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 After a few months, Anniversary Narrows is closed again. This is one of the most magnificent hikes around Las Vegas. This blog will describe how to find and hike through the Narrows. Tips to hike to Anniversary Narrows Peak are also included. I am keeping this post hoping Anniversary Narrows will open again. Driving Directions:From the intersection of Lake Mead Blvd and Northshore Road go north (left) on Northshore Road, drive 13.0 miles to mile marker 16 and make a left onto the signed, gravel Callville Wash North Road (94). Drive less than .01 of mile and make a 180 degree turn and go down a steep grade. (You might need a 4WD vehicle to get up this grade.) Drive east two-tenths of a mile where the road divides. Take gravel road 94A (signed) and follow it about 1.8 miles to an unsigned parking area on the left side of the road. This is just before the road drops down into Anniversary Narrows Wash. For longtime hikers of Anniversary Narrows this is the same road we have always taken and it is in better shape now.  Steep Grade - it's steeper than it looks in the photo  Park here. Do NOT drive down into the wash. You can't. There's a big drop off. The Hike to the NarrowsFollow the gravel road in the above photo 75 yards down into Anniversary Narrows wash. Head north (right) in the wash. The wind and rain have created fantastic sculptures into the sides of the wash. As the wash curves to the left you can see remnants of Anniversary Mine (1922-1928) on the right bank. Do NOT enter the mines. In about 100 yards beyond the tunnels, the wash narrows and you’ll enter the locally named “Anniversary Narrows” section of the wash.  Start of the Narrows It’s unbelievable that thousands of years of wind and rain created the Narrows. At times the walls are only five feet apart. There are now three Class 3 climbs in the Narrows. They are all very short. Hikers can assist each other if needed. Watch for slippery boulders. The are numerous photo opportunities as you walk through the Narrows. The light in the Narrows is different depending on the time of the day. See the below photos. After 150 yards the walls recede and the wash widens again.  Photo taken in the afternoon  Photo taken in the morning Anniversary Narrows Peak Hikers at Anniversary Narrows Peak Since you can again drive almost to Anniversary Narrows Wash, the best way to do this hike is an up and back. This has two advantages: You avoid the loose junk the old descent route has and you hike through the Narrows again. The light will be different. Follow the original ascent route. It is very well cairned. Once on the summit ridge go around to the left side following cairns. Once back on the ridge, continue on the ridge to the peak. Do not drop off to the left side again. The only class 3 climbs are in the Narrows. There is a sign in book at the summit. Descent TipsSince this is now an "up and back" hike, here are a few tips to get back to the Narrows. Retrace your steps down the ridgeline to the saddle. From the saddle you can see a green patch of landscape. You want to head to the left of this and look for cairns that mark the wash you need to cross.  Once out of the wash you cross, look for the ridge circled in the photo below. Head to the right of it as indicated by the arrow. You will drop into a minor wash that leads to the main wash. Go left in this wash about one mile back to the Narrows! That's it. Have fun.   The Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Death Valley, the Grand Canyon and the Valley of Fire are some of the most picturesque natural and human-made wonders of the world. These locations are all within a comfortable driving distance from the city of Las Vegas and offer a unique contrast to the glitz, glamour and bright lights of Sin City. Many people make Las Vegas the destination for their vacation every year, whether it be a short break from somewhere else in the United States, or a holiday of a lifetime from somewhere else in the world. For many, the lure of the casinos and the opportunity to practice their poker playing is all they need from Vegas. For many others, the city's surroundings are just as attractive and for those looking for an opportunity to explore, the hot springs are a great location. What are Hot Springs? There are many hot springs in the world, and although there is no universally agreed definition, a broad description is that they are bodies of water, where the water is heated geothermically (from the warmer rocks underneath). Common places to find hot springs are around volcanoes. There are around eight hot springs around Las Vegas and over 20 in the whole state of Nevada. Hiking Tour From Las Vegas There are several options for hiking tours from Las Vegas, with hikers picked up directly from their hotel. Tours to the Hot Springs are a great option for those looking for something unique. Tours generally don’t run in the summer months of June, July and August as these are the hottest months in Nevada. For the rest of the year, tours take place daily, although times vary slightly depending on the season. The tours offer excellent opportunities to admire the local wildlife, soak in the geothermal pools, and relax with a picnic lunch (there’s nowhere around you can buy food from, so picnic is your only choice). The hike will take you along volcanic rock formations and loose desert sand, with some steep inclines in sections. Although the path is not technically very challenging and suitable for beginners, it should be noted that it will be physically demanding for anyone not used to such activities. Of course, you’ll have time to rest and relax in the hot springs, as well as on the ride back to the city. Lake Mead  The hot springs are located in Black Canyon, near to Lake Mead. The lake was formed after the creation of the Hoover Dam and water from the Colorado River flowed into the area. The lake supplies water to several US states and to some parts of Mexico and is the largest reservoir in the United States of America. Black Canyon The Black Canyon is located on the state line between Arizona and Nevada, having been formed 15 million years ago. Hiking through this area to reach the Hot Springs will see you navigate your way down the canyon walls to rich the pools of the hot springs, as well as explore along the riverside.
Hiking in this area can be a fantastic experience for both experienced and beginner hikers. The Hot Springs provide a great combination of different elements, including great views and hiking through beautiful scenery. Whatever your experience level, make sure to carry plenty of water, food, gloves for the ropes you will use, and other supplies with you, but be rest assured since you’ll be under the supervision of a guide. Most importantly, make sure to have fun!  Hikers at the summit of Hamlin Mtn with Lake Mead in the background. Hamblin Mtn. is a local favorite hike around Lake Mead. It has a fantastic view of Lake Mead at the summit. Being less than 60 minutes (driving time) from the city of Las Vegas, NV, it seems like a million miles away. Below is my video review of the hike. It's a moderate hike that follows a wash and then a path to the summit. Most hikers can do this hike. The 52 Peak Club offers this hike frequently to members during the winter months. One word of warning: Do NOT do this hike when it's hot. There's no shade or water along the route.  I have created a new video review of another hike that I know you will like. This time I am reviewing the Fortification Hill hike near Lake Mead. As you will see in the video the vistas from the summit of Fortification Hill are some of the best in Southern Nevada. This is a fairly easy hike and 99% trail/path. Take a look at the two minute video and if you have any questions or comments, leave them below.
It's cold in Vegas, but you can hike in warmer weather. The Lake Mead area is normally 5 to 7 degrees warmer than Las Vegas and 25 degrees warmer than the peaks at Red Rock! Lake Mead Hikes
Death ValleyDeath Valley is less than two hours from Las Vegas and at least 15 degrees warmer. It offers some very unique hikes and believe it or not, it's very scenic. One word of advice: Don't do these hikes if it's windy.
China Date Ranch China Date Ranch has some of the most unique hiking in the country! All the mountains are dirt. After the hike, make sure to get a Date Shake.
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AuthorBranch Whitney is the author of Hiking Las Vegas and creator of the 52 Peak Club where members hike to the best 52 Peaks around Las Vegas, NV Archives
December 2022
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