For years, I’ve wanted to visit the Joshua Tree forest near Meadview, as well as the outlet of the Grand Canyon at Pearce Ferry. From Route 66 near Hackberry, I take Antares Road north. It’s a dirt road, but it’s kept graded, though it shows signs of recent flooding (one section is being graded as I drive through). The Joshua Tree forest is impressive, more so than Joshua Tree National Park, though I still think the one at Mojave National Preserve is the best I’ve ever seen.
Not much to see at Meadview proper, but further north is this overlook of Lake Mead:
Finally, I reach Pearce Ferry. This is a Civilian Conservation Corps cap house (explosive storage):
Because the lake level has dropped, the old landing is high and dry:
I’d considered spending the night at Meadview, but after seeing the motel I decide to give it a miss. Instead, I continue on to the Hoover Dam Lodge right near the dam.
This is a great place! I’ve driven by many times, but never considered spending the night here until recently. Not only is it right between Hoover Dam and the Lake Mead NRA visitor center, there’s a trailhead at the parking lot which connects with the Historic Railroad Trail (more on that later). The Desert Princess Paddle-wheeler, which I want to ride, is booked through Saturday, so I’ll probably come back someday and stay here again. There’s a helicopter tour that takes off right next door to the hotel, but tempting as it is, I haven’t decided yet if I’ll take it.
This next picture is the view out of an air vent in the dam:
Here is a view from the hotel:
The white speck in the middle of the picture is the Desert Princess returning to the marina:
View of the hotel from the trail:
Tour helicopter departing and arriving again:
White Domes:
Fire Wave:
Fire Canyon:
Rainbow Vista:
Mouse's Tank Trail (Petroglyph Canyon):
Atlatl Rock. I wasn't aware that there were petroglyphs at the top of the stairs. I'll have to return someday to see them:
Arch Rock:
Near the Beehives:
Seven Sisters:
The Cabins:
Petrified Log:
Elephant Rock:
