Fenlon Bend Cove and Chalk Cliffs Loop in Lake Mead National Recreation Area, NV

Hike Fenlon Bend Cove and Chalk Cliffs Loop Lake Mead National Recreation Area, NV

Class 2 10.2 miles 2600 gain 5-7 hrs Loop Jan 11, 2019
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

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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.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Peak 1963
1963 ft
483 rise
2
Chalk Cliffs Overlook
920 ft
120 rise

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Starting down Lonesome Wash as I attempt to find a path of least resistance up and over a hump.
Starting down Lonesome Wash as I attempt to find a path of least resistance up and over a hump.
Along the ridge over a hump, Peak 1963 visible on the far right. A more interesting-looking peak that I didn't do in the center.
Along the ridge over a hump, Peak 1963 visible on the far right. A more interesting-looking peak that I didn't do in the center.
Looking back toward the Colorado River and Lonesome Wash before I descend from the hump into the wash south of Peak 1963.
Looking back toward the Colorado River and Lonesome Wash before I descend from the hump into the wash south of Peak 1963.
About to descend the hump to the wash visible below. I then went to toward the center of this photo in that drainage west of Peak 1963.
About to descend the hump to the wash visible below. I then went to toward the center of this photo in that drainage west of Peak 1963.
Within the drainage west of Peak 1963.
Within the drainage west of Peak 1963.
At the saddle to the northwest of Peak 1963, headed up and around to its summit.
At the saddle to the northwest of Peak 1963, headed up and around to its summit.
Class 2+ to the summit.
Class 2+ to the summit.
Peak 1963 summit, looking east.
Peak 1963 summit, looking east.
Peak 1963 summit, looking south.
Peak 1963 summit, looking south.
Peak 1963 summit looking north toward the narrows I'll be heading into.
Peak 1963 summit looking north toward the narrows I'll be heading into.
Close-up of the narrows before entering.
Close-up of the narrows before entering.
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Image 12 from gallery
Some really interesting sections of this wash leading down to Fenlon Bend Cove.
Some really interesting sections of this wash leading down to Fenlon Bend Cove.
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Image 15 from gallery
The wash opens up a couple of times, with great views of the surrounding cliffs.
The wash opens up a couple of times, with great views of the surrounding cliffs.
Image 17 from gallery
A dryfall with a detour to the left.
A dryfall with a detour to the left.
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Image 20 from gallery
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Image 26 from gallery
Eventually, the wash opens up and you walk down to Fenlon Bend Cove.
Eventually, the wash opens up and you walk down to Fenlon Bend Cove.
View south from Fenlon Bend Cove into the drainage I decided to head toward.
View south from Fenlon Bend Cove into the drainage I decided to head toward.
Fenlon Bend Cove from above.
Fenlon Bend Cove from above.
Heading south. Squaw Peaks East and West visible there. I didn't attempt to climb them.
Heading south. Squaw Peaks East and West visible there. I didn't attempt to climb them.
Mini side canyon with some brightly colored rock and a nice view of the Colorado River.
Mini side canyon with some brightly colored rock and a nice view of the Colorado River.
Along the rim headed toward Chalk Cliffs.
Along the rim headed toward Chalk Cliffs.
Some of the really interesting landscape just north of Chalk Cliffs. You can see the Chalk Cliffs Overlook on the right.
Some of the really interesting landscape just north of Chalk Cliffs. You can see the Chalk Cliffs Overlook on the right.
A short section of narrows serving as a Class 3 obstacle.
A short section of narrows serving as a Class 3 obstacle.
Approaching Chalk Cliffs Overlook.
Approaching Chalk Cliffs Overlook.
Class 2 to get to the Chalk Cliffs Overlook.
Class 2 to get to the Chalk Cliffs Overlook.
Chalk Cliffs Overlook, view northeast. You can see the cliffs the spot is named after below.
Chalk Cliffs Overlook, view northeast. You can see the cliffs the spot is named after below.
Chalk Cliffs Overlook, view south.
Chalk Cliffs Overlook, view south.
Chalk Cliffs Overlook, view northwest toward the landscape I just traversed.
Chalk Cliffs Overlook, view northwest toward the landscape I just traversed.
Chalk Cliffs Overlook, looking west. Peak 1963 visible center.
Chalk Cliffs Overlook, looking west. Peak 1963 visible center.
Heading down from Chalk Cliffs Overlook toward a cove. I went over the hill in the center of this photo in order to get into Lonesome Wash on the other side.
Heading down from Chalk Cliffs Overlook toward a cove. I went over the hill in the center of this photo in order to get into Lonesome Wash on the other side.
Image 42 from gallery
Entering Lonesome Wash.
Entering Lonesome Wash.
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Image 45 from gallery
Some interesting features within Lonesome Wash.
Some interesting features within Lonesome Wash.
Image 47 from gallery

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!