ROUTE 66 Road Trip By Kimber Williams

The Solitudes Photo courtesy of Ithe Commission of Tourism. of Commission Nevada Ithe of courtesy Photo Red Rock Canyon Photo courtesy of Ithe Nevada Commission of Tourism. of Commission Nevada Ithe of courtesy Photo Once you get your fill of neon and glitz, step beyond the bright lights of Las Vegas to stretch your legs and your spirit amid an unspoiled landscape of big rocks Photo courtesy of Ithe Nevada Commission of Tourism. of Commission Nevada Ithe of courtesy Photo Ward Charcoal Oven and broad horizons. State Historical Park  Scenic Route Vol.2 / No. 1 ROUTE 66 Road Trip Nevada, Naturally

he Las Vegas strip cel- place to catch your breath. cruising U.S. Highway 93, which ebrates a delightfully In southeastern Nevada, it seems, stretches north of Las Vegas through unnatural world, a it really is possible to have the best the Sheep Range and Delamar T place where the Eiffel of both worlds. Mountains. It’s a trek that’s well- tower rises just blocks away from the known to snowbirders and routinely Statue of Liberty, where pirate ships North: Seeking populated by RVers en route to the do battle in the city streets and gon- the Solitudes next big adventure. dolas glide through the desert. Diane and Patrick Filbin make But the region is also a wor- But just beyond the surreal urban their home in northern Nevada, near thy destination in itself, ripe with playground of this fast-growing Reno, and have camped throughout uncluttered views, rugged undu- community stretches a world of nat- Nevada and Arizona in their 23- lating terrain and wide-open blue ural wonders: towering mountains, foot Trail-Cruiser travel trailer. So skies. To people like the Filbins, it windsculpted sandstone, sparkling they’ve figured out one of the big is desolate and vast and beautiful in high-desert lakes and miles of quiet secrets to desert driving: Stop. Get its simplicity. Little wonder Nevada hiking trails. out. Breathe. Experience it. has dubbed this portion of the state Head due west out of Vegas and “You really have to stop and get “The Solitudes.” As state tourism you can experience the raw, craggy out and look around,” Diane explained. literature touts, the wide unbridled landscape of Red Rock Canyon, just “Otherwise, you miss so much.” landscape is “an hour north of Vegas minutes away by RV, auto or bicycle. Desert driving may well be an and a million miles away.” Amble northward and sample the var- acquired taste. One driver may gaze While on a return trip from vis- ied geographic flavors along the Great upon the dry, sweeping landscape, iting their daughter, who teaches Basin Scenic Byway, a region that see monotonous sameness, and rush school in Las Vegas, the Filbins took boasts Nevada’s highest concentra- to move through it. Another driver some time to appreciate the scenery tion of state parks. Aim eastward and will revel in the spice-colored scen- and scout future camping spots for explore the expansive, rippling shore- ery, see it as a fascinating geological family gatherings. There are plenty line of Lake Mead and the engineering sculpture garden, and pull into every to choose from. marvel of Hoover Dam. Choose a scenic turnout. “There are all these parks avail- northeasterly route, and you’ll find Count the Filbins among the able all the way up through here,” yourself gawking at the ancient, multi- latter. Patrick explained. hued palette of the Valley of Fire. “When you bother to stop, you That’s seven state parks, to be Best of all, the sites are really no notice different things every time,” exact, with a spectacular national gamble — they’re close at hand with Diane Filbin said. “Just driving park thrown in for good measure. entrance and camping fees that won’t through you don’t always appreciate Just wandering from state park to break the bank. Most of these natural the beauty.” state park makes for some great, attractions are an easy drive from the “Plus, at this altitude, things scenery-packed driving. But be sure frenetic pace of downtown Vegas, really cool down at night. It’s not as to poke into some of the small towns yet feel a galaxy apart. For many, hot out here as it is in Las Vegas,” along the way, each offering their the serene, open spaces are a perfect Patrick Filbin added. own peculiar history. antidote to the clatter of casinos. Around the start of the new Here’s a quick primer on the A welcome change of scenery, a year, the Filbins found themselves variety of views that await you:

(Right, top to bottom) Beyond Las Vegas lies a land of sweeping vistas and scenery-packed drives, from the vast, craggy desertland dubbed “The Solitudes” to lively Red Rock Canyon, just 17 miles west of town and a hiker’s paradise. Spring Valley State Park and the Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historical Park may be off the beaten path, but worth the short trek from U.S. 93. Cathedral Gorge (Main) With fascinating spires, caves and pillars carved by erosion, Cathedral Gorge State Park  State Park offers hikers hands-on adventure. Scenic Route Vol.2 / No. 1 Beaver Dam State Park, voir. Boaters are welcome, but boats must not Caliente, Nevada exceed 5 mph or create a wake. With deep canyons of wrinkled volcanic Open year-round, the park is popular for rock, rolling pinion, juniper and ponderosa camping, boating, fishing and winter sports pine woodlands, meandering streams (that including ice fishing, cross-country skiing actually host beaver dams) and a small and ice-skating. Given the park’s elevation, reservoir, this is considered Nevada’s most visitors can expect harsh winters and mild primitive and rustic park. The drive to reach summers. Sheepherders are known to make it is one clue of the remoteness — head 28 summer camp in the area, and deer hunters miles east of U.S. 93 on a graded gravel use park campsites in the fall, but hunting is road, which is actually not advised for large not allowed within the park. motorhomes. The park features two designated camp- But those who make the journey find grounds: Elk Flat and Lake View. Both offer dancing rainbow trout break the waters flush toilets and showers. A fee of $14 cov- on well-stocked Schroeder Reservoir, quiet ers entrance and camping. All campsites are camping and hiking that takes you past a level and include a fire pit with grill, table 20-foot waterfall. and parking. Access roads to the campsites A note of caution: Visitors should call are generally unpaved. first to check on current conditions. A breach In mid-January, the park is also home to Photo courtesy of Ithe Nevada Commission of Tourism. of Commission Nevada Ithe of courtesy Photo in the dam last year emptied the reservoir the White Pine Fire and Ice Show, a popular Bristlecone Pine and damaged some hiking trails. regional snow and ice-sculpting competition. Facilities include three campgrounds with some sites suitable for trailers up to 20 Echo Canyon State feet long. Water hydrants are available May Park, Pioche, Nevada through October. There is no trash collection. Anglers will certainly want to check Entrance and camping fees are $10, but out this 65-acre reservoir and campground first call (775) 726-3564. located 12 miles east of Pioche. The water- front features a boat ramp, fish-cleaning sta-

ational Park ational Cathedral Gorge State tion and picnic area. The reservoir is stocked Park, Panaca, Nevada with rainbow trout, but also attracts a variety A well-appointed regional visitor’s center of water birds, including an occasional trum-

N along U.S. 93 marks the entrance to this sce- peter swan.

Photo courtesy of Ithe Nevada Commission of Tourism. of Commission Nevada Ithe of courtesy Photo nic canyon, so take time to stop in. The center You’ll also find 33 campsites, with flush Lehman Caves offers an excellent orientation to the region toilets and an RV dump station. Drinking and indoor toilets . . . a welcome amenity in water is available near each site. The fee the desert, we found. for entrance and camping is a bargain at The picturesque park is only a short drive $10. Hikers will enjoy the Ash Canyon trail, away, located in a long, narrow valley that which leads into the park’s vast back country. really does appear to be some kind of natu- The 2.5-mile trail begins in the upper camp- ral wonderland. Centuries of erosion have ground, climbs 800 feet in 1/3 mile to the sculpted the native soft bentonite clay into valley rim and descends into Ash Canyon. fantastic caves, gothic pillars and cathedral- It joins the highway in Rose Valley near like spires. Hiking trails abound, offering the eastern park entrance and returns to the hands-on adventure for kids. campground through Echo Canyon. Indian Shaded picnic areas and a no-frills tree- artifacts and ancient petroglyphs can still be

Photo courtesy of Ithe Nevada Commission of Tourism. of Commission Nevada Ithe of courtesy Photo shaded 22-site campground (with dump sta- found in the area, but are protected under Mt. Charleston tion, restrooms and showers) are available. federal law and should be left untouched. (top to bottom) Bristlecone pines — the lon- Camping is first come, first serve. Pay the gest living trees on earth — can be found at $4 entrance fee and drive or hike about, or Great Basin National Wheeler Peak, in Great Basin National Park, simply drive a mile north on U.S. 93 to Miller Park, Baker, Nevada thriving in harsh conditions and high-altitude. Point. It’s a popular scenic overlook located Nevada’s only national park is located Lehman Caves, in Great Basin National Park, is loaded with dramatic limestone formations. just off the highway where the view is spec- an hour’s drive east of Ely and includes Tours are offered daily, except Thanksgiving, tacular and free. access to a glacier, Lehman Caves National Christmas and New Year’s days. With an ele- Monument, and the popular 12-mile vation of 11,918 feet, Mt. Charleston stands , Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, with its ancient as the centerpiece of the Spring Mountain Ely, Nevada bristlecone pine forests. Schedules for rang- , less than an hour’s drive from Las Vegas. Considered one of the most scenic moun- er-led tours of the limestone caves with their tain parks in Nevada, Cave Lake State Park breathtaking geologic formations are posted sits high in the at an at the visitor center. Park elevations range 10 elevation of 7,300 feet. The park is 15 miles from 7,000 to 13,063 feet above sea level. Scenic Route Vol.2 / No. 1 southeast of Ely and boasts a 32-acre reser- There is no entrance fee for the park. Great Basin Basin Great Las Vegas that Las Vegas is one of the nation’s fastest- Boulevard growing cities. Expect road construction and delays, and don’t expect to find curbside parking may be the downtown. brightest The state of Nevada actively markets to RVers. Request RV-specific travel brochures and offical scenic “Open Roads: A Road Guide to RVing” by calling (800) Nevada-8. You may also want to check byway in www.travelnevada.com, which provides a link to the nation. search for RV Parks, mileage charts and weather. Those who wish to stay close to the action along the Vegas strip may want to consider:

KOA at Circus Circus 500 Circus Circus Dr. Las Vegas, NV 89109 (702) 794-3757; (800) 634-3450 • 399 sites with full hookups, swimming pool, jacuzzi, restrooms and showers, playground, convenience store and pet run. Located on the northern end of the strip.

Hitchin’ Post RV Park 3640 Las Vegas Blvd. North Las Vegas, NV 89115 (702) 644-1043 • 185 sites with pull-throughs, showers and restrooms, laundry, swimming pool and Internet access

Mahoney’s Silver Nugget RV Park 2140 North Las Vegas Blvd. By night, this famous chunk of concrete — considered one of the city’s more “family North Las Vegas, NV from Washington Avenue to Sahara Avenue friendly” resorts. (702) 649-7439 — shimmers supernaturally with the neon glow Though admittedly mostly concrete and palm • 152 sites with full hookups, restrooms, cast from thousands of glaring, blinking, sputter- trees, the RV park offers 399 spaces in a showers, pool, and laundry. Located two miles ing casino lights. tidy, attractive setting with north of downtown Las Vegas. The three-mile “Vegas full-service utility hookups, strip” definitely offers its own swimming pool and jacuzzi, Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort kind of eye-popping scenery showers and restrooms, a 2711 West Windmill and plenty of local history, laundromat, playground, Las Vegas, NV with long-standing casinos, convenience stores and pet (702) 260-2000; (800) 566-4708 landmark architecture, muse- runs. Plus, the family had • Over 700 landscaped sites, beachfront pool, ums and wedding chapels, access to restaurants, shop- spas, 18-hole putting course and 24-hour all stuffed into the very heart ping, entertainment, the security. Just south of Strip with daily shuttle of Las Vegas. “world’s largest permanent service to Strip. Increasingly, it’s a scene circus” and gaming action that’s accessible to RVs. With at Circus Circus — all Riviera Travel Trailer Park RV parks springing up in the told, a bargain for this San 2200 Palm St. parking lots of long-estab- Francisco Bay-area family. Las Vegas, NV lished casinos, and shuttle “It would be nice to (702) 457-8700 service to the Vegas strip Juan Caballero have more green areas, but • 136 sites with shade trees, heated pool and from outlying parks, RVers and family it’s really not bad,” said jacuzzi, laundry, restrooms. Within walking are finding a welcome home- Caballero, who drove his distance of casinos. away-from-home in Vegas. 31-foot Fleetwood Jamboree Take Juan Caballero, for instance. from Oakley, California. Showboat Hotel RV Park When he decided to bring his wife and daugh- As Caballero pointed out, road noise from 2800 Fremont St. ter to Las Vegas, it made sense to stay at the nearby Las Vegas Boulevard really wasn’t that Las Vegas, NV 89104 Circusland RV Park — a tree-studded setting obtrusive, even in mid-day. The climate was (800) 826-2800 and (702) 383-9333 managed by KOA that happens to sit directly great, the neighbors friendly, and downtown • 84 sites with hookups, private showers, next to Circus Circus Hotel and Casino, located attractions were within easy reach. laundry, cable TV, telephone and sewer. Located on the northern end of the Las Vegas strip and Ready to tackle Vegas by RV? Just remember behind hotel and casino. ommended beyond Upper Lehman Spring Valley massive ovens held about 35 cords Good Eats, Creek Campground. Campers will State Park, of wood. Great Sites: also find a restaurant and small Pioche, Nevada Located seven miles south of • The Historic Silver grocery store and unmanned gas The sprawling contours of 65- Ely, then 11 miles southwest via Cafe, Pioche pumps in nearby Baker. All camp- acre Reservoir appear Cave Valley Road, visitors must • The Union-Pacific ing is first come, first served. in the desert like a great liquid travel a graded dirt road that is Railroad Station, mirage, offering water-oriented accessible most of the year. The Caliente Kershaw-Ryan recreation and trophy-class walleye park also offers primitive camping. • Mineral spring baths, Caliente State Park, fishing. Anglers can cast for rain- Those who spend the night are said • Historic mining camp Caliente, Nevada bow and cutthroat trout, and rain- to be treated to some of the starriest towns, including Situated just three miles south bow and brown trout can be caught skies in the Western United States. Bristol, Hiko and of Caliente off U.S. 93, the steep, in the stream below the reservoir. Willow Creek Campground Delamar rugged walls of this hidden can- The park is located 20 miles has 14 campsites with two large • Scenic drive through Rainbow Canyon yon once sheltered homesteading east of Pioche via State Route 322. pull-through sites, one handicapped • Lincoln County settlers. Today, a lush curtain of Snow may make winter access designated site and two restrooms. Museum, Pioche grapevines covers the 500-foot cliffs. difficult although it is open year- A yurt is also available, by making • Hansen’s Fine Foods, This secluded park presents a visual round. In addition to boating, hik- reservations. Drinking water is Caliente surprise in the arid desert, featuring ing and picnicking, visitors will available May through September • Nevada Northern Railway, Ely hiking past cold running springs, find campgrounds, restrooms with from a hydrant near the camp- waterfalls, thickets of gambel oak showers and RV dump stations. ground entrance. A fee of $10 trees and picnic sites. Camping is not Park entrance is $4 for day visits covers entrance and camping. Don’t Forget yet allowed, but mark this mini-oasis or $14 if you plan to camp. Group • Water, water, water as an ideal spot for an impromptu camping is also available. West: Red Rock • Hats, sunscreen, sun- picnic. Entrance fee is $4. Canyon glasses Ward Charcoal Let’s say you prefer the des- • A good camera Pahranagat Ovens State ert in small doses, so driving • Binoculars for watch- ing birds and rock National Wildlife Historic Park, for hours through sand and sun climbers Refuge, Alamo, Ely, Nevada doesn’t appeal. • Good hiking gear Nevada In the shadow of Great Basin Red Rock Canyon National • Bicycles The name comes from a Paiute National Park lies a historic curios- Conservation Area is the place word meaning “Valley of Shining ity: six beehive-shaped charcoal for you. Route 66 Waters,” and the four masses of ovens. The ovens were used in the Here, craggy sandstone rises like Regional ROUTE 66 water that make up this 5,380-acre late 19th century to produce char- great knobs of muscle — a striking RV Network Dealers: wildlife refuge stand in sharp con- coal for use in smelters at nearby contrast of rich russet rock against Sierra RV Sales & trast to the miles of sunbaked desert silver mines. Today, the area also an achingly blue desert sky. Rentals that surround it. Located along the offers facilities for picnicking, Located just 17 miles west of 9125 S. Virginia St. famed Pacific flyway, the lakes and hiking and camping, and memo- Las Vegas off State Route 159 Reno, NV 89511 marshes provide habitat to over 200 rable views of the nearby Steptoe (straight west out busy Charleston (775) 324-0522 species of migrating birds, includ- Valley — a good deal for a $4 Boulevard if you’re coming from ing songbirds, waterfowl, shore- entrance fee. town), the 83,100-acre canyon The main entrance is five miles birds and raptors. The 33-foot-tall ovens were said features a winding 13-mile, one- west of Baker, Nevada. Four devel- The refuge is adjacent to U.S. to be built by Swiss-Italian char- way scenic drive with plenty of oped campgrounds offer water (in 93, is easily seen from the road and coal workers called “Carbonari.” scenic turnouts, a visitor’s center the summer), restrooms, fire rings, offers a welcome break. It’s a good The ovens were crafted from with restrooms and cold water. and picnic tables. place to stretch your legs, get out native quartz quarried from near Over a million people are drawn Camping fees range from $12 the binoculars or enjoy a picnic. the ovens. The distinctive beehive here every year for the hiking, to $25 per night, depending on the Primitive camping is permitted along shape was thought to be a more rock climbing, biking and terrific campground, or $6 to $12 with a the eastern shore of the upper lake efficient way to render pinyon and Mojave Desert scenery. Best of all, Golden Age or Access Passport. and restrooms are available. juniper into charcoal. Each of the it’s an easy trek from Las Vegas Dump station fees are $5. The Lower Lehman Creek camp- site offers a limited number of pull-through sites for small RVs (left to right) An RVer finds or trailers. However, RVs are not an impromptu campsite near Pahranagat National recommended at the Grey Cliffs Wildlife Refuge. Harnessing Group Campground or Wheeler the power of the Colorado Peak Campground. In fact, vehicles River, Hoover Dam presents over 24 feet in length are not rec- a majestic spectacle.

12 Scenic Route Vol. 2 / No. 1

just beyond the Muddy Mountains. River runoff has been far below To reach the park, take Nevada normal in recent years. The lakes Route 169 at Crystal to reach the are usually at their highest eleva- entrance. A visitor’s center explores tion in late fall and early spring. the region’s complex geologic his- But variations in water levels can tory, and is a recommended first create fresh dangers to boaters and stop. But be sure to bring your own challenges at launch ramps. water or beverages; you won’t find Still, the region remains the heart a concession stand here. of a rich recreation zone. At 1.5 The park is famous for both million acres, this recreation area is its human and geologic histories. twice the size of Rhode Island and Here, you’ll find ancient Indian conjoins three major deserts, the petroglyphs and a smorgasbord of Mojave, the Great Basin and the unusual rock formations, includ- Sonoran Desert. That makes for an ing such landmarks as Arch Rock, intriguing blend of water and land Piano Rock, Elephant Rock, Seven activities, including fishing, boat- Sisters, Poodle Rock, Rainbow ing, camping and hiking. Vista and Fire Canyon. All sites It’s also an easy 25-minute are generally accessible through drive from downtown Las Vegas the park’s scenic roads. via Lake Mead Parkway. Visitors Open year-round, the park offers can get their bearings at the Alan generally mild temperatures in the Bible Visitor Center, located four winter, though spring and fall are miles northeast of Boulder City, considered the best seasons to visit. Nevada, on U.S. 93. Don’t forget your camera. Entrance fees are $6, or $14 if (top) Though its waters are low, Lake Mead is still an impressive you intend to camp. Two camp- sight and represents the heart of a rich recreation zone. (left to grounds offer 51 sites, with shaded Where to Stay: right) RV campsites with full hookups abound around Lake Mead, Lake Mead tables, grills, water and restrooms. RV Campsites on which is an easy 25-minute drive from downtown Las Vegas. A dump station is also available. Lake Mead • Callville Bay Resort, East: Lake (702) 565-8958 and a fine way to fill an afternoon. five climbing destinations. Vertical Mead National • Echo Bay Resort, (702) 394-4000 For those who prefer to linger, routes routinely draw climbers Recreation Area/ • Lakeshore seasonal camping is available at from around the world, who are Hoover Dam Trailer Village, (702) 293-2540 the Red Rock Canyon Campground fun to watch, even if you don’t From the air, the sprawl- • Overton from September through May. The want to attempt any big wall climbs ing body of water that straddles Beach Resort, campground is located two miles yourself. The scenic drive remains the border between Nevada and (702) 394-4040 • Temple Bar Resort, east of the Visitor Center on State a favorite with cyclists, and is rela- Arizona seems to meander forever. (520) 767-3211 Route 159. Campsites are first tively safe. Just bring lots of water. Restrained by the great Hoover On Lake Mohave come, first served and offer barbe- Entrance fees are required, but Dam, this is where the Colorado • Cottonwood cue grills, picnic tables, trash col- reasonable at $5 per vehicle. A River becomes America’s largest Cove Resort, lection, a water tank and pit toilets. year-long pass is a bargain at $20. man-made reservoir. (702) 297-1464 • Lake Mohave Resort, Red Rock Canyon presents an The Lake Mead National (520) 754-3245 amazing array of hiking possibili- Northeast: Valley Recreation Area actually encom- State/National Park ties, with 19 designated trails, rang- of Fire State Park, passes two large bodies of water, Campsites ing from short and easy to long and Overton, Nevada the 110-mile-long Lake Mead and • Beaver Dam, strenuous. Hikes can take you past Wind and water have carved a 67-mile-long Lake Mohave. Caliente (775) 726-3564 desert flora, Triassic fossils, prickly masterpiece in the red sandstone val- It may come as a bit of a shock • Cave Lake, Ely, Joshua trees, towering canyon walls, ley that lies less than an hour north- to look at this massive body of water (775) 728-4460 • Cathedral old homesteads and dramatic rock east of Las Vegas. Valley of Fire and realize that the water level in Gorge, Panaca formations. Desert Bighorn sheep, may be Nevada’s oldest and largest Lake Mead is lower than it has been (775) 728-4460 wild horses and burros are often state park, but the scenery seems to in over 40 years. High water marks • Echo Canyon, Pioche, (775) 962-5103 spotted along the barren hillsides. In change constantly, with the shifting linger on surrounding rocks like a • Great Basin National fact, wild burros often wander onto slant of the sun coaxing a variety of dirty bathtub ring. Small islands rise Park, Baker (775) 234-7331 roadways, so be alert. colors from this rugged land. above the water like abnormally • Spring Valley With more than 2,000 climb- The drive north on I-15 out of Las yeasty loaves of bread. State Park, Pioche (775) 962-5102 ing routes, Red Rock Canyon has Vegas doesn’t provide an adequate Hydrologists say water levels • Valley of Fire State become one of the nation’s top hint of the scenery that lies in store are falling because the Colorado Park, Overton (702) 397-2088 14 Scenic Route Vol. 2 / No. 1

Powered awnings aren’t just for the big rigs anymore!

Ideal for 5th Wheels & Travel Trailers. Easy, push-button operation.

Patrick and Diane Filbin, of Dayton, Nevada, enjoy the scenic desert drive along U.S. Highway 93, where we caught them scouting future campsites.

Entrance fees are $5 per vehicle for those who plan to stay one to five days, or $20 for an annual pass and may be paid at four locations, including East Lake Mead Drive, East Lake Mead Boulevard, Boulder Beach and Katherine Landing. Here, camping is considered a year-round activity. Visitors will find a range of accommodation, including hotels, campgrounds, multiple marinas and RV Parks. Reservations are accepted only for group campsites. All campgrounds offer restrooms, running water, dump sta- Now you can have the same tions, grills, tables and some shade. convenience and ease of use of an Park concessionaires provide RV sites with full electric awning as you’ve seen on those big, luxurious hookups (electric, water and sewage) at Callville Bay, Echo motorhomes at a fraction of the cost. Why get an electric awning when Bay, Lakeshore Trailer Village (Boulder Beach), Overton Beach, Temple Bar, Cottonwood Cove and Lake Mohave the manual roll up awning on your trailer is working just fine?” Here’s why: Resort (Katherine). 1 Electric awnings are easy to use Any family member But you really can’t make it this far without pay- can operate the awning. ing a visit to nearby Hoover Dam, widely considered the greatest dam constructed in its day and the historic 2 You can extend and retract the awning in seconds springboard for the economic growth of Las Vegas. If you’re pulling off the road for a quick lunch push the button and With its distinctive arch-gravity construction, Hoover the awning is set up in less than 20 seconds! Or, if a big storm Dam is said to be the highest concrete dam in the Western comes up in the middle of the night push a button and the awning Hemisphere, rising 726 feet above desert bedrock. A visit is fully retracted and safe from the weather. You don’t have to to the dam offers a dramatic spectacle with majestic views wrestle the awning in the wind and rain to put it away! and hands-on history lessons. 3 Carefree uses worm-gear motors so you can rest Be advised: The dam is also a huge traffic bottleneck. It’s assured the awning won’t billow while your traveling. the only crossing point over the Colorado River for hundreds of miles. A quick visit may require a significant time com- Easy, push-button operation . . . mitment, much of it spent sitting in creeping traffic, even Ideal for 5th Wheels & Travel Trailers off-season. Traffic is heaviest on the weekend and holidays. Approaching from the west on U.S. 93, we found that Now your Travel Trailer or 5th wheel traveling the last four miles took over 20 minutes of inching can have the same convenience as a forward and riding brakes on steep hills. All RVs, campers big motorhome. Just push a button and towable trailers must be prepared to pull off for a full and the Travel’r extends or retracts. security check. Signs caution that delays of up to 30 minutes are possible. It’s as easy as that! Still, it’s an impressive sight . . . a massive sweep of a smooth concrete apron hugged by the rugged walls of Black Canyon. Parking costs $7 and is limited. Oversized vehicles, including RVs, will likely be directed to overflow parking on the Arizona side. Guided tours are available into the dam and around the generating rooms inside for a fee. But if lines are too long, it’s www.carefreeofcolorado.com worth it to simply walk across the dam and soak in the view. If you want to avoid crowds, try visiting in January or

February, and try to arrive early in the day. [ 16 Scenic Route Vol. 2 / No. 1