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Liberty Bell Peak
Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Arizona
April 20, 2009
Distance: 6.4 km (4.0 mi)
Cumulative Elevation Gain: 284 m (932 ft)
With temperatures on the rise, Dinah and I decided to do a short, late-morning hike. It's laughable that Liberty Bell Peak rises a mere 30 m above the trailhead, but the trail drops down 100 m to only 392 m above sea level before rising to 512 m at the peak.
To reach the trailhead, we had to drive across the Hoover Dam – an impressive sight to be sure – and cross into Arizona.
The draw on this hike is Liberty Bell Arch, a huge arch reminiscent of Liberty Bell. As well, there are remains of mines long since closed. Past the arch, the trail reaches Black Canyon Overlook for the Colorado River. And of course, like most desert peaks, we would see lizards scurrying around and plenty of cacti.
We took our time exploring our surroundings as we made our way to the summit, but coming down we realized we better hoof it back to the car. The temperature reached 36°C and it would undoubtedly get hotter.
The trail starts by turning right and dropping down
Great basin whiptail is noted for its long tail (mouse over for another view)
Blazing star
Hiking down the trail
This cable car hauled magnesium ore during World War II (mouse over for a closer look)
The trail drops down before the arch
Striking cloud formations hung over Liberty Bell Peak (left)
Liberty Bell Arch comes into view.
Barrel Cactus
I tried to reach the arch but it was too steep and the rock crumbly
Looking back at the arch after we continued on to the Colorado River overlook
Dinah stands on Black Canyon Overlook
The Colorado River from the overlook
The view east: the white speck on the river is a raft (mouse over for a close-up)
Looking toward Hoover Dam, we can see the
Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge under construction (mouse over)
We left the overlook to climb Liberty Bell Peak
Dinah starts climbing
Almost at the summit
Coming down we can see the trail going to the overlook
Hoover Dam
Ringbolt Rapids (4.0 mi, 1680 ft, 394 ft)