Pearce Ferry ~ Lake Mead National Recreation Area

A previous article describes ​the points of interest found along Pearce Ferry Road from Highway 93 to Meadview and South Cove. A little way further down the line, the paved section of Pearce Ferry Road ends and it becomes a dirt road after entering the eastern most section of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. This dirt road is fairly smooth all the way to the Colorado River, but recent rains can cause flash flood washouts, so a high ground clearance vehicle is recommended. Driving a 4x4 vehicle will present many more options, because there are several side roads that meander on top of the bluffs that overlook the picturesque river basin. 

Pearce Ferry Crossing is a historic site that dates back to the 1870s when pioneers and homesteaders were first passing through this desolate region. Pearce Ferry was the first place to safely cross the Colorado River south of the Grand Canyon, which was a 270+ mile long impassible obstacle back in those days. Pearce Ferry is literally located where the towering cliffs of the Grand Canyon end and the flat river basin begins, so as can be imagined, the scenery in this area is as picturesque as can be.

From the high ground, the views looking north extend well into the Grand Canyon Parashant National Monument, while Grand Wash Bay, the Nevada Border and Devils Cove are just a few miles downstream. Upstream is where Hualapai Grand Canyon West is located and this resort area features Colorado River whitewater rafting or kayaking excursions that end at Pearce Ferry Crossing. There is a staging area with facilities on the riverbank where the excursion trucks pick up rafters and bring them back to the starting point in Grand Canyon West on a daily basis.

Other than the organized excursion vehicles, there is very little traffic at Pearce Ferry Crossing on any given day. The campground sits empty more often than not, even though this is a free dispersed camping area with basic facilities, fire pits and chargrills. There is no cellular signal in this remote area and there is no potable water available, so those who do camp here will truly be on their own. The old abandoned campground located on top of the surrounding buttes offers even more remote camping options, but this facility was constructed way back when the Lake Mead water levels were much higher. Now the little hidden coves are covered with a sea of desert grass, which is captivating to view.

Fishing and playing on the banks of the Colorado River at Pearce Ferry Crossing definitely will allow the memories of the modern world to fade away and the scenic views of this picturesque area are definitely worth writing home about. Very few people camp in this remote area, but getting stranded is not a concern because of the daily river rafter excursion vehicle traffic. Landscape artists will simply fall in love with the panoramic views and Pearce Ferry is one of the best spots to watch a sunset in this region. The free camping opportunity is like the icing on the cake, so be sure to keep Pearce Ferry in mind when exploring the Arizona side of Lake Mead!