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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 2 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by AL and SR on 1/29/2005 We hiked St. Thomas today. Upon arriving, we discovered that the dirt road was closed. We called the Ranger, who explained that the road had been washed out during the recent flooding, but she said it was a short walk. I'm just estimating, but I think that the short walk was about 8, roundtrip. In any case, unless you want a really long walk, you may want to call the ranger to see if the road has been repaired. However, once the road is fixed, I would highly recommend this one since we don't know how much longer St. Thomas will stay above water. 
Reviewed by carmen on 12/10/2004 My family and I went on this hike Nov. 26,2004. I being what some want to think as "weak" and "old" 70, found the hike fairly easy walking. We ejoyed the hike found it clean and well marked, very interesting.
Reviewed by Pat on 10/30/2004 Hike time went by fast. Found lots of things dumped overboard when Lake Meade was here (Coors can, non pop-top, non pull-top), fishing line, etc. If you put yourself back in those times, try to imagine...river, big cottonwoods, etc. It helps to know why things were pushed over or burned before the Lake was filled. Check your history 
Reviewed by KH on 9/27/2004 This sucked a lot. We went 9/25/04 in 92 degree heat, and it took us 25 minutes to hike out. The highlights of the trip were that we saw homemade wells, a "rich person's house" and a schoolhouse. It was not a pleasant hike, and I don't htink I'll do it again. Very boring colors.
Reviewed by dkane on 6/17/2004 good 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||