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 Reporter |
Summary: St. Thomas has emerged from the depths of Lake Mead due to the decreasing water level, which is caused by the severe multi-year drought we are experiencing in the southwest. One of the few bright spots to appear from our critical water shortage, St. Thomas had been underwater for 65 years, since Hoover Dam was completed, and Lake Mead was created. St. Thomas was settled by Mormons in 1865, abandoned, then re-settled in 1880. The 1930 U.S. Census listed St. Thomas' population at 274. This small agricultural community never had electricity or running water, but was a tight-knit group, whose inhabitants mostly relocated to Logandale-Overton when the water covered their town. There is much information available about St. Thomas on the internet, and in local publications. The trail is being rapidly improved -- already much easier to walk on than last year. It's a dangerous proposition to wear short pants or sleeves since the tamarisks are dense and brutal on bare skin Trailhead: St. Thomas is located 76 miles NE of Las Vegas. Take I-15 North 48 miles to Logandale-Overton exit (Nevada Route 169). Turn South and travel 29 miles to Valley of Fire Road (the State Park enters to your right) -- do NOT turn towards Valley of Fire State Park. Instead, turn on the dirt road entering SR 169 on the opposite side of Valley of Fire. Follow the dirt road to it's end -- St. Thomas Point. There is a portable toilet, and a volunteer ranger lives on-site in a trailer. There are signs leading you to the town of St. Thomas; which is visible from the parking area. Do not wander off the trail or you can easily get stuck in the mucky sediment that used to be underwater until recently. Dress appropriately for walking in mud, sand & water. You can also reach St. Thomas via Northshore Road (scenic route & fee area). THE VIRGIN & MUDDY RIVERS (they merge at St. Thomas) BOTH FLOODED IN JAN. 05 & DIRT ROAD IS TEMPORARILY WASHED OUT. HIKE IN FROM PAVED ROAD. (Lat:36.46918 Lon:-114.38394) Trail Guides for St. Thomas (Lake Mead NRA): Lake Mead free map and Desert Lake View brochure by National Park Service (Lake Mead National Rec Area) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Horses, Ranger Contact: Lake Mead NPS (702) 293-8907, emerg (702) 293-8932 or (800) 680-5851 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Kat Green, who has posted 86 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Debbie on 12/20/2009 Definitely worth the drive and the hiking is easy and ruins are amazing to see.
Reviewed by bill on 12/20/2009 worth the trip
Reviewed by ML on 11/8/2009 Went in October. A very easy, pleasant hike. Loved the vegetation, and the ruins were fantastic (even though I managed to scare myself! Too many movies!) Will do it again. 
Reviewed by M.H. & kids on 12/21/2008 12-20-08...The day was beautiful, having just snowed, the mountains were blanketed and wasnt too cold. I took 2 of my daughters on this hike with me. ABSOLUTELY FASCINATING !!! To be able to walk back onto history, to walk where a past generation walked and to see what hasnt been seen in so many years. My daughters were in awe of the town. At each foumdation or homesite we would find, we sat and pondered who lived there or what the site used to be. We spent a few hours exploring the sites, looking at the plates, glass, rusted metal and thinking about the lives of those before us. I myself was amazed at the construction of the foundations and the technology used then. A great hike!!! Got a lot of great photos..Will return to St. Thomas...
Reviewed by FamilyMan on 2/24/2008 My family and I hiked St. Thomas today for the first time. I called NPS to make sure the gate was open and recommend the same to anyone. The road just underwent maintenance after recent rains and is in really good shape for any car. The tamarisk has really overtaken the roads in the townsite. It is like walking in a maze. I was glad I read about St. Thomas on the internet before I went as it brought more meaning to the experience. NPS also does guided tours of this hike open to the public complete with photos and history. Check their website at nps.gov/lame for schedule. The weather was perfect. I really enjoyed this hike!
Reviewed by Mike and Jonna on 2/5/2007 Road to trail head in good condition (car okay). Trail itself really nice and easy. Well worth it. 
Reviewed by Natalie on 10/16/2006 Went out today but the road was closed. I wasn't sure how far it was down so we didn't go in.
Reviewed by KLC on 10/2/2006 Walked out on a Saturday morning. The only difficult part is the walk down from and back up to the parking area. The trail is loose in places so you only need to be careful of where you place your feet. The tamarisks are now 6 or 7 feet tall which makes it difficult to see the layout of the town. The tamarisks are greener around building sites so that is how I found some of them. The mud is now dried completely and I didn't have any problems even off the trails. Some of the wells aren't covered so be careful. It would be nice to have that map that an earlier review mentioned to place some of the buildings. I will go out again. I heard coyotes playing in the tamarisks and saw a small desert owl. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Nevada Hiking, Nevada Trails, Nevada Hikes, Clark County Hiking, Clark County Trails, Clark County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||