White Owl New Loop (with peninsula) - 1/10/22

Lake Mead NRA from Ridge

White Owl Canyon

Lava Butte from Peninsula

Hikers above Las Vegas Wash

Sixteen hikers arrived at the old Las Vegas Marina to begin a 6 mile loop out the Shoreline Trail, through White Owl Canyon and up onto the new loop of the Powerline Road. We followed Lettie out along what used to be the shoreline of Lake Mead. It wasn't that long ago that the Las Vegas Bay receeded from the bay. Now the trail hikes through the dried up meadow and around mud/rock structures that were created by the water at one time. The area is still alive with wildlife and we saw two coyotes making their way back to their den in the grass and brush. We saw them go in but we didn't see them go out. Pups, maybe?

Las Vegas Wash

Hiking the Shoreline Trail

Wildlife seen from the Shoreline Trail

Hiking across the Peninsula

The water appeared across the mud meadow about half way out the Shoreline Trail and we saw a huge flock of water birds congregated. Not sure what the small birds were but the larger birds were definitely pelicans! They were probably migrating to the California coast for the winter. Who knows? Maybe they are enjoying our mild weather here this week! We passed the birds and finished the trail on the peninsula to the west of 33-Hole picnic area. Not that many years ago, the peninsula was almost an island. As you can see in the photo below, the island is now surrounded by the muddy grass meadowland.

View from Peninsula

Entering the "Quiet Zone"

Hiking through White Owl Canyon

Culvert below Lakeshore Road

Next, we followed the trail that led up toward the rocks and small cliffs. This curved us around into a canyon. Created by the lake waters, this canyon is interesting and mysterious. A white owl sometimes nests within its walls but hikers have to be very quiet to catch it unawares on the nest. If you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the owl flying above your head along the winding canyon. However, today, there was no owl nor any sign of avian life at all. At the other end of the canyon, we entered the large culvert that crosses under Lakeshore Road. There was a little more of the shallower canyon between this and the twin culverts that cross under the River Mountains Loop Trail. The canyon opens out here and we took our break.

Two Culverts below River Mountains Trail

Snack Break

Up Wide Wash to Narrows Scrambles

David and Brenda climb the First Scramble

Heading on up the wash, we entered its narrows section where there are two scrambles; both of them class 2-3. The first scramble has a nice climb-around but the second one requires stepping up rather steeply. After this last scramble, the new loop that we developed last year continues straight. You can see the old Powerline Road up ahead as it climbs to the only real elevation gain of the hike. Up we slowly hiked on the rocky old abandoned road. There were a few grumblings but I promised a sensational view at the top. As we crested the ridge, the group got quiet then started with the oohs and aahs! Yep. Sensational. Lake Mead could be seen to the right and, ahead, we could see all the way to the Muddy Mountains wherein lies Anniversary Narrows and the Bowls of Fire.

Powerline Road seen after Second Scramble

The Elevation Gain

Rewarding view at Top

Starting down the Powerline Road

Immediately below us was a large colorful wash and our old road led down above, along its rim. As the road gets steeper, the rocks become rollier so care must be taken about where you step as your eyes keep being drawn to the views. Before long, the road offers a turn to the right. If you go straight, you can wind your way down into the exit wash used for the White Owl Canyon Long Route. We turned to the right for a shorter route and followed a couple of ridges down to the River Mountains Loop Trail. It is a longish hike down but the views never end! We spilled out onto the cement trail and turned to the left. Staying on the right side of the trail, we were prepared for any bikers to whiz by on our left. After passing over Hippie Canyon, we hiked by an embankment spilling over onto the pavement.

View from Descent

Powerline Road curves to the Right

Powerline Road

Junction with River Mountains Trail

Here, we turned to the right, dropped down a hill and crossed Lakeshore Road to enter the Las Vegas Bay Overlook picnic area. We hiked straight toward the "lake" and found the trail that led out to the old broken up cement overlook platform. In one of the next gulleys, we found the trail down to the shoreline trail and circled back around to the old marina and our cars. It was a great day and a beautiful hike. Very nice to see a lot of old friends.

Stats: 5.9 miles; 900' gain; 3.25 hours

Cutting down to Picnic Area Turnout

Previous Bay Overlook

Trail down to Old Marina Area