Lake Mead National Recreation Area
After following the Colorado River from Yuma, AZ to the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead, it became obvious that without controlling the water from the Colorado River, that southern CA, AZ and NV would not have been able to develop into major agricultural and recreational areas as we know today. The first dam that we came across was the Parker Dam which formed Lake Havasu. Next was the Davis Dam which formed Lake Mohave. The largest dam, Hoover Dam, formed Lake Mead. These dams define flood control, navigation, irrigation, water/storage and power. We have had the opportunity to see what a true desert setting is where there is less than 4 inches of rain a year. This past winter there was enough rain so that the desert flowers were able to flourish and have been quite a treat for us to see this spring. As we continue to move north on the Colorado from Yuma, the desert flowers are blooming as the warm weather has reached the areas and we have been able to take advantage of these magnificent sites as we travel northward. The lakes formed by the dams have created a great source of recreation for many in these areas. If you look on the map, this is the only source of fresh water for a large part of the Southwest. Our travel plans will take us to the Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell which are also on the Colorado River. It gave us a true definition of how precious water actually is. The Red Rock in the area is obvious as you travel to the Valley of Fire and Red Rock Canyon. Sue is getting a good appreciation of some of the geology of our country as well as Canada.
After following the Colorado River from Yuma, AZ to the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead, it became obvious that without controlling the water from the Colorado River, that southern CA, AZ and NV would not have been able to develop into major agricultural and recreational areas as we know today. The first dam that we came across was the Parker Dam which formed Lake Havasu. Next was the Davis Dam which formed Lake Mohave. The largest dam, Hoover Dam, formed Lake Mead. These dams define flood control, navigation, irrigation, water/storage and power. We have had the opportunity to see what a true desert setting is where there is less than 4 inches of rain a year. This past winter there was enough rain so that the desert flowers were able to flourish and have been quite a treat for us to see this spring. As we continue to move north on the Colorado from Yuma, the desert flowers are blooming as the warm weather has reached the areas and we have been able to take advantage of these magnificent sites as we travel northward. The lakes formed by the dams have created a great source of recreation for many in these areas. If you look on the map, this is the only source of fresh water for a large part of the Southwest. Our travel plans will take us to the Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell which are also on the Colorado River. It gave us a true definition of how precious water actually is. The Red Rock in the area is obvious as you travel to the Valley of Fire and Red Rock Canyon. Sue is getting a good appreciation of some of the geology of our country as well as Canada.
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