Jan 11, 2019 — I went a little route-planning manic and scoured maps looking for potentially interesting canyons in Lake Mead. The remoteness, desert colors, and overall vibe of Lake Mead National Recreation Area gets me so excited, and this route therefore served as a great backcountry exploration day. Start down Lonesome Wash, which leads directly east from the Eldorado Wilderness Road to the Colorado River, and break off to the north up a ridgeline. From the top of this ridgeline, you can see Peak 1963 ahead (I decided to summit this today as a bonus) and the more interesting-looking Peak 2720 in the distance (saving for another day!). Head down to a shallow wash just west of Peak 1963 and follow this to the saddle below Peak 1963. You can opt to hike the Class 2 high point to get some nice views, or just head down into the wash to the north. Assuming you summit Peak 1963, I recommend just going back down the way you came - my route down to the northeast was slightly spicier and on loose rock.
Whatever way you choose to head up to Peak 1963, or not, you'll end up entering a really pretty slot that heads east to Fenlon Bend Cove. There are no technical sections, but there is one big drop with a loose detour on the left to avoid the drop. Eventually, you'll make it to Fenlon Bend Cove. Locate a small canyon heading south away from the Cove and route-find through interesting desert scenery to the Chalk Cliffs Overlook. I highly recommend you get up the Class 2 lookout point, despite the sometimes aggravating terrain - the Chalk Cliffs are neat, and you get nice views north into the Black Canyon and south where the jagged peaks end and flatter desert begin. From the Chalk Cliffs, scramble up a Class 2 hill to work your way back into Lonesome Wash, which you then take west to get back to your car.
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