Changed to Mead

[gerds]

Well, we are going to change our June 1-8 trip to Havasu to Mead. QC, thanks for all of your helpful advice. We are looking at staying either at Lake Mead Resort Marina, or Echo Bay. Any imput on these two or any other lodging and slips on the lake is helpful.
Thanks, George

 

[QC]

Re: Changed to Mead

Welllllll, imagine that, I have opinions on there too . . . We stay at the: Hacienda Hotel and Casino

It is 10 minutes from the ramp at Lake Mead Marina. The hotel at the Marina is not at the marina and is also not on the water, so this place gives us more to do when we are off the water. The slips at LMR are first come first served with an odd twist. If you pull up (all side ties) to their courtesy dock, it's yours. You get a sticker and voila super easy . . . One problem, if you leave and someone else takes your spot, tough ship. So it only works at the end of the day, and you have to just hope there is a spot available . . . We get in at 4:00 mid summer for this reason which is too early but works. So we just make it a full day, coming and going is tough with a big group. On the lake from 10 - 4 and back to the Hacienda. We do this 4 - 5 times a year.

The Hotel at Echo is OK, but with the Lake as far down as it is, it is a long way down to the water. Also, the Virgin arm is the most boring if you ask us . . .

More links for Mead:

http://www.nps.gov/lame/index.htm

http://www.usbr.gov/lc/riverops.html

http://www.instacam.com/showcam.asp?id=LAKMD&size=S

http://www.sunsetcities.com/lake-mead-marina.html

http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=Boulder+City,+NV

Keep checking back, and asking mo questions. There is a LOT to know about Mead, and it can make you or break you with really BIG wind . . .

 

[gerds]

Re: Changed to Mead

Speaking of the wind.... We have a 20' open bow. My concern with lake mead marina is, it being on the main part of the lake, will we get tossed around on our way out exploring? Reading about Echo Bay, it seems like its what were looking for, being right on the water. Is that the area you say is the boring area of the lake?
The Hacienda sounds interesting, I'll check into that.
I'll sure we'll have alot more questions soon.
Thanks, George

 

[gerds]

Re: Changed to Mead

One more: we are going the first week of June. Do you think getting a slip on a first come first serve basis will be a problem this time of year?
I checked out the Hacienda, it does sound like the way to go!!!!
I kind of had my heart set on staying somwhere right on the water but I think I can get over that.

 

[QC]

Re: Changed to Mead

The best place for "right on the water" is Temple Bar. Huge drive, but worth it if you want to get away from it all. Also, protected from the prevailing south wind somewhat.

Also, do not be fooled. You can get your arse handed to you anywhere on Mead, and I bought my 23 footer specifically for that reason. In June expect some winds out of the South. At least from the Hacienda you have two options. If it is gonna blow hard, you can launch below the dam at Willow Beach (Mohave) and power up to Hoover Dam or power down towards Cottonwood Cove. I have only done this once when they were literally keeping everybody off the lake. There are steep canyon walls and it stays reasonable.

The other option is to hug the south shore all of the way as far as you want to go. The worst part is crossing in front of the slot that goes to the dam on the return. Also, there is a huge wall called the Hemenway Wall that blocks the wind just south of LMR. People hang out over there a lot.

Something to know about Mead is that there are very few beaches (the only benefit of Echo). Again, I will help you out as much as possible. Much to learn, but well worth it if you like big adventures. Our favorite day is one that allows us to cross from the Boulder Basin to the Temple Basin (around 70 miles round trip). Great beaches at Mushroom Reef. Anyway, you must cross the Virgin Basin which is a good 15 miles across and the real "main part of the lake" If you want the safest launch ramp to explore from it's probably Callville Bay. There are beaches immediately east of there and some of the most beautiful coves a little further east. This is the area we hang out in if we are short on time or somebody is not comfortable about the crossing . . .

 

[blues]

Re: Changed to Mead

virgin basin is my best fishing area on the lake, I always launched from calville bay, but, since I have moved out of vegas,and live south of hoover dam,
I now launch at temple bar,. and may try south cove,.from south cove ,there a place called sandy point, a very large sandy beach area east of south cove,
this is a somewhat remote area of mead. I have only explored that area one time,.
it is on my list of places to go,.
but,.,., the hacienda has always been a favorite stop, great buffet and prime rib special,. and a relaxed resort atmosphere---
the fiesta in henderson is another good one,boat friendly place,.
and to escape the winds, I also have launched at willow beach.
about 11 miles south of hoover dam.
that lake mojave is really nice, and lots of beaches, as you head south, say, 5 miles south
I will be there wednesday.... or thursday,.,..