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Lava Butte
Lake Mead NRA, Nevada
April 19, 2011
Distance: 2.5 km (1.6 mi)
Cumulative Elevation Gain: 330 m (1083 ft)
When Dinah and I first drove through Lake Mead Recreational Area two years ago, my attention was drawn to a monticule called Lava Butte. This solitary peak struck me as an interesting half-day hike, and if ever there was a time to do it, this was it. Suffering a head cold, I wanted to bag a peak but didn't wish to risk worsening my illness.
After parking at the trailhead under crackling power lines, we hiked cross-country to the mountain's north ridge where we came across a trail. We followed the ridgeline trail to the summit. For the effort, the views were excellent. But although I didn't find the climb taxing, I underestimated the physical demands of this small peak. Hours after finishing our climb, my cold moved into my chest. For me, Lava Butte may have extracted a toll, but I have no regrets.
Lava Butte on the right
Crossing the desert flats to the ridge
Beavertail cacti were blooming (mouse over for a close-up)
Starting up the ridge
Looking back along the ridge
The trail disappeared in the rocks
Mount Wilson (Arizona) rises above Fortification Hill and Lake Mead
Frenchman Mountain
Muddy Mountains lie northeast
We saw dozens of desert blister beetles eating flowers
Halfway up
Almost at the summit
On the summit
Heading down from the summit
Near the trail we found a memorial to a dog
Frenchman Mountain (1.6 mi, 2861 ft, 1079 ft)