RV Tour Leg 24 - Lake Mead Recreation Area near Boulder City
- Judy Carmein
- Mar 6
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 3
When you’re on the road, even the simplest things can turn into a saga—like getting your truck fixed.
The Truck Chronicles
It all started back at Picacho Peak, where we paid a Ford dealer $280 just to tell us what parts we needed to fix our emergency brake (but not actually fix it — no time for that). No problem — we’d get it done in Boulder City! Except, ordering parts was apparently too futuristic for the dealership, which wouldn’t take a credit card over the phone. We found a workaround, got the parts shipped to the dealer, and made an appointment for the repair. After a few trips from the campsite to the dealer (30 minutes away), we managed to unite the mechanic with the parts. In a few days, our truck was finally back in action.
Until it wasn’t.
While I was out doing laundry, David noticed a fresh oil spill under the truck. Back to the dealer we went! Turns out, they had installed a faulty seal. Another part, another delay, another set of changed plans — goodbye, Sedona. By the time we finally rolled out of Boulder City (ten days later and $2K poorer), we’d also learned that our extended warranty claim was denied because it wasn’t pre-approved. Who knew warranties came with homework? Lesson learned.
Learning to Flow Like the River
A trip like this teaches you to embrace change. When you don’t have a job to rush back to, kids to shuttle around, or aging parents to care for, flexibility becomes a gift. I’ve found joy in letting go of rigid plans and simply being wherever we end up. No Sedona? No problem. More time in Boulder City meant more discoveries, and what a gem of a place it turned out to be.
Exploring Boulder City & Lake Mead
We biked some stunning trails, including an old railway path that once transported materials to build Hoover Dam. Riding through its historic tunnels felt like pedaling back in time.
We also tackled a portion of the 35-mile scenic desert trail overlooking Lake Mead. It was hilly, so we appreciated the e-bikes!
One of the highlights was a boat tour through Black Canyon, starting at a super high-security launch point (our driver claimed it was second only to the White House). Floating downriver, we spotted all kinds of birds and learned fascinating dam facts from our entertaining guide.
Of course, we hiked. A lot. White Rock Canyon was a standout, especially because it led us through a series of natural hot springs. Our boat tour captain had tipped us off about this hike, and we unknowingly timed it perfectly to wave at her as she passed by on the river. Once at the springs, we faced a tricky descent—gear overhead, wading through waist-deep water, and maneuvering down a ladder. Adding to the adventure? Clothing was optional. I was prepared in quick-dry shorts and a running bra. David braved it in his underwear. Others went full au naturel, making photography highly discouraged. (Thus, the borrowed internet photo.)
Boulder City: A Surprise Delight
Boulder City charmed us with its small-town vibe, great restaurants, actually nice pickleball courts (yes, we got a few games in), and whimsical sculptures scattered around town.
Sadly, we didn't see any mountain goats on the boat tour, but our tour guide clued us in on a city park where they come down to graze every evening. The goats were so relaxed around people, and the locals were just as unfazed by them.
Just in time, our truck was finally, actually fixed, and we were back on the road, racing toward the Grand Canyon—a campsite we had booked an entire year ago. This time, we were determined to make it.
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