Upper Colorado River
Western Grand Canyon to Hoover Dam including Lake Mead.Grand Canyon
This canyon is a gift that transcends what we experience. Its beauty and size humble us. Its timelessness provokes a comparison to our short existence. In its vast spaces we may ...Lake Mead
Three of America's four desert ecosystems--the Mojave, the Great Basin, and the Sonoran Deserts--meet ...Temple Bar
One persistant pioneer family remained behind when the Mormon homesteaders of St, Thomas, Nevada, voted to abandon the town in 1870. Daniel Bonelli left St. Thomas after ...Bonelli Landing
Boulder Bay
Callville Bay
Echo Bay
Overton Beach
Hoover Dam
Hoover Dam is a project of the Bureau of Reclamation, Department of the Interior. Reclamation's mission is to manage, develop and protect water and related resources in an ...Upper Colorado River
The Upper Colorado River is the starting point for this mighty river's journey. It winds through Colorado and Utah, carving its way through canyons and valleys. This part of the river is known for its white-water rapids, making it a popular spot for adventurous folks who love rafting and kayaking. It's also a key source of water for farming and cities, which is pretty important in this dry region.Grand Canyon
Now, the Grand Canyon is a place that just blows your mind. Imagine a massive, colorful crack in the Earth that's over a mile deep! Standing at the edge, you can't help but feel tiny compared to the canyon's size. It's like a natural time machine, showing layers of rock that are millions of years old. The Colorado River runs right through it, slowly but surely carving the canyon deeper over time. When you're there, it makes you think about how short our lives are compared to the ancient rocks around you.Lake Mead
After the Grand Canyon, the Colorado River flows into Lake Mead, one of the largest man-made lakes in the U.S. This lake is where three of America's four desert ecosystems—the Mojave, Great Basin, and Sonoran Deserts—come together. Lake Mead is not just a water source; it's also a fun spot for boating, fishing, and just relaxing by the water. But it's more than just a playground—Lake Mead provides drinking water to millions of people and helps generate electricity.Hoover Dam
Hoover Dam is a giant wall of concrete that stops the Colorado River in its tracks to create Lake Mead. It's one of the most impressive engineering feats in American history. Built during the Great Depression, it provided jobs for thousands of people when they really needed them. The dam's job is to control floods, store water, and generate electricity for millions of people in the Southwest. It's a symbol of what humans can achieve when they work together.Temple Bar and Bonelli Landing
Temple Bar is a spot on Lake Mead where you can launch your boat, go fishing, or camp out under the stars. Bonelli Landing, named after a pioneer family, is another place along the lake where people gather to enjoy the water. Both spots are part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, where folks come to escape the heat and enjoy some outdoor fun.Boulder Bay, Callville Bay, Echo Bay, Overton Beach
These are all bays along Lake Mead where people can dock their boats, have picnics, or take in the stunning desert views. Each bay has its own unique charm, but they all offer a chance to relax and enjoy nature.The Persistence of the Bonelli Family
The Bonelli family were among the few who stayed behind when most settlers left St. Thomas, Nevada, after the town was abandoned in 1870. Their story is one of persistence, sticking it out even when times were tough, and their legacy lives on in places like Bonelli Landing.That's a quick tour of the Colorado River's journey from the Upper Colorado River, through the Grand Canyon, to Lake Mead and beyond. Each spot has its own story, and together they show how the river has shaped the land and the people who live along it.
