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Grapevine Canyon
The
trek through grapevine canyon can be enjoyable for all levels of
hikers. The easy quarter mile walk from the National Park parking
leads to an interesting conclusion, as intricate petroglyphs cover
the large boulders at the entrance to the canyon. A moderate climb
through the boulders will reward more accomplished hikers with the
discovery of wild grapevines, caves inhabited by the artists of
earlier times and cool fresh water spring. This desert spring brings
life to a wide assortment of plants and animals. A more physical
hike, to the north will take climbers to Spirit Mountain, which
is sacred to the Colorado River Indian Tribes, who consider the
mountain the area of creation.
To get there: From the Laughlin Bridge
head west 6.3 miles on NV 163 to near Milepost 13, turn right
to follow the sign toward Christmas Tree Pass, 1.8 miles on an
unpaved road, then left into Grapevine Canyon Trailhead. Christmas
Tree Pass Road offers fine scenery and views as it winds across
the desert and up to the pass, about 7 miles from NV 163, then
descends to US 95 for a total of 15 miles one way. Remember to
carry plenty of water. Be sure to remove all your trash from the
area. Remember this is a sacred area, take only pictures and memories,
and leave only footprints - on the trail
Lake Mead National Recreation
Area offers many scenic hiking trails. Lake Mohave - which
is the portion of Colorado River above Davis Dam and below Hoover
Dam - is about a 20 minute drive from Laughlin. Presence of water
means the presence of a variety of wildlife, plant life and peaceful
views of the quiet lake, at the base of the beautiful Newberry Mountain
Range. A must-do is take hike the east side of the lake at sunset.
The colors are beyond compare. The orange and pink sky is a beautiful
contrast to the violet mountain range, which seems to melt into
the cool blue lake.
Fisherman's Hike
From Laughlin, go east on the Laughlin Bridge and turn left on to
AZ Highway 95 for about two miles. Turn left at the sign indicating
the route to Lake Mohave and proceed to the Katherine boat launch
ramp. Turn left toward the houseboat rental area and park. Begin
your hike around the left side of the houseboat rental building
to its backside following the yellow brick wall. Follow the dirt
path, which skirts a good-sized pond. Emerging from the bushy area,
bear left as the trail divides. There are several caves carved out
of the rocks where prospectors have searched for gold and other
valuable ore. Proceed along the trail, as it turns to the south.
The trail will descend into a gully and appears to end. Due west
of the gully or to your right, the trail can clearly be seen along
the side of a small hill. A few yards down the hill the trail dissolves
into a wide obvious route, which follows the lakeshore. Along the
route hikers will walk through Ski Cove and then Davis Cove, near
Davis Dam. Additional information may be available at Katherine
Ranger Station 928-754-3272.
Lake View Hike
From Laughlin, go east on the Laughlin Bridge and turn left on to
AZ Highway 95 for about two miles. Turn left at the sign indicating
the route to Lake Mohave and proceed to the Katherine overflow parking
lot B that is adjacent to Katherine's trailer village. Begin your
hike in the left corner of the lot facing away from the main road.
Follow the nearby paved road to the midpoint of the natural curve.
Follow the low voltage utility lines northwest, up the sand hill,
passing between two large sand dunes. A large pond is on the other
side the hill. This is the Katherine wastewater treatment lagoon.
A variety of birds can be often be discovered here. The hike continues
west along the old sand road to the left of the lagoon. Follow this
path down the sand dune and then to the northwest toward the tall
jagged hill. Spirit Mountain can be seen in the distance just to
the left of this hill. You will cross a dirt service road in route.
Approach the hill by way of the obvious flat wash dotted with Creosote
Bush. You will be heading due west. Near the end of the wash climb
the small smooth hill to your right and follow the ridgeline to
the northwest until you reach the summit. The view from here is
Telephone Cove and a great place from which to watch the sunset.
Additional information may be available at Katherine Ranger Station
928-754-3272.
Katherine Mine Hike
From Laughlin, go east on the Laughlin Bridge and turn left on to
AZ Highway 95 for about two miles. Turn left at the sign indicating
the route to Lake Mohave and proceed to the Katherine Ranger Station.
as you drive away from Katherine. Park in the sandy area across
the road from the Telephone Cove marker. Begin this hike up the
wash to the right of the road through the chalk colored mine tailings.
The path becomes increasingly narrow near the Old Katherine Mine
site. Here are the ruins of the once productive gold mine. Additional
information may be available at Katherine Ranger Station 928-754-3272.
Havasupai Falls
At west end of the Grand Canyon lays the jewels of the Colorado
River. Fantastic waterfalls arrive in jade and sapphire-colored
pools, which are a beautiful contrast to the red rocks of the majestic
canyon. It's a moderately difficult 12 to 15-mile hike. And, it's
worth every inch of the rocky trail. Caution - it is not recommended
to hike May through September. Even in the winter it can be dry
and warm. Bring plenty of water. Hiking leaves from Hualapai Hilltop.
To find the trailhead go east on Route 66 (Andy Devine Ave) in Kingman.
Stay on Route 66 through Peach Springs, approximately 50 miles.
Look for signs to Road 18, turn left, and follow this road for approximately
60 miles to Hualapai Hilltop. There is no gas, food or lodging after
Peach Springs. The hike starts off steep and winds down switchbacks.
The trail is rugged and rocky. Please wear well-fitted and comfortable
hiking boots. Camping is available and reservations are required.
There are limited supplies in the village. Call 1-928-448-2121.
Oatman
Oatman is a revived ghost town, about 30 miles from Laughlin. To
find the charming, preserved mining town, cross the Laughlin Bridge
to Arizona and turn right on AZ Highway 95. Go 15 miles south to
Boundary Cone Road. Turn left. Oatman is 15 miles up the road. Enjoy
refreshments in Oatman and take some photos of the wild burros roaming
the streets before venturing on by auto to find Mohave Trail. From
Oatman, head southwest about three miles on Route 66 and turn right
(about 2 miles) at the fork on Boundary Cone Road. Go to mile 9.25
for the east hiker-biker trailhead at the pullout on your left.
Follow a seven-mile section of the old railway bed, beginning about
five miles southwest of Oatman. Signs at trailheads tell about the
railroad's history. Separate trails and trailheads accommodate both
off-highway vehicles/equestrians and hikers-bikers. Cautiously driven
SUVs can follow the trail. The BLM Kingman Field Office (928-692-4400,
www.az.blm.gov)
has a map and description.
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