadian beer from Sleeping Giant Brewing Company at camp, Government Point, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada

Sunset, Government Point, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada

Government Point, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada

Morning walk around Lake Mead at Government Point, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada

Lake Mead, Government Point, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada

Our next stop was at Valley of Fire State Park, just north of the lake. I’d been through here in 2013 and vowed to return to explore the colorful sandstone and wonderful formations, but neither of us wanted to spend more than a few hours there that day so I’m afraid I still owe the park another visit. We did some exploring in a couple areas I hadn’t seen before – near Elephant Rock, around the White Domes, and a little bit near Fire Canyon – which were all pretty neat, but I’d still like to return to do the Prospect Trail in particular.