Given the warm temperatures predicted for the area and despite the possibility of large crowds at the Hoover Dam on a Sunday, we chose to check out the historical landmark.
We drove from Las Vegas and headed South through the town of Boulder City and on to the Dam along with many, many other visitors. We stood in line, had our picture taken, went through the scanner and then on into the heart of the dam. There were 2 tours to choose from. We opted for the briefer one that began with a short video show depicting the history of the Hoover Dam. We then boarded an elevator for a 500 foot descent to get an up close look at the power plant generators housed at the base of the dam. Some of the cranes inside the Dam were made in Milwaukee at the PH Harnischfeger Corp. We were also able to see and walk through the original diversion tunnels and stand atop a giant 30 foot pipe where we could feel the rumble of the Colorado River racing below us.
After being inside we walked around the outside to a site that overlooked Lake Mead, the country's largest man-made reservoir. Lake Mead can store up to 9.2 trillion gallons of water. We stopped for a bite to eat at the local deli and then went outside again to get our car. We drove a short distance to another parking area where we could view and walk over the newly completed Hoover Dam Bypass. The Bypass was begun in late Jan. 2005 and completed on Oct 19, 2010. It spans the Black Canyon and connects the Arizona and Nevada highways nearly 900 feet above the Colorado River.
It was a very windy day when we chose to walk across the Bypass. As Renee does not like heights or bridges that tend to sway, she had some hesitation and walked on the inner most side of the walkway. After a few moments however she knew the bridge was stable and she walked to the other end taking pictures as she went along. Peter also took many pictures (all of the ones posted here are credited to him. Both enjoyed the site very much. These are just a few of the many pictures that we took on that day.
Inside the Dam.
On the outside, overlooking Lake Mead and the original visitor's center.
Before our walk over the Hoover Dam Bypass - Mike O'Callaghan and Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. Overlooks Lake Mead and the Dam and spans an area between Arizona and Nevada.
Peter standing in approximately the middle of the bridge looking down at Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam.
A look at Lake Mead and the Dam from atop the Hoover Dam Bypass.
After completing the walk across the bridge and arriving back on the Nevada side.
On a Forest Service Road still wet and muddy from Sunday's snowfall and closed to vehicles, we ventured out toward the trailhead looking for Trail 120, the pathway to Devil's Bridge. We got a late start, following some time share business, but began with the sun shining and almost no wind. It felt good to be heated by the warm sun on our bodies covered with protective clothing. We slid a lot on muddy red sand as we proceeded down the roadway. We saw the first butterflies of the year. Too quick and flighty to capture with a camera, but beautiful anyway. On first glance they appear white, with closer scrutiny bands of orange blaze along the outer edges of the wings. On the trail three hikers passed us up as we looked at plants and critters.
