As the nation’s largest and oldest national recreation area, Lake Mead encompasses nine wilderness areas and more than 1.5 million acres across Nevada and Arizona. With so much land, there is a lot of space for equestrians to explore, mostly through the desert backcountry. Bowl of Fire is a hidden pocket of vibrant sandstone surrounded by gray limestone mountains. It is smaller than nearby (and better known) Valley of Fire, but worth a visit for the chance to ride through a unique desert landscape.
Most people visit Lake Mead National Recreation Area for the lake, but it’s also filled with rugged mountains, canyons, hot springs, and other hidden gems. Bowl of Fire is off the beaten track and sees few visitors due to the fact that there are no signs, and you can’t drive straight to it. But that just makes it a perfect place to explore on horseback, especially if you like a choose your own adventure type ride!
There are no maintained trails in the Bowl, but you will find washes and single track social trails throughout. Most of them are rideable, but not all, so use your best judgment and be safe. This is an area you just sort of meander around because the views all around are pretty spectacular. The sandstone comes in shades of red, pink, orange, and yellow. Time and erosion have left behind fascinating shapes like arches, bowls, small pinnacles, and more.
Your mileage may vary, but plan to ride about around 10 miles to see it all. There are some very rocky areas so shoes or boots are a must. Some parts are moderately technical, for navigating boulders, sandstone steps, and steep sections. You might find pools of water after recent rains in the winter, but don’t count on any in the warmer months. But, don’t plan to ride here in the summer anyway, on account of the heat.
Keep an eye open for wildflowers in the spring and roving bighorn sheep. There is no cell service within the Bowl, but there is in the surrounding areas. There are no bathrooms or garbage facilities anywhere out here, so be prepared. Bring a federal parks pass or pay the vehicle entrance fee to get into the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
Getting Here
Where to Park: There are some small parking areas and turnouts along Northshore Road, but the easiest place for rigs is the large dirt turnout at the junction with Callville Wash Road. There is plenty of space here to park and saddle up. From this spot, you can follow the wash road right to Bowl of Fire. Don’t be fooled by the word “road” – this is a rough sandy wash at best so don’t try to drive in any further.
Trail Maps
