We decided to drive out to see the Valley of Fire state park. Most people get to this area off of I-15, but we chose to come in 'the back way' via Lake Meade's Northshore Drive. Lake Meade's water levels seem to be at historic lows. This makes the lake less attractive, but the bigger issue is what this means for water availability down the road.
Shortly before getting to the eastern entrance to VOF we stopped at a North Shore marina area called Echo Bay. About ten years ago we flew into the Echo Bay airport to participate in a flying club outing on Lake Meade on a houseboat. The airport runway is now a decent 3400 feet long and paved. When we landed there it was shorter and strictly dirt. Both then and now it slopes down toward the lake and being in the desert has its share of very windy days. Anyway, on our way out of town after the house boat trip it was an 'E coupon' ride taking off downhill with a 20 mile per hour tail wind on a short dirt runway. It was nostalgic to go back and see the area.
From Echo Bay, it was only about 15 minutes away to the eastern entrance to Valley of Fire State Park. This 36,000 acre area derives its name from the brilliant sandstone formations that were created 150 million years ago by a great shifting of sand that continued to change over time from wind and water erosion. This park provides some of the greatest scenery available in the Mojave Desert.
Like other settings of this type the extensive panoramas are difficult to capture with conventional cameras. A best attempt is included at the following link: Valley of Fire Pictures
There are campsites available including many for RV's. One campground has hookups available for an additional $10 per night.
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